“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.”
PM is also welcome for those who doesn't want to write a comment here :)
Most people in this forum will tell you to go with E&Y given the previous similar posts (IBM vs xyz). Both are good firms, take a decision based on the packaged offered and the feeling you have given the previous interviews you got with both companies.
Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me pro and con of taking a position by E&Y and possible exit opportunity?
EY vs IBM - Summer MBA Offer (Help!) (Originally Posted: 02/29/2016)
Friends,
I appreciate your helping me out (on this obviously throwaway account). I've got two offers for the summer, one with IBM's consulting group and one with a niche group in EY advisory. The niche group at EY is close to my prior experience outside of consulting. Thus I'm not sure I'd learn all that much over the summer and it would be more of a consulting "stamp" on my resume, though financially a full time offer would be much more attractive than IBM and I'd be set up well for long term success. IBM would be a broader summer experience and they do more of an intern class experience which is attractive. Financially, the comp would be less at full time if I end up there. I do like the idea of an experience outside of my prior industry.
Broadly speaking, would anyone comment on the relative merits between the two firms for both re-recruiting and full time? They seem to flip flop 'tiers' depending who you're asking so I'm not sure whether they're differentiated. It would be great to hear how current consultants view the two firms.
Thank you very much. This is fairly time sensitive, I'd appreciate any advice or insights you could provide!
IBM Global Business Services - Strategy & Analytics > EY FSO
Thank you, it would be helpful to understand what your drawing the comparison on, is it specific to undergrad recruiting or do you think it also applies for MBA? I believe IBM pays more for undergrads but EY comp is significantly more for MBA grads, is this why you're making the distinction?
What group at EY?
I would say neither... work in IBM's sales team. This is where the real money is at!
I would say EY wins hands down really. What niche EY group is it in? Even if it is for an industry you're familiar with that will be a major advantage for you and help in securing a full time role afterwards. In terms of consulting brand and prestige EY would win in my eyes.
Thanks. Are you at EY? Yes, the group has made it clear that my background is setting me up for success in their practice. The work they do is actually pretty similar to what I did in industry. That being said, I sort of expected to try something new through business school and I'm concerned I'll find it's a little too similar.
It's surprising that IBM would pay less in the types of roles you are looking at - must be a very niche group at EY. I've seen them poach two people (non-MBA experienced hires) and they pretty much threw money and promotions at them to make them leave. Maybe they even it out by paying new hires less, who knows.
I cannot comment on MBA internship opportunities or post-MBA roles but I do know that neither of the people who went to IBM would imagine leaving. I know plenty of people who have gone to EY as well as plenty who couldn't wait to get out (the staffing model is built that way). I don't think anyone should plan on becoming partner when they enter a Big 4 firm - they should make sure they actually enjoy the work they will be doing.
The EY name on your resume would be pretty marketable later though as long as you don't mind being specialized in what you do (or trying to campaign within EY to change it while you are there). IBM is still a top name to have on your resume in the technology space as well as having professional development as one of their core values (probably more so than the Big 4 which usually need to be threatened with a potential quit or damn good business case in any LoS to effect any real change).
Thank you. The staffing model would be a little different, most of the work would be in NYC for either role. EY would actually probably give me more ability to take on responsibility etc earlier on for the particular niche of work. I'm not interested in tech consulting, but it would be nice to do work outside of financial services (which doesn't look like an option for me in either case, but hence the thought towards potentially re recruiting).
Also, at the post-MBA level EY typically pays considerably more than IBM. Check the managementconsulted figures - I straight up asked the recruiter at EY and he confirmed they're accurate.
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