How to Get Into Big 4 Firms: The Online MBA Advantage

How to Get Into Big 4 Firms: The Online MBA Advantage

Edited By Arushi Pandita | Updated on Feb 26, 2025 06:08 PM IST | #MBA

According to KPMG’s 2025 employment report, the company created 2.7 lakh jobs in 2024, compared to 1.9 lakh in 2019. Online MBA graduates from top institutions have promising opportunities at Big Four firms. However, understanding the necessary steps to secure a position with an online MBA remains a key consideration.

How to Get Into Big 4 Firms: The Online MBA Advantage
How to Get Into Big 4 Firms: The Online MBA Advantage

A career at Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG) is a dream for many professionals. As per official data, more than 1.4 million people were employed within these multinational organisations worldwide. These firms offer excellent opportunities for both freshers and experienced professionals to excel in their careers, both in terms of salary growth and professional development.

Online MBA programmes are gaining global acceptance equivalent to traditional MBA degrees. With knowledge in management domains and practical industry exposure provided by top online MBA colleges in India, online MBA students have a greater chance of bagging high-paying management roles at big 4 firms.

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Benefits of Working at Big 4 Firms

The big four firms are multinational professional service organisations considered as the pillars of global consulting, accounting, tax advisory, and financial service sectors. These firms lead the market worldwide, employing professionals with diverse strengths and specialised expertise. Big 4 firms are:

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Deloitte: Deloitte is one of the ‘big 4’ firms, offering global accounting and professional services, including audit, consulting, financial, risk advisory, tax, and legal services.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC): PwC is the leading global professional services firm, offering services in tax advisory and assurance.

Ernst & Young (EY): EY is a leading professional services organisation providing assurance, tax, information technology, consulting, and advisory services to its clients.

Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG): Another one of the biggest accounting firms is KPMG, providing three lines of services: financial audit, tax, and advisory.

Joining at Big 4 firms in India offers extensive career growth opportunities for professionals. Here are the key benefits of working at Big 4 firms in India:

Diverse Learning and Work Exposure: Big 4 firms enable professionals to diversify their learning by working with international as well as Indian clients. Employees learn to cope with challenges and develop problem-solving abilities while also strengthening their skills in areas such as finance, management, accounting, and consulting.

Competitive Salary: Big 4 firms offer attractive salary packages to students. As per the Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2024, the average increment in India was 9.0 per cent in 2024. Compensation packages also include benefits such as health insurance, travel allowances, and retirement plans.

Brand Value: Having a Big 4 Firm on a resume boosts career credibility since these firms are globally recognised for their services, enhancing the personal branding of professionals, making it easier for them to career transition.

Access to Skilled Workforce: Working at a Big 4 firm means you would be able to work alongside the best minds in accounting, consulting, and financial spaces. This makes it easier for professionals to exchange knowledge and foster their professional growth.

Global Mobility: Big 4 firms have footprints in various regions worldwide, providing employees valuable opportunities to work abroad through international assignments. This enables them to gain exposure to diverse work cultures.

Also Read: Want to Work At Tesla? Know Top Colleges, Courses, Jobs & Salaries

How Online MBA Helps You Land a Career at Big 4 Firms?

An online MBA helps professionals gain familiarity with real-world business scenarios essential for entering the Big 4 firms. Here are points highlighting how an online MBA degree can increase the chances of securing a role at Big 4 firms in India.

Specialised Knowledge: Online MBA programmes offer specialisations in areas such as business analytics, risk management, and consulting. This makes candidates well-suited for Big 4 roles. Indian universities, such as Chandigarh University Online, provide diverse management specialisations, equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills to enhance their chances of securing positions in top Big 4 firms.

The Equivalent Big 4 Skills: Online MBA courses help students gain essential skills in the domains of management, auditing, and consulting that align with the core functions of Big 4 companies. At the same time, exposure to industry-driven projects also help Online MBA graduates get hired at these world leading organisations.

Upskilling Feasibility: One of the biggest benefits that Online MBA programmes offer is flexibility. These online degree programmes in management allow working professionals to upskill and enhance their expertise and skills, making them more lucrative to Big 4 recruiters.

Placement Support: Institutes such as Manipal University Online and Amrita University Online offer strong placement support for online MBA students. With industry tie-ups, job assistance, and career counseling, they provide valuable networking opportunities, thus enhancing the chances of securing jobs at Big 4 firms.

Faster Career Transition: An online MBA enables students to transition between management fields, increasing their chances of entering Big 4 firms in India. With industry-relevant coursework and practical experience, graduates quickly develop the skills needed for high-paying roles, making career shifts into consulting and advisory positions more effective.

Also Read: Key Challenges Every Online MBA Student Faces and How to Overcome Them

An Online MBA plays a pivotal role for professionals aiming to secure jobs at Big 4 firms. With the right degree from a top online MBA college, students gain the necessary industry-aligned skills and access to strong placement support for diverse career prospects at Big 4 firms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to get a job at Big 4 firms with an online MBA degree?

Students must focus on choosing a recognised university, develop key skills, network with industry professionals, and utilise the institution’s placement support to improve hiring chances.

2. Is it easy to get a job at Big 4 companies?

Getting a job at a Big 4 firm is competitive, however, strong academic performance, relevant industry exposure, and internships can significantly improve job prospects.

3. Do Big 4 firms recognise online MBA degrees in India?

Big 4 firms do accept graduates with management and accounting experience. If your online MBA is from reputed institutions and in specialised courses in finance, analytics, and consulting, your chances are higher to get placed in Big 4 firms.

4. Which online MBA specialisation is best for Big 4 jobs?

Online MBA specialisations such as finance, business analytics, consulting, and strategic management are highly relevant for securing roles in auditing, tax advisory, and consulting at Big 4 firms.

5. What skills does an online MBA provide for jobs at Big 4 firms?

An online MBA helps develop financial analysis, risk assessment, problem-solving, business strategy, and leadership skills, which are essential for working at Big 4 firms.

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Questions related to MBA

Have a question related to MBA ?

An MBA in HR can be pursued after a BA, but you must consider your interests , career goals and other circumstances. If you have a genuine interest in human resources, working with people and management , then MBA in HR can be a good choice. If unsure, please explore other specializations in MBA. However, every decision comes with pros and cons .


Pros:


  1. There is no restriction on background in MBA.
  2. HR professionals are need in every company, which provides a stable career.


Cons:

  1. If you are not particularly interested, then forcing yourself can lead to dissatisfaction.
  2. HR can be a very demanding position, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills.


Take your time to ensure that is a step that you want to take, not a step that you feel forced into.

With an MBA in Marketing from Chennai, you are eligible to apply for part-time PhD programs, but eligibility and admission processes vary by university. Research universities in Pune and Chennai offering part-time PhD programs in your area of interest and check their specific requirements.

•Eligibility and Requirements:

•Postgraduate Degree:

Having an MBA is a good starting point, as most PhD programs require at least a postgraduate degree.

•Research Focus:

Prepare a research proposal or abstract outlining your PhD topic and research interests, as this is a key factor in admission.

•Entrance Exams:

Some universities may require entrance exams like NET (National Eligibility Test), while others may have interview-based admissions

With an MBA in Marketing from Chennai, you are eligible to apply for part-time PhD programs, but eligibility and admission processes vary by university. Research universities in Pune and Chennai offering part-time PhD programs in your area of interest and check their specific requirements.

•Eligibility and Requirements:

•Postgraduate Degree:

Having an MBA is a good starting point, as most PhD programs require at least a postgraduate degree.

•Research Focus:

Prepare a research proposal or abstract outlining your PhD topic and research interests, as this is a key factor in admission.

•Entrance Exams:

Some universities may require entrance exams like NET (National Eligibility Test), while others may have interview-based admissions

With an MBA in Marketing from Chennai, you are eligible to apply for part-time PhD programs, but eligibility and admission processes vary by university. Research universities in Pune and Chennai offering part-time PhD programs in your area of interest and check their specific requirements.

•Eligibility and Requirements:

•Postgraduate Degree:

Having an MBA is a good starting point, as most PhD programs require at least a postgraduate degree.

•Research Focus:

Prepare a research proposal or abstract outlining your PhD topic and research interests, as this is a key factor in admission.

•Entrance Exams:

Some universities may require entrance exams like NET (National Eligibility Test), while others may have interview-based admissions

Hello Bala chandar,

  • For pursuing a part-time PhD in Marketing, there are various institutions in Chennai offering flexible options. A PhD is a prestigious degree aimed at those who want to specialize in advanced research, academics, or consultancy. Here’s what you need to know:
  • Eligibility : Candidates must have completed an MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree in Marketing or related fields with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university. Some universities provide relaxation of 5% for SC/ST candidates. Additionally, candidates must have relevant work or research experience in some cases.


Institutions in Chennai:

  • University of Madras (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.unom.ac.in/index.php%3Froute%3Dresearch/research&ved=2ahUKEwizjqC--amMAxX6d2wGHeWSDYQQFnoECBsQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2YroqEzEM0IpDiE6ARLDS7) : Offers a part-time PhD program in Management Studies.
  • Anna University (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://cfr.annauniv.edu/&ved=2ahUKEwil-PCu-qmMAxUbSGwGHXaeJ2oQFnoECA0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0KmaEwEJdK4XpSfg1vq3zk) : Known for its strong research orientation, it provides part-time PhD opportunities in business management.
  • Loyola Institute of Business Administration (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://liba.edu/courses/doctoral-programme/&ved=2ahUKEwjO7JO--qmMAxX3UGcHHRwdLaQQFnoECA8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0jCpGy-LIs2cmoAi0vFp95) (LIBA): Offers doctoral research opportunities with flexible schedules


  • Admission Process : Generally, you need to:
  • 1. Submit an online application through the respective university's portal.
  • 2. Appear for a university-level entrance test (if applicable), or through UGC-NET, CSIR-NET
  • 3. Clear an interview conducted by the institution's research committee.


  • Documents Required : Academic transcripts, work experience certificates, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
  • Once admitted, candidates are expected to attend classes (if any) on weekends or as per the schedule, and the program duration typically ranges from 3 to 6 years. Research areas in Marketing may include digital marketing, consumer behavior, or brand management.

It’s advisable to contact the universities directly for updated information and to discuss part-time flexibility options.

Let me know if you need further assistance for any specific college.

Have a nice day !!

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