Don't join big 4 unless you're in it to become partner. There are significantly better opportunties out there depending on your goals and outlook in life - you just need to do a little research before committing to a career path.

Why work 12-14 hours a day for 3.4-3.6k as an audit associate, when you can work 12-14 hours for 6k (as a MBB consultant) or 10k+ (as an IB within a BB bank).

If you're looking for work-life balance, go straight into management associate programs with big names like Singtel, SEA or nestle. If you join big 4 just to pivot to industry roles, the progression is almost the same as starting out in industry.