“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
deloitte. IBM CBD is an awful program. Deloitte S&O is actually pretty good at least in comparison
I would recommend Deloitte. Partly because I work there, but mainly because it is a great place to be. It's certainly not in the same league as MBB, but we still get some pretty high profile engagements and working here for the past year has done wonders for my network.
which service line do you work in at Deloitte?
Deloitte S&O. Mainly because for IBM it'll be mostly IT/Tech consulting, you get to develop more at Deloitte. Plus, as far as general prestige goes Deloitte S&O > IBM Consulting
Plus plus, you have manbearpig here so why don't you PM him to ask more about the firm's work/culture (in case you don't already know)
run4run, how was your experience at IBM? I have an interview on Thursday and debating whether i should pursue the opportunity... were you mostly working on IT projects?
appreciate your thoughts
its 100% it projects. IT projects at cool companies but IT projects
hmm, that's what i figured run4run. Did you have any sort of IT background?
I don't have any IT background so i'm not sure why I was called for an interview, unless its not a requirement
The experience you will obtain at Deloitte will be much more expansive at IBM purely because IBM revolves around IT/tech implementation whereas Deloitte is focused on Strategy, dependent on industry. If you have goals of doing your own thing later, I'd rather know how to run a product/resources better than know how to set up a computer network with software. This idea is also contingent on what you want to do after consulting, whether it be tech, or a different industry.
No shit you're going to be doing IT. It's IBM; what do you expect?
However, let me say that if you're going to do "your own thing" the consulting doesn't help at all. The resource assets you have are completely different and growth strategies are not even comparable. Anyone trying to do entrepreneurship from ibanking/consulting and thinking that it will help them is delusional. (From California with much silicon valley experience and worked at a national award winning startup you might have heard about)
With that said, I'm taking the IBM offer because it offers tech experience across different sectors (smart grids, cloud computing, intellectual property, etc.) that I'm interested in. I have no interest in plant layouts for a manufacturing company or doing PE, so I guess that's why it's not an issue for me personally. It's the liberal arts of tech.
CBD is not management consulting. However, it's strategy consulting within tech, which is awesome.
run4run: did you get fired from IBM? In 2009 you were saying how awesome is was there on another forum? hmmmmm
Without question Deloitte S&O....and this is coming from a current IBM CbDer who enjoys her job.
Even if you are in the Strategy & Analytics practice at IBM, you will be predominantly thrown into IT software implementations.
Deloitte or IBM? (Originally Posted: 02/12/2011)
I am currently debating joining either IBM or Deloitte as a consultant. Given all the details such as pay held constant what are some of the advantages/disadvantages of each?
From what I can tell IBM provides more flexibility and work/life balance but may not provide as much experience and training. Deloitte on the other hand seems to have better training and learning opportunities to help in a career outside of consulting. Also, the alumni network at Deloitte seems like a big plus and IBM does not seem to have this.
I should also add that this is not for management consulting but things dealing more with analytics and optimization.
Any advice would be great!
pick Deloitte (ex Ibmer)
I'm deciding between Deloitte BTA and IBM Cbd and must make a decision soon. Please let me know why you left IBM? Thanks so much!
Deloitte. Also, not sure where you heard IBM as having more flexibility and work/life balance, as I know two friends who explicitly attributed those characteristics to Deloitte when moving from IBM to Deloitte.
My reasoning was more based on IBM traveling Mon-Thurs whereas with Deloitte it is not quite as set. On Friday IBM allows you to work from home where I heard Deloitte does not. Also, I have heard that Deloitte has a lot of "optional" out of work events that you are expected to go to.
Not saying these things are total fact but it is what I have gathered from reading reviews on glassdoor and from speaking with consultants from both companies. I would love to hear more though, my opinion can definitely be swayed.
I've interviewed for Deloitte (didn't get the job) but I'm about 99% sure Deloitte guys travel M-Th and work from office/home on Fridays. It might vary depending on the group, but for S&O and HC I think M-Th is pretty standard. Depending on the type of work you have, you may or may not be allowed to work from home, but that's also the same with IBM (had a few friends who worked there). There are a good number of 'optional' work stuff but I don't know too much about them except that the people I talked to think they're not really that bad.
Also to touch on some of the stuff in your original post: Deloitte does prepare you a lot better to eventually transition careers. Deloitte has a much bigger and more established alumni network, pays better, and apparently doesn't have a big deal with people switching between groups (knew a guy who went from BTA to S&O). I really can't say the same about IBM, although I'm by no means saying IBM is not a good place to work.
I guess I'm repeating what everyone says here, but Deloitte. Try to reach out to some people though that work in both and ask them questions about the firm, especially the questions that really matter to you.
I'm at Deloitte. I love it here. I can answer any specific questions you have.
check ur pm
pm sent
Any other opinions would be great!
Definitely Deloitte
Deloitte offered me "Manager" position recently in their IT Consulting Oracle practice. How is the work culture, work life balance, internal non-client work requirements, working on weekends etc. at Deloitte? I am trying to compare with IBM GBS where I have been for last 7 years. Any inputs are greatly appreciated.
IBM vs Deloitte consulting? (Originally Posted: 11/02/2012)
Hi all,
I am a current senior in undergrad and have received full-time offers for both IBM's Consulting by Degrees program as well as Deloitte's AERS Advisory Consulting group.
I have been able to talk to a few members in IBM's program and have heard mainly good things about it but am not too familiar with Deloitte's advisory group. Can anyone give me some insight on either/both of these positions?
In terms of the pay, IBM is offering a higher pay/signing bonus than Deloitte. But I am aware Deloitte has a better name and could potentially find me a better job in the future. So I'm a little stuck on which I should take. Any advice would help. Thanks!
I would go for Deloitte. Better name and the tiny difference in pay is not a big deal at the entry level. Go wherever will open more doors. Not to mention I have heard some bad things about IBM's culture and bureaucracy.
IBM Consulting by Degrees, AERS is internal audit, the only way I'd take it is if it was M&A or valuation.
go IBM. Deloitte might limit your exit-opps.
That isn't Deloitte Consulting....
irene what school do you go to? I'm still waiting to hear back from ibm cbd...
IBM, only because I haven't been too impressed by the people at Deloitte
IBM GBS CbD vs Deloitte Federal BTA (Originally Posted: 10/23/2015)
Hello friend.
Congratulations on both offers! We could potentially be colleagues - PM me about IBM for more details if you want to connect with some returning interns.
But here is my 2 cents - I interned at IBM GBS this summer in NYC and I absolutely loved the company. Keep in mind that IBM is aggressively hiring rn and that staffing may take longer than you initially think.
Deloitte in theory is a better company from a brand and prestige perspective BUT BUT BUT once you get into Federal/Public Sector you are essentially stuck there. I would refer to Federal/Public Sector as golden handcuffs - there is little mobility out of public projects but if you love what you are doing AWESOME! In Federal/Public consulting expect LONG VERY LONG projects with the same client (think: the Post Office and Veteran Affairs).
Good luck!
To add to this, IBM CbD is heavily oriented around being a go-getter. The culture demands you to network and be pro active in sourcing your own projects vs. being staffed. The same applies for training, guidance and support which is a case by case basis where some projects or practice areas won't be great while others are far better. IBM CbD is what you make of it while my friends at Deloitte tell me with BTA there is a lot of more support, guidance and an apprenticeship model. This means if you want to build some effective skills on hustling and effectively guiding your own career and going after what you want with little to no resistance, IBM can be rewarding. With Deloitte you'll face a bit more hurdles.
Deloitte HC vs. IBM GBS CbD (Originally Posted: 11/01/2015)
Have an offer for the CbD program with IBM aligned to AD&I and an offer from Deloitte HC aligned to HR Transformation. My goal is to do more analytical work (financial modelling, business cases etc. , quant work) which will help me transition to Mgmt Consulting practice areas in the future either before or after MBA. It seems some org design, org change, hr transf and IT strategy work is done at IBM and it is more of a go getter setting which allows you to jump on projects in diff service lines, however Deloitte has the better brand rep and provides far better training, support and guidance (also doing org design, hr transformation work but less tech aligned). IBM pays 10k more with close to 90k base after 2 yr promotion.
Which one do you think I should go for? Any insight is appreciated. My overall goal is to pick up solid consulting skills as well as mgmt consulting type experience.
In response to your goal of hoping to gain more financial modelling and quant work, the honest answer is you won't get significant amount of that out of either role.
Generally speaking your experience at IBM would skew more towards Tech and closer the business operation rather than high level strategy. If you are unlucky you might spend lots of time on requirement gathering instead of driving actual analysis. The Deloitte HC role would generally be a little more high level and would give you better chances at exposure to traditional business cases.
The reason why I say "generally" is because each person's experience can vary a lot in these firms. If you network correctly/ depending on your luck, your actual experience could be very different to your actual job description. But keep in mind the role you signed up for is always going to have a bigger pull on what you might end up doing.
unless you really need the 10k, i would exclude that in your decision making process. the difference in brand equity and exit ops are more important at the beginning of your career. Personally i would pick Deloitte HC over IBM.
Deloitte or IBM? (Originally Posted: 02/12/2011)
I am currently debating joining either IBM or Deloitte as a consultant. Given all the details such as pay held constant what are some of the advantages/disadvantages of each?
From what I can tell IBM provides more flexibility and work/life balance but may not provide as much experience and training. Deloitte on the other hand seems to have better training and learning opportunities to help in a career outside of consulting. Also, the alumni network at Deloitte seems like a big plus and IBM does not seem to have this.
I should also add that this is not for management consulting but things dealing more with analytics and optimization.
Any advice would be great!
IBM vs Deloitte consulting? (Originally Posted: 11/02/2012)
Hi all,
I am a current senior in undergrad and have received full-time offers for both IBM's Consulting by Degrees program as well as Deloitte's AERS Advisory Consulting group.
I have been able to talk to a few members in IBM's program and have heard mainly good things about it but am not too familiar with Deloitte's advisory group. Can anyone give me some insight on either/both of these positions?
In terms of the pay, IBM is offering a higher pay/signing bonus than Deloitte. But I am aware Deloitte has a better name and could potentially find me a better job in the future. So I'm a little stuck on which I should take. Any advice would help. Thanks!
IBM GBS CbD vs Deloitte Federal BTA (Originally Posted: 10/23/2015)
Quia neque facere est fuga qui commodi sunt. Odio minima adipisci excepturi ut molestiae vitae id. Eligendi in assumenda deserunt eum exercitationem sunt qui. Et eligendi voluptate excepturi.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Rerum delectus enim quia doloribus doloremque labore ab et. Maxime ea quo recusandae autem. Excepturi amet ut et aliquam sit est dolor. Est neque natus vel ea voluptatem magni. Odio aut qui autem non est.