Retaking 2nd yr at Uni, advice needed please.
31 August 2010 - 2:02pm
Xanhast
Due to extenuiating circumstances I'm going to have to retake the 2nd year of my degree in Accounting. I would like to know whether this will greatly damage my chances of getting into a big 4 firm in future? They will see when I do end up applying for a graduate scheme once I finish year 2 (again), that it is going to take me 4 years to complete a 3 year course.
I believe they have a box in their application process (referring to Pwc application portal) where you're suppose to enter in any extenuiating circumstances. Will I have to enter exactly why I had to resit the year or just state that the University granted me extenuiating circumstances? Because if possible I would rather not state the exact reasons as it is of a personal medical nature.
My biggest concern is that by having to retake the year they're going to ask me a lot of awkward questions at the interview that I will feel uncomfortable answering. I'm hoping that as long as my University states that I have been granted extenuiating circumstances to retake the year that this will be enough proof for them.
Does anyone know of any other people who have made it onto a big 4 grad scheme having retaken a year at University?
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.
Regards,
James
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It wont make any difference. Just make sure you don't make a big issue of it and be prepared to take the positives from it and discuss this i.e. Hard decision, now even more focussed, given you more time to consider career options etc.
Look on the bright side. This gives you the opportunity to apply for an internship for next summer before you have to start applying for grad roles.
In the extenuating cicrcumstances just put a one liner. Also means you can make sure you pick the correct modules for exemptions if this is the route you wish to take. I think it puts you in a stronger position as there is no one in my intake below the age of 23 ie they seem to prefer people with a not more life experience.