Originally Posted by Unregistered

Unfortunate fact, but true, is that generally the "better" firms are willing to attract talent by paying the paltry $1-2k for their trainees. Big4 level tops off at around 2k.

If a firm does not even want to pay $800 (which is the bare minimum 1-2 man chinatown firm rate), I'm not sure you want to be in the firm). Not only because they are quite tight with their money, but that offer means they are not intending to retain (and probably think they are doing you a favour). Are they in fact doing you a favour (if you are from a lower tier uni plus low grades - perhaps take the offer)?