IBM or EY?
Hi all,
I need to decide between IBM CbD and EY Risk advisory.. I know they aren't MBB but I do hope that one day I'll get into a top tier MBA school in US. Disregarding signing bonus, IBM is offering approx $10K more than EY. On the other hand, maybe it's just me - but IBM doesn't seem to be very well received here on WSO. so I'm confused and here are my questions:
1. If you think EY is better than IBM, is it worth the $10k salary gap?
2. I think EY career advancement paths are pretty clear cut - how about IBM CBD? I think (and correct me if i'm wrong) it's important to show on my MBA application that I've moved upward in my work history so I want to choose one that'll allow that. Of course, I understand it'd depend on performance and my question is assuming similar performance.
3. Any other important factors you could point out that I may not be considering?
Thank you so much for any tips and advice you can give me!





Even without the salary gap,
Even without the salary gap, IBM is probably a better choice. It's kind of underrated on WSO.
People think the CBD program
People think the CBD program at IBM is Tech Consulting, and Tech Consulting is...not the audience for WSO. That's why there's strong hate towards the program.
I'm in the CBD program, and it's definitely strategy focused conceptually on technology processes. Then again I can make strong arguments that what I do impacts the bottom line a lot more than my friends at Deloitte/Mercer/even some MBB (if I REALLY get into it).
Is the CBD program perfect? No. I can tell you more over email. But for my future goals in entrepreneurship with a technology focus, the program builds both credibility, connections, and a safe fall-back.
IBM, your choice is between
IBM, your choice is between tech strategy vs risk
I was actually in a similar
I was actually in a similar position as yours a year ago. I would say if its between EY RISK, or IBM CBD, def. go with IBM. As futuredoc mentioned, its between management consulting vs. risk. EY risk is not the glamour, nor are its exit opps.
However, I heard that IBM gets difficult later on when going for promotions and raises, you have to sell yourself a lot, and make a business case, where as EY its more clockwork. Regardless, I believe you'd be able to leverage your work at IBM more and do more interesting work.
Higher salary and better ops?
Higher salary and better ops? I'd go IBM