Accounting Firms

[alphatmw]

i was hoping some people here could shed some light on working in accounting for me.

im still in college, the decision is basically big 4 vs. midcap firm vs. industry. i've heard that getting 2-3 years experience in a big 4 firm will help you jump up in ranks regardless where you go from then on, and most people i've heard take the big 4 for 2 years, then go into industry road.

we have started recruiting with the big 4 yet, but i've found one midcap firm i really like (BDO Seidman). but i don't know how big there is a difference between starting off at a big 4 vs. starting off at a smaller one. i'm almost looking for an exuse not to start off at a big 4, because everyone has seemed to imply that money+promotion is much better with one of them.

however, i hate to choose a job over money alone, but a part of me is afraid of giving the oppourtunity up at the same time.

does anyone here work at a big 4 firm? has anyone worked for a big 4 and another firm as well? could you comment on the differences in salary, work-life, enjoyability at work, and whatever else you think is relevant?