IBM CbD v. Accenture Strategy

Hey guys.

I am a senior (to be clear this is undergrad) and I recently received an offer for the Accenture Strategy in the NYC office. I am very excited about this. However, this summer I interned with IBM Consulting By Degrees in NYC and had a great time.

I am now unsure of which job I should take. Remuneration is not really that different (Accenture is 5k more) and office location is the same. I would love some insights from you guys based on your experience with either firm or general industry insights.

I am aware that Accenture has recently reorganized and that the Strategy arm is aggressively hiring and therefore unable to staff all its analysts right away - hence being on the beach for the first 3 to 6 weeks of work. To be honest, IBM has the same problem - actually as an intern I was never officially staffed on a project - can you imagine an intern on the bench the ENTIRE SUMMER?

So yeah - let me know your thoughts.

 
Best Response

saresnaps I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. These 2 firms are direct competitors (along with the technology consulting arm of Deloitte) on most major engagements. Individuals constantly jump ship (and back) between IBM, Accenture, and Deloitte.

I would think about the culture of each firm, people, and which one you enjoy most.

If you are primarily interested in strategy work I would take the Accenture offer. If you're more interested in technology I would take the IBM offer, although they do strategic work as well (mainly focused on tech). IBM is huge firm with several other divisions aside from it's consulting services division. Keep in mind that a lot strategic engagements at these firms will usually involve a large technological component.

 

Hey there.

Thanks for the kind reply. This week I actually found out that my Accenture offer is actually in Chicago rather than NYC and that the offer cannot be moved to the East Coast.

Therefore for personal reasons and geographic preference, I think I may be inclined to return to the East Coast.

That being said - I just had an Accenture Sell Day and I honestly was not blown away. All the people were clearly smart, social and fun but I am not sure. I think I may have built up unrealistic expectations in my head.

Any other thoughts???

 

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