Accenture Strategy - London
I recently received an offer to join Accenture Strategy in London as a Graduate Analyst and wanted to get a clearer sense of how the firm is actually viewed in the market. Online opinions seem pretty mixed, some people say it’s a strong strategy platform working on high-level corporate strategy and transformation work, while others say the projects tend to be closer to digital transformation or implementation tied to Accenture’s broader tech business. I’d be interested to hear from people who have worked there or seen colleagues exit from the firm.
How is Accenture Strategy London generally perceived relative to MBB and Tier 2 firms like LEK, Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger, or Strategy&? Is it considered closer to a true strategy house or more similar to the Big 4 consulting strategy arms?
I’m also curious about what analysts actually work on day-to-day. The firm markets work like corporate strategy, growth strategy, M&A strategy, and operating model design, but in practice are most projects more transformation and tech-linked work?
Finally, what do exit opportunities typically look like after a few years in the London office? Do people move into corporate strategy roles, tech strategy / biz ops roles, or other consulting firms? Is there any realistic path toward PE portfolio operations or value creation roles, and how feasible is it to move from Accenture Strategy to MBB later on?
Accenture Strategy in London occupies a unique position in the consulting landscape. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of your questions:
1. Perception Relative to MBB and Tier 2 Firms
Accenture Strategy is generally seen as distinct from MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) and Tier 2 firms like LEK, Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger, or Strategy&. While MBB dominates high-end strategy work and Tier 2 firms often focus on specialized strategy projects, Accenture Strategy tends to straddle the line between strategy and implementation.
2. Day-to-Day Work
While Accenture Strategy markets itself as working on corporate strategy, growth strategy, M&A strategy, and operating model design, the reality can vary: - Corporate Strategy Projects: These do exist, but they are less frequent compared to MBB or Tier 2 firms. Accenture Strategy’s projects often have a strong link to digital transformation or implementation, leveraging Accenture’s broader tech expertise. - Tech-Linked Work: A significant portion of the work involves transformation projects tied to technology, such as digital strategy, cloud adoption, or process optimization. This is a key differentiator from firms like LEK or Oliver Wyman, which focus more on traditional strategy.
3. Exit Opportunities
Exit opportunities from Accenture Strategy in London are solid but may not be as strong as those from MBB or Tier 2 firms: - Corporate Strategy Roles: Many analysts transition into corporate strategy or business operations roles, particularly in tech or digitally-focused companies. - Tech Strategy / Biz Ops: Given Accenture’s tech focus, exits into tech strategy or operational roles are common. - PE Portfolio Operations: Moving into PE portfolio operations or value creation roles is less common compared to MBB or Tier 2 firms, which have stronger ties to private equity. - Lateral Moves to MBB: While it is possible to lateral to MBB, it is not a typical path. Candidates usually need to demonstrate strong strategy experience and may need to network extensively or pursue an MBA to make the jump.
Summary
Accenture Strategy in London is a strong platform, particularly for those interested in tech-enabled strategy and transformation work. However, if your goal is to focus on pure strategy or transition into PE or MBB, you may face more challenges compared to starting at MBB or Tier 2 firms. That said, the firm offers solid exit opportunities into corporate strategy and tech-related roles, making it a good choice for those with aligned interests.
Sources: Accenture Strategy Q&A, Is there HONESTLY a difference in the quality of work between Strategy& (Tier 2 consulting) and MBB?, Why is MBB so sought after vs. Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, S&?
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