E&Y Advisory vs IBM Consulting

Speaking of growth, learning opportunity between E&Y (Performance Improvement) and IBM (Entry level, Business Information Consultant), which one is better and safe in term of exit opportunity?

I want to build my resume to attend good MBA program in the future. Any thought? Or experience in those firms?

I'm more interested in management consulting.

15 Comments
 
"Communist"

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?

 
"city_north"

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.

 
Best Response

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).

 
"Managerette"

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).

 
"Managerette"

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).

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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