Generally speaking, BIG 4 share the same background and there is no much difference among them. PwC is definately the largest firm globally, but DTT sits in leading position in U.S, while in mainland China, of course KPMG and PwC are leading firms. After all, customer resources are most important for accounting firm. In China, KPMG and PwC share almost all giant SOEs and earn a lot audit fee compared with DTT and EY. KPMG and PwC share the most profit industry in China: Telecommunication (China Telecom vs China Netcome; China Mobile vs China Unicom), Oil Industry (PetroChina vs Sinopec), Banking (CCB vs BOC)
As to the choice between UIUC or LSE, I think they make no much difference. One of my friends joinin in Chicago EY after graduation from UIUC, another guy graduated from LSE got noting in U.K and came back China, it's not his fault, but the U.K job visa.
Which one to choose, it realy depends on your ultimate career goal. If you only wish to take further education abroad, I think either UIUC or LSE would be OK, while if you do care your long-term career path, maybe mainland China KPMG working experience would equip you with more strong background to apply for TOP MBA in upcoming 3 to 4 years, which would definately help you to join top-tier Companies and earned decent position.
Just 2 cents of my personal opinion, hope it will be helpful! |