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Big 4 Vs 2nd Tier National Firms Work/Life Balance?

My University has an excellent internship program for Winter (Busy Season) internships. I am a solid candidate for Big 4 firms, and could likely get placed at a firm of my choice on the assurance side of the business. Historically, students at my school end up being hired by the firm in which they interned with. I currently have interviews with Deloitte, KPMG, RSM, BDO, Clifton Gunderson, and a few large local firms. I have been told that the Big 4 pays slightly better, but also requires more hours than in other large national firms for new staff. Is this true? Does this same general stereotype apply for throughout one's career? I'm slightly torn between the prestige of the Big 4 and the work/life balance pitch by the large nationals. Any advice pertaining to large accounting firms in general would also be appreciated.

Public Comments

1. They all have horrible work hours. Expect to work 60-70hours/week in either during busy season. Big 4 pays a little more entry level but the others like Grant Thornton pay more if they steal you from a big 4. In my opinion, if you have the choice, you would be stupid to not work for a big 4 firm since it is resume gold. Also, in my opinion E&Y is the best when it comes to learning and development but I am biased cause I worked there (I interviewed with the others too but they all sucked comparitively). Btw - Unless you are graduating from an Ivy League, good luck landing an internship. The Big 4 firms and others are making cuts accross the board and I hear that intern competition is really heavy. You are right though, once you are an intern, you will likely get a perm job there.