Big 4 or Accenture?

Question

Hello,
I am about to graduate with my bachelor's in IT (strong interests in finance) and will start a career in consulting. I'd prefer strategy consulting, but I didn’t manage to get in as I applied late. I now have 3 offers.

Accenture Financial Services as Consultant Business Analysis

EY Strategy and Transactions, Financial Services as Consultant Business Modelling, Valuations

Deloitte Data-Strategy Consultant

Which one would be a better fit to make a good exit as a strategy consultant, or a very good industry position?

In terms of employers' reputation, my ranking would be

Accenture > Deloitte > EY

But in terms of role and division, it would be the other way round. And I think that that counts the most, does it?

My ultimate goal would be to get into the management (as a strategist, or CFO) of a technology firm.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Congrats on the many offers! It's a fortunate position to be in and a confirmation of your abilities!

As you mention yourself, it depends very much on what your objectives are long-term.

Since all of these are junior positions, if you're planning on moving into management / strategy consulting in a couple of years, you might want to opt for a firm that has more prestige. This will make your move into top / MBB-type firms easier.

Otherwise, if you'd like to be with this firm longer term, it might make sense to develop functional knowledge into a specific area and then I would choose whatever topic you are most interested in.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 2

Hey,

Congrats! 3 offers as a fresh graduate is no small thing..well done. Feel grateful.

Your personal assessment is right and I can vouch for that as ex-ACN and ex-Deloitte. However, since you are starting out fresh all those 3 companies are very good overall. So, at the end of it, what's important is mutual FIT in terms of:

Yours and the companies' values
Aspirations i.e. type of work you really want to do
Role
Risk

You should have a good idea of above based on the interview experience and your own research. Once there is a good FIT, you enjoy the work, give your best and forget about outcome/future.

Dont worry too much about future and exit opportunities. Perform well on the job, learn and great opportunities will come your way. Don't make a choice NOW hoping for something to happen in future. It may or may not turn out that way. The world is still very volatile since COVID.

Have a look at this article for more detailed guidance and how to choose well- https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

All the best!

Answer 3

Hi there,

I understand that the other coaches have seemed to give “generic” answers and I'm about to do the same…but we're not being generic.

These 3 offers are all good and you should be happy with all of them.

Ultimately I can see the pros and cons of every single one.

If it were me, I would first recognize that no matter what I'll be fine. Then, I would trust my gut. Which role/company do I think I'll fit best with, enjoy the most, learn the most from?

Answer 4

Hello!

Congrats! i agree with Ian here: all are great and you won´t make a mistake with any of them.

Trust your gut!

Is the location the same? This can be a distinguishing factor too…

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 5

Hi there, I have been in your exact shoes so will share my two cents. I have experienced a similar situation where yo... (read entire answer)

Hi there, I have been in your exact shoes so will share my two cents. I have experienced a similar situation where your best effort is not perceived as the best for the team. Yo... (read entire answer)