Hi All
I've been offered a role at Accenture Strategy and can't decide whether it is the right time to move to a new company.
A little about me:
- 3 years experience at IBM
- Started through the apprenticeship scheme
- Promoted Q1 2015 - Now above graduate level
I enjoy IBM however I feel it doesn't offer me the opportunities for progress I need at this early point in my career. I've been working here for 3 years now; I started in a technical role but quickly moved into the project delivery side of things, with a consulting focus through work in business transformation and business transition (preparing a company for delivery post-contract signing), working for major and global industry leading clients. Now 3 years in, it feels that a lot of the opportunities available for a newby consultant are quite stagnant/lacking due to the number of large 10+ yr technical delivery projects/IT implementation and lack of traditional consulting (by this I refer to consulting methodology such as issue-based consulting).
I was recently offered a role with Accenture Strategy, this has prompted 2 thoughts. Firstly, I don't know a great deal about the structure of Accenture - Is the strategy division the best area for a consultant? Secondly, I want to move, that is definite, however is this the best time in my career to move? As mentioned I was recently promoted this year, my next promotion isn't expected until 18-24 months time. I'm also planning on doing an MBA within next 2-5 years. I've had thoughts on staying at IBM for longer, gaining more solid consulting/delivery experience, then looking to move, however I'm quite keen to move onwards and upwards sooner, especially as Accenture have offered me £10+k more.
I'd appreciate any thoughts and recommendations!
Thanks
3 years of exp at IBM- > I'd say you should be applying to MBA now. The sweet spot is typically max 4 years. Get a good GMAT, and with promotions you should be set for a good MBA.
First decide what's your professional goal in life - where you want to be, and then work backwards to ascertain how you will reach there. There is no right time to reach a next stage. As long as I acquired the necessary skill set, I'd move to the new role.
I'd evaluate how the new xLOB role will help me move up; what skill I can acquire; how my MBA will help me move up; what role I'll play after MBA; position I'll hold 5 years after MBA...
Also, contemplate what you lose if you do not take it up now.
Accenture strategy is the most prestigious Accenture position, I'd definitely take it.
I'd take it or exit for the MBA. Doing an additional 2 years at Accenture and then the MBA is a best of both worlds scenario; the average work exp for an MBA is at 4 years. You'd be a few above that, but that's not going to hurt you. You'll have a stronger resume from it at least, and a few new experiences under your belt
I agree with John-Doe8 in most areas... that second job would give you new experiences for your pitch to the ad-com that could help you, and two jobs is (obviously) totally fine pre-MBA. 5 years is the sweet spot in time and you'll have lots of good stories for b school and recruiting.
Just to play devils advocate, if you think you can get into your target MBA programs now, think about how much your opportunity cost will go up if you wait a few more years.
For example, you make less money now than you will in a few years, and if you can get into a good MBA program this upcoming year, you will get the post MBA step up in salary sooner (this all assumes you don't make more now than you will post MBA, in which case the MBA probably isn't a good investment for you).
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