Student-led Conversations: Networking Is the New Final Exam

Gen Z changes recruiting norms by showing up, asking for data, and building in public. 

The accounting pipeline is at a crossroads—and Gen Z is stepping up to change the rules. On the latest episode of Accounting ARC: Student-Led Conversations, host Chayton Farlee interviews Dominic Piscopo, CPA, founder and host of the Big 4 Transparency show, about how students can transform their careers by networking early, understanding compensation, and creating something of their own. 

Piscopo’s journey began like many students—uncertain of direction, trying different classes, and struggling to find passion in the classroom. What set him apart, however, was saying “yes” to opportunities outside of it. From improv competitions to case studies, he leaned into his strengths. That openness eventually led him to Deloitte, where he experienced both the promise and pitfalls of Big 4 culture. 

When Compensation Doesn’t Add Up
One of those pitfalls was pay. Piscopo recalls comparing his Deloitte paychecks to what he earned bartending on weekends. “It felt wrong that I could work 100 hours during busy season and take home nearly the same as I did in two nights at the bar,” he says. 

Instead of staying silent, he gathered salary data from peers across firms, presented it to leadership, and helped secure raises for his entire cohort. That experience planted the seed for what would become his most influential project. 

Launching Big 4 Transparency
Piscopo turned his frustration into innovation. He launched Big 4 Transparency, a crowdsourced salary database where accounting professionals anonymously share pay information. What started as a weekend project quickly took off. Today, the site houses more than 20,000 entries and is used by firms and students alike to benchmark salaries and negotiate with confidence. 

GPA Isn’t Everything
For Farlee, Piscopo’s story proves that classroom performance isn’t the only factor for success. “Get active,” he urges fellow students. “Join a club, take an internship, volunteer with VITA, or start a podcast. The classroom only gets you so far—networking and real-world experience set you apart.” 

Building Credibility Through Creation
Piscopo agrees that initiative matters. Whether through a podcast, newsletter, or side project, he believes building something signals credibility and opens doors. “A podcast is just a networking call you get to share with the world,” Piscopo explains. 

A New Formula for Success
Together, Farlee and Piscopo highlight a simple but powerful formula for students and early-career professionals: 

• Get involved. Take advantage of experiences outside the classroom. 
• Know your worth. Use data to understand and negotiate fair compensation. 
• Build something. Create projects that showcase initiative and spark connections. 

In an industry facing a pipeline challenge, voices like Farlee’s and Piscopo’s remind us that the future belongs to those bold enough to shape it. 

Watch the full episode now.