If you are interested in accounting, you have likely heard of the Big Four: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC. These four firms, along with other respected multinational firms, offer exceptional training, client exposure, global reach, and long-term career opportunities. Because of their prestige, earning a position at one of these firms is highly competitive.

Whether you are beginning your undergraduate studies or preparing to enter a graduate accounting program, these steps will help you stand out and capture recruiters’ attention.

Excel Academically

Strong performance in your undergraduate accounting courses is essential. Grades in business-related and quantitative courses also matter. Keep working to raise your GPA, and choose electives that build complementary skills, such as data analytics or finance.

Understand What Firms Look For

Recruiters consistently value:

• Technical proficiency: Solid understanding of GAAP, audit standards, and tax regulations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Teamwork and leadership potential
• Work ethic and time management
• Adaptability and willingness to learn

Each firm has its own culture, but all seek adaptable, motivated professionals with these qualities.

Start Early: Recruitment Timelines

Recruiting begins early in the academic year. To prepare for internship and full-time recruiting, update your resume and LinkedIn profile before events begin.

Resume tips:

• Highlight technical skills such as Excel or Power BI proficiency
• Quantify achievements (e.g., “Analyzed financial statements for four mid-sized clients”)
• Keep it to one page with consistent formatting
• Eliminate typos and grammatical errors

LinkedIn tips:

• Use a professional headshot
• Follow firms and recruiters you meet
• Showcase relevant coursework, certifications, and internships
• Keep work experience current

In person, be punctual, prepared, and professional. Learn the dress code in advance. Develop a 30-second “elevator pitch” that introduces who you are, your academic background, your interest in the firm, and why you are a strong fit. Write it out and rehearse until it feels natural.

Master the Behavioral Interview

Public accounting interviews often focus on behavioral questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Expect to be asked about leadership, teamwork, challenges, deadlines, and your alignment with the firm’s values.

Examples include:

• “Tell me about a time you handled a challenging group project.”
• “Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline.”
• “Why do you want to work for [Firm Name]?”

Be ready to discuss all items on your resume and think through hypothetical problem-solving scenarios. Practice through mock interviews with career services or peers.

Network Strategically

Firms prefer to hire candidates they already know. Attend on-campus presentations and coffee chats with firm representatives. Follow up with a personalized LinkedIn message or thank-you email.

Gain Internship or Part-Time Experience

If you do not yet have an internship, pursue one with a local accounting firm or business. Experience that demonstrates the following is highly valued:

• Application of accounting concepts
• Client-facing responsibilities
• Professional work environment experience

If you cannot secure an internship, even a summer job such as waiting tables can highlight your work ethic and ability to collaborate.

Plan for the CPA Exam

Even early in your studies, show commitment to earning the CPA license by:

• Expressing your intent to sit for the exam
• Understanding your state’s eligibility requirements
• Completing coursework aligned with exam content

Many firms offer bonuses and promotions for CPA completion, so demonstrating a plan strengthens your candidacy.

How the Rice MAcc Supports Your Career Goals

The Rice Master of Accounting program has strong connections with the Big Four and other major firms. Before classes begin, you will receive guidance on preparing for recruitment.

During the program, you will participate in workshops on interviewing and professional etiquette, as well as career-focused events such as Meet the Firms and the Big Four Panel. Faculty will help you master technical concepts, refine your communication, and strengthen your critical thinking skills.

In just ten months, the program’s small class size and collaborative environment will help you develop confidence and expertise quickly. No matter your undergraduate major, the Rice MAcc is a transformative step toward a rewarding career in accounting.

Interested in Learning More?

Explore the Rice MAcc admissions guide and take the next steps to jumpstart your career!

Does an accounting-based career sound like it’s for you? Contact us at ricemacc@rice.edu! We would love to share more information with you about the benefits of pursuing a graduate accounting degree at Rice.

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a staple of the Texas experience, is also one of the state’s largest fundraisers of the year for education. Rodeo Houston has presented more than 22,000 scholarships valued at more than $305 million since 1932.

The person flagged to steer the upcoming rodeo is Rice alumnus Wesley Sinor ’97, who graduated with a master’s degree from the Jones School of Business.

“Earning my MBA at Rice influenced the trajectory of my future in immeasurable ways,” Sinor said. “It provided an esteemed business education, which I use daily in my personal, professional and philanthropic roles, and offered mentorship that has guided me as an evolving leader, especially throughout my time as a rodeo volunteer, executive committee member and now as chairman-elect.

“I’m forever grateful for the knowledge and guidance my academic experience at Rice continues to provide me.”

Sinor has been a volunteer at the rodeo for 22 years and served on several of the event’s 109 committees. He started on the gatekeepers committee in 2003 and served on several others, including the feed store, Houston General Go Texan, livestock, rodeo operations, grand entry and quarter horse committees.

He also served as a vice president from 2014-16 and was elected to the rodeo’s executive committee in spring 2017. On the executive committee, he chaired both the audit and budget standing committees.

Sinor said working with the rodeo provided a touchstone that holds immense value to him and the community.

“A big reason I got involved as a rodeo volunteer was to be part of something bigger than myself, something that made an impact in ways I truly believed in,” he said. “Not only does the event mean so much to the city of Houston, but it also brings millions of people together in a way you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The work we do as volunteers is meaningful because it directly impacts the youth of Texas through scholarships and memories that can’t be quantified. Beyond that, the dedication to sustaining the culture of rodeo speaks for itself, from offering a top-tier hospitality experience for athletes to hosting fierce arena competition with the largest payout in a regular-season rodeo. Being a catalyst for bridging urban life, Western heritage and agriculture was already a rhythm I lived by, so getting involved just felt like the perfect fit.”

What’s one of the best ways MBA students can explore new industries and apply classroom concepts to real-world business problems? Summer internships. At Rice Business, nearly all Full-Time MBA students do a summer internship, and return the next semester with fresh insights and a stronger network. The best part? Most of these opportunities are fostered through the Rice Business community.

We caught up with five Full-Time MBA students from the Class of 2026 to learn how these roles are helping them grow as leaders.
 

Isamar Lopez-Veracruz

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Internship Company: JP Morgan Chase  
Internship Department: Corporate challenge product team, Customer acquisition marketing platforms 
Internship Location: Plano, TX

Isamar Lopez-Veracruz entered Rice Business looking for a career pivot, and she took advantage of MBA networking opportunities to secure a summer internship with JP Morgan Chase. Through the company’s rotational program, she was placed with the product tech team, where she documented project workflows and collaborated with stakeholders to develop a go/no-go strategy for a new global lead acquisition feature.

When diving into recruitment, Lopez-Veracruz encourages prospective MBAs to keep an open mind. “I didn’t think I’d be considered for JP Morgan Chase because of my non-traditional background, but they were genuinely interested in fresh perspectives and people who are eager to learn,” she says. 

Continue reading about her experience here.

Jason Liu

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Internship Company: Coflux Purification
Internship Department: Strategy and business development
Internship Location: Houston, TX

Jason Liu used a home-field advantage to secure his summer internship. After connecting with Coflux Purification co-founder Dana Vazquez and fellow team members at Rice Business, Liu knew that this was the perfect opportunity to see strategy in action at an early-stage startup.

Bringing in his experience as a consultant at Deloitte, Liu’s internship focused on financial modelling and budgeting, as well as market potential assessment, to help the team establish projections and target high-priority customers. Liu’s favorite part of the internship? “Hands down: the open, trusting environment and the people,” he says. 

Read more about Liu's internship with Coflux.

Viraf Nariman

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Internship Company: HPE
Internship Department: Finance
Internship Location: Houston, TX

For Viraf Nariman, it was a Partio, or "party on the patio" for the Rice MBA community, that opened the door to an internship opportunity with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). After attending a sponsored event, meeting recruiters and eventually interviewing, he secured a role in finance.

Between the day-to-day forecasting and performance monitoring, Nariman dove into one main summer project: analyzing order backlogs to find info about potential revenue roadblocks. As one of his first steps toward a career in tech, this internship connected him with lifelong mentors at HPE — many of whom were Rice MBAs themselves. “The MBA experience is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore new careers and industries,” he says. “Make sure you take advantage of it!” 

Learn more about Nariman's MBA journey here.

Sierra Fredenrich 

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 Internship Company: Microsoft    
Internship Department: Commercial cloud and AI
Internship Location: Seattle, WA

Just as she began her MBA last August, Sierra Fredenrich applied for an internship with Microsoft — spending weeks mock interviewing with the Career Development Office (CDO) to prepare as much as possible. She landed a role as a product marketing manager and traveled up to Washington state, where she spent her summer researching market positioning, product sentiment and user experience to ultimately deliver a presentation — which will guide future strategy development at Microsoft.

Her advice for prospective MBAs? Remember your “why.” “There were times I thought, ‘This just isn’t for me…,’ when networking with certain firms, until I interviewed with Microsoft,” Fredenrich says. “The right role will come along, and everything will fall into place.”

Read more about her summer internship here.

Asari Yahata

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Internship Company: Campbell’s Company
Internship Department: Brand management
Internship Location: New Jersey

Career pivoter Asari Yahata took to Owl Careers to find the right summer internship for her goals — using her strong skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork to secure a position with Campbell’s. As one of six MBA brand management summer interns at the company, she was assigned ownership of a $650 million brand for which she conducted market research, performed deep data analysis and collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify future growth opportunities.

Crediting her MBA curriculum with helping her confidently solve real-world problems, a highlight of her internship was presenting strategic recommendations to vice presidents and brand managers at the end of the summer. To future MBAs, Yahata says, “Stay humble, keep a positive mindset and embrace the experience as part of your life journey.”

Learn more about Yahata's internship and journey here.

Whether you’re looking to pivot into a new industry or take your expertise to the next level, summer internships are the perfect way to grow your network and skill set. With a dedicated community by your side and opportunities to connect with top recruiters, Rice Business is the place to begin your career transformation.
 

Explore Our Rice MBA Programs

Internship Company: Campbell’s Company

Internship Department: Brand Management/Marketing

Internship Location: Camden, New Jersey 

Position Before MBA: 

• Title: Home Health Occupational Therapist
• Company: Allegheny Health Network
• Location: Pittsburgh, PA

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How did you secure your internship?

The most important lesson I learned was to apply for any opportunity that genuinely interests you, even if you feel unsure about your qualifications. I found this internship through Owl Careers and other job posting sites. After researching the company, I initially doubted I would hear back because of my non-traditional background. But if I had let that false assumption stop me, I would have missed out on an incredible summer learning experience at Campbell’s.

A non-traditional background can bring valuable transferable skills such as communication, organization, critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. The Career Development Office (CDO) also helped me highlight these strengths on my resume in a way that resonated with recruiters.

I also dedicated time to refining my resume and pitch, actively seeking feedback from others to gain different perspectives and ensure I was well prepared. The interview process included a phone screening with one associate brand manager and a final interview with two senior associate managers, which included a case. Fortunately, Rice Business’ recruiting preparation helped me feel confident throughout the process.

What is your role and responsibilities during the internship?

I was one of six MBA brand management interns at Campbell’s. While the company is known for its iconic tomato soup, it also owns a portfolio of well-known brands including Goldfish by Pepperidge Farm, Kettle Chips, Cape Cod, Swanson and Rao’s. Each intern was assigned a brand and challenged to solve a real business problem.

I took full ownership of my project for the $650 million brand, focusing on identifying white space opportunities to drive future growth. This involved proactively conducting market landscape research, performing deep data analysis, learning new tools and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. As the scope of the project was broad, I regularly shared progress and insights with team members to stay aligned and ensure we remained focused. At the end of the summer, I delivered my strategic recommendations to vice presidents, brand managers and the broader team.

A key part of my role was quickly ramping up on the consumer-packaged goods industry and applying agile, hypothesis-driven thinking to draw insights from complex data. I developed data-backed hypotheses, created visual storytelling and presented actionable recommendations while working closely with teams across consumer insights, customer strategy and supply chain. 

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How did your MBA coursework prepare you for this internship?

Before pursuing my MBA, I worked in the healthcare industry as a frontline provider, and I was involved in operational improvement and service innovation. While I had some experience using data, this was my first time working with large datasets in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) space.

When I received my problem statement, I immediately applied what I had learned in the MBA program. I built an issue tree, identified key drivers and prioritized my analyses using a hypothesis-driven approach. This was something I was not equipped to do before starting my MBA journey.

Rice Business courses in strategy, marketing, finance and organizational behavior, as well as the Global Field Experience, provided critical tools and frameworks that helped me craft a clear, data-backed strategic recommendation. There were many moments during the summer when I thought, “This is exactly what I learned in class.” I am truly grateful for how both academic courses and extracurricular opportunities prepared me to succeed and exceed expectations during my internship.

How does the internship align with your career goals?

Some of my goals in pursuing an MBA were to diversify my professional experience, remain open to new learning opportunities, and build a meaningful network for both my career and life. This internship gave me firsthand exposure to brand strategy, consumer behavior and cross-functional collaboration, all of which are essential components of general management. It also helped me strengthen a transferable skill set that I can apply across industries, particularly in roles that blend strategy, innovation and impact.

Most importantly, I was able to form meaningful relationships with both interns and full-time employees. Campbell’s offers a well-structured and supportive program for brand management interns, which created a strong environment for connection and learning.

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned during my MBA journey is that networking truly matters. Building relationships with talented, driven and inspiring people is one of the most important assets I’ve gained from this internship. It directly aligns with my career goal of expanding a network that is both personally and professionally fulfilling.

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What is your favorite part of your internship experience?

First, I truly enjoyed the learning moments. Understanding how people think, how they interpret data and how they are persuaded by insights was both challenging and fulfilling. Working at Campbell’s gave me access to massive data in the CPG space to find out market share, trending SKUs, consumer trends and more. One of the most rewarding challenges was translating complex analysis into clear, actionable insights.

Second, the experience itself. Working on a $650 million brand and collaborating with cross-functional teams was an incredible opportunity, especially at a company with such strong distribution across the United States. I learned to analyze consumer trends, understand shifting demand and forecast the potential impact of strategic decisions on areas like supply chain. It was exciting to see the real-world outcomes of our work, especially when noticing changes at the retail level. Now I view shelf space and advertising in grocery stores with an entirely new perspective.

Lastly, the people. I met so many supportive and inspiring individuals, including both interns and full-time employees. I truly hope to stay connected with many of them well beyond the internship. The relationships I built this summer were some of the most meaningful parts of the experience.  

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Do not hesitate to reach out and start building your network early. Networking is not just about finding a job. It’s about learning, growing and discovering unexpected opportunities through meaningful conversations.

Stay humble throughout the journey. Securing an internship is the result of your hard work, skills and experience, but also timing and a bit of luck. There are so many generous people who are willing to support, guide and encourage you, even while managing their own responsibilities.

Keep challenging the imposter syndrome. It is normal to question whether you are qualified or capable enough but having a strong and positive mindset makes a difference. When you face setbacks, remind yourself that it is a valuable opportunity to grow and learn. Most importantly, enjoy the experience and embrace it as an important part of your life journey.

Marcelo Bini has dedicated his career to protecting communities. Now, he’s taking the next step in his leadership journey as part of the Hybrid MBA Class of 2027. We asked him to share a bit about his path and why Rice was the right fit.

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Tell us a little about your current career and background.

• Education: Criminal justice undergraduate degree from the University of Houston
• Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Special agent for the U.S. Department of Treasury
• Career Highlights and Industry Experience: With over a decade of experience in law enforcement and criminal investigations, I currently serve as a special agent with IRS-Criminal Investigation, where I lead complex financial crime cases and multi-agency operations. My career began in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, where I developed a foundation in leadership, resilience and critical decision-making under pressure. I later served as a police officer in Texas, specializing in active threat response and community safety. As the founder of Tactical Medicine Academy, I’ve trained over 2,000 law enforcement officers across Brazil in active shooter response and combat medicine. My work has been defined by a commitment to justice, operational excellence and innovative approaches to public safety. 

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m a big fan of Brazilian churrasco — I love grilling over open flames and can prepare a full Brazilian barbecue, from a perfectly seasoned picanha to homemade farofa. My friends say I never let anyone leave hungry!

Why did you choose Rice Business?

I chose Rice Business because of its reputation for cultivating principled innovative leaders and its close-knit collaborative community. The world class faculty create an environment where meaningful relationships and mentorship thrive. 

Why did you choose our Hybrid MBA program?

The Hybrid MBA format aligns perfectly with my demanding career, allowing me to apply lessons from the classroom directly to complex real-world challenges. Rice’s strong focus on strategy, leadership and entrepreneurship resonates with my goal of driving impact.  

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How are you feeling about starting your MBA? What are you most looking forward to?

I’m very excited and honored to begin this transformative journey at Rice Business. Starting the MBA feels like the perfect next step to broaden my leadership skills, sharpen my strategic thinking and learn from such a talented, diverse group of peers. I’m eager to grow as a leader who can make a lasting impact in both business and public service. 

How was your experience during launch week? What were your first impressions of the program and your classmates?

Launch Week was an incredible experience — it felt like stepping into a community of driven, inspiring individuals who were all eager to learn, collaborate and grow together. From day one, I was impressed on how approachable and accomplished my classmates are. I particularly enjoyed the team dynamics and workshops, which pushed me out of my comfort zone while reinforcing the importance of trust. More than anything, Launch Week made me feel like I’m not just starting an MBA — I’m joining a lifelong network of peers who will challenge and support me.

Marcelo Bini is a Hybrid MBA student in the Class of 2027.

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Internship Company: Kate Spade New York 
Internship Department: Marketing 
Internship Location: New York, NY 

How did you secure your internship?

I found this internship on LinkedIn right after winter break and applied. The application process involved submitting materials through the Tapestry website; Tapestry is the parent company of both Coach and Kate Spade. You can choose your preferred department from options like marketing, finance, merchandising, e-commerce, architecture and more.

The process included submitting a resume, answering short-response questions, and completing a HireVue video interview. A few weeks later, I received an interview offer, and about two weeks after that, I got a call that I had been accepted! 

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What is your role and responsibilities during the internship?

My role primarily involves supporting various marketing initiatives and project managing collaborations with external licensing vendors and cross-functional teams. I take project briefs and turn them into actionable plans, creating timelines and ensuring key milestones are met. 

It’s a highly collaborative role that requires strong communication and organizational skills. One of my current projects is analyzing spring 2026 fashion trends and developing marketing strategies for our upcoming handbag collections.

How did your Rice Business coursework prepare you for this internship?

BUSI 380 (Marketing) was especially helpful in preparing me for this internship. The case studies and foundational marketing principles we covered gave me a great understanding of how to think strategically about brand positioning and consumer behavior. I was able to apply these concepts directly to Kate Spade’s marketing strategies and referenced real-world examples from class during my interview. 

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How does the internship align with your career goals?

I’ve always been drawn to roles that blend creativity with analytical thinking, which is why I wanted to explore marketing. This internship is a great opportunity to test whether this path is right for me and to better understand my potential career trajectory within the marketing field.

What is your favorite part of your internship experience?

It’s been amazing to work at a fashion company and gain insight into the entire supply chain — from concept to consumer. Most people don’t realize that there are so many behind-the-scenes steps that go into creating a product. I also got so lucky to be working at a company that has such amazing people, culture and work-life balance.

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Internship Company: JP Morgan Chase    

Internship Department: Corporate Challenge Product Team, Customer Acquisition Marketing Platforms 

Internship Location: Plano, TX

Position Before MBA: 

• Title: Director of Family Engagement
• Company: YES Prep Public Schools
• Location: Houston, TX

How did you secure your internship?

I connected with the JP Morgan Chase (JPMC) team at the National Black MBA Association Conference in Washington, D.C. They’ll be in Houston this upcoming year and will be hosting an event at Rice. 

What is your role and responsibilities during the internship?

What many people don’t realize is that large banks are also major tech companies. They manage vast amounts of data, which means their technology and innovation teams are critical to the firm’s success. As part of a rotational program, I was placed with the Product Tech team supporting the Corporate Challenge platform, which manages registration across 16 locations in eight countries and six continents.

My project focused on developing a go/no-go strategy for a new global lead acquisition feature. I was responsible for stakeholder management and documenting project workflows. The platform, now in its third year, still has tremendous growth potential, and I’ve enjoyed diving into product development while learning how customer experience shapes strategic decisions. A highlight of my internship was being in the working group of AI implementation for our product. 

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How did your MBA coursework prepare you for this internship?

Courses like Competitive Strategy, Strategy Formulation and Implementation, Customer Experience, Communications, and New Product Development were instrumental. The frameworks and tools I learned helped me bring fresh insight and structure to a well-established team.

My communications class was especially useful for understanding the pyramid structure of communication, and learning how to leverage communication to influence others helped me lead stakeholder conversations with teams across the globe. Having a strong foundation from my MBA allowed me to contribute meaningfully from day one. 

How does the internship align with your career goals?

As a career pivoter, this rotational program is a perfect fit because it allows me to explore various business areas like finance, tech, risk, product, data and strategy. I came into business school seeking exposure to new industries beyond education, and this internship is giving me exactly that.

One of my top goals was to apply what I learned in the MBA to real-world work, and I’m grateful to already be doing that. This experience is helping me better understand corporate life and where I can make the biggest impact.

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What is your favorite part of your internship experience?

Building relationships with my recruiter, Taylor P., and the other interns has been a highlight. We supported each other through challenges, celebrated wins together and created a real sense of community during our first rotation.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Keep an open mind. I didn’t think I’d be considered for JPMC because of my non-traditional background, but they were genuinely interested in fresh perspectives and people who are eager to learn.

The recruitment process was warm, transparent and supportive from start to finish — and that support continued throughout the internship. I truly enjoy being part of a company that invests in its people. Also, the opportunity to attend town halls with senior leadership makes the company feel surprisingly tight knit, despite its global scale.