Big 4 Accounting Firm or Boutique Investment Firm?

Comparing working under Advisory division in one of the Big 4 firms and working at a top boutique investment banking firm in Los Angeles area fresh out of college, which will provide me with a better exit career opportunity and/or getting into a top MBA program? Which is perceived as the more prestigious by the public and what's the starting salary for each job? And which is considered to be more difficult to break into?

How boutique are we talking about. Is it a well known firm, or is it a firm that anybody could get hired at. Since you didn't name the boutique firm, I would have to say one of the big 4. However, what are your long term goals? At a boutique you will have more hands on experience, at a big 4, you will be one of the heard unless you can make yourself standout. If your goal is mainly to obtain an MBA at a good school, I would go with a big 4, if you want to get some hands on experience I would go with the boutique. I am not sure about the pay, it depends on the location.

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I would go with the Big 4 if you are looking at 2 or 3 and out. Once you get into the named club, i.e. companies with high name recogognition, then you are much better off than in a boutique bank where you will always have to explain and justify your career path a little more. Many smaller boutiques these days actually list Big 4 accounting experience as a job requirement. Whatever you decide, good luck to you and get ready to work hard.