Imagine this: Five years from now, you’re working at one of the Big 4 firms. You’re surrounded by brilliant colleagues, tackling high-stakes projects, and building a career that sets you up for lifelong success. Sounds great, right? But here’s the problem: Between you and that dream job are hundreds of other candidates - all smart, ambitious, and fighting for the same opportunity. So, how do you stand out? How do you go from being just another applicant to the one who gets the offer?
I recently spoke with Max Nugnes, an Audit Associate at Deloitte, who cracked the code. Let’s break down exactly what it takes to break into the Big 4 and thrive once you’re there.
Educational Background
“Why did you choose to study Accounting & Finance? Looking back, do you think it was the best path for your current role?”
"I chose to study Accounting & Finance because I’ve always been interested in how businesses operate and financial decision-making. Studying Economics at A-Level introduced me to key financial concepts, and Maths strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills. Accounting & Finance felt like the perfect combination of both. Looking back, it was definitely the right path for my current role as an auditor at Deloitte. My degree gave me a strong foundation in financial reporting, analysis, and corporate finance."
Skills & University Experience
What are the most valuable transferable skills - beyond the textbooks - did you develop during your university and internship years that helped you thrive at Deloitte?
"Beyond technical knowledge, the most valuable skills I developed during university and internships were communication and time management. Communication has been particularly crucial. In audit, you will interact with clients and colleagues who have different communication styles and ways of approaching problems. Being able to adapt your communication for different situations is key. Speaking to clients straight out of university was a big adjustment, but my experience with Leeds Community Consulting as a Project Partner helped me develop the confidence to engage professionally and build relationships. Time management is another valuable skill. Balancing work while studying for the ACA exams requires strong organisation and prioritisation. At university, managing coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities helped me build the discipline to handle competing deadlines."
Deloitte Journey, Interview Preparation & Standing Out
Walk me through your journey into Deloitte. How did you prepare for the interview process, and what resources helped you stand out?
"I secured my role at Deloitte in December 2023, and looking back, one of the biggest realisations I had during the process was that interviews are a two-way street. Yes, you need to showcase yourself to the firm, but it’s also about whether the firm is the right fit for you. What really stood out to me about Deloitte was how every stage of the process impressed me, and after speaking to current employees at the time, everyone echoed what a good place to work it is and a right fit for me.
In terms of preparation, I can’t recommend Bright Network enough - their events and resources are really useful for understanding the application process and what firms are looking for. Another great tool is Forage, which offers virtual internships to help build experience and gain insight into different roles.
Beyond that, one of the biggest things is simply knowing why you’re applying for that role. If you can clearly explain what interests you about the job and why you’d be a good fit, it makes a huge difference. University societies are also a great way to develop practical experience, whether that’s through leadership positions, case competitions, or projects. Attending careers fairs to speak with current employees is valuable for getting an inside perspective on a firm’s culture and expectations.
I think a common misconception is that standing out in an interview means being the loudest voice in the room. I found it more important to show that I could work effectively as part of a team and that I could translate my past experiences into the role I was applying for."
Realities of Working at Deloitte
How has your experience been so far working at Deloitte? Were there any surprises or unexpected challenges when you started, and how did you adapt to them?
"The biggest surprise for me has definitely been the steep learning curve, but that’s also been the best part. You don’t always realise how much you’ve learned until you take a step back.
One of the things that’s made the experience so great is that everyone around you has been through the same learning curve, so there’s a strong culture of support. It makes asking questions, even the ones that might seem silly at first easier, because you know that your colleagues have been in the exact same position. In terms of challenges, one will be balancing work with exams. It forces you to hone your time management skills and become more efficient with how you prioritise tasks."
Motivation: Overcoming Setbacks
Facing setbacks can feel disheartening. For students who feel demotivated during the job search process, what advice would you give to keep them going?
"Honestly, the job search process was tough for me too, and rejections can be discouraging, but in hindsight, the challenge made securing a role even more rewarding. My best advice is to view each interview and application as an opportunity to learn. Take feedback to heart and actively work on improving - whether it's refining your motivation, boosting your commercial awareness, or perfecting your interview skills. Another crucial lesson is to focus on what you can control. Prepare thoroughly, then let your personality shine through. Employers aren’t only looking for technical expertise - they want someone who fits their culture and can bring value to the team."
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