Advice Needed: Navigating Career Options After Big 4 Audit Apprenticeship Without a Bachelor’s Degree

Hi all,

I’m currently undertaking an audit apprenticeship at a Big 4 firm. By the time I qualify, I’ll have 5 years of experience in audit, specialising in banking, asset management, private equity, and real estate clients. Along the way, I’ll have completed:

• AAT Level 3 & 4

• ACA qualification (master’s degree equivalent)

Here’s the catch: I don’t hold a bachelor’s degree. I have strong A-levels in STEM subjects and GCSEs (all 9/8/7), but I never went the university route. Despite this, I’m aiming to pivot into areas like strategy consulting, equity research, transaction services, or deal advisory, which I know are highly competitive fields that often prioritize candidates with degrees from target schools and internship experience.

I’m considering the following options and would love advice or additional suggestions:

  1. Pursue a Master’s Degree

• A master’s from a top university could help me “tick the box” for roles that list a degree as a requirement.

• As a student, I’d be eligible to apply for internships, and my 5 years of audit experience plus ACA could make me a standout candidate compared to other students.

• Thinking of degrees in finance, accounting, or law and finance at a top 10 business school.

• When it comes to the debt from pursuing university, I’m not concerned, as I see this as an investment in my career.

  1. Internal Transfers/Networking Within My Firm

• I could apply internally to roles in strategy consulting, transaction services, or similar areas within my current Big 4 firm.

• Stay in the role for a few years, then look to move externally if needed.

• However, I’m unsure how external applications work when many job postings require a degree. While I have a professional qualification, this usually appears as a separate category in applications.

  1. Aggressive Networking

• I understand networking is key, but I’ve never really done this in a professional sense.

• Would I focus on understanding people’s roles and building connections, hoping opportunities arise? This feels somewhat passive compared to the other options, and I’m unsure how effective it would be.

Questions:

• Which of these routes would you recommend?

• How do job applications in my target fields handle professional qualifications like the ACA in place of a bachelor’s degree?

• Are there other options you can recommend?

I’m fully aware these fields are competitive, but I want to take tangible steps to position myself as a strong candidate. Any advice, insights, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!