EY vs. PwC vs. Accenture?

Hi Everyone,

I've been lurking this forum for a while but now that I'm at a crossroads with job offers, I figured I would come out of the shadows for some help. Here are my current three offers (all are in the same city):

  • EY Business Advisor Program (non-financial services): rotational program with regards to industry/competency
  • PwC Management Consulting: you are assigned an industry (have not been assigned yet)
  • Accenture Management Consulting Development Program: assigned to competency, change management division (which is fine with me)--not industry specific for the duration of the program

PwC Management Consulting vs. E&Y - Culture Considerations


Source: WSO Consulting Industry Report 2018

All of these companies have different things to offer.

  • EY seems to have the best culture/work-life balance/etc.
  • PwC has the name I would want on my resume if everything else with the firms were held equal.
  • Accenture pays a TON (currently $17,000 more than PwC, the lowest, after initial bonuses and salary. And this doesn't even include performance bonus or overtime), matches 100% of 401k contributions, and has a much better MBA sponsorship program.

Accenture Competitors = Worse Pay?


Source: WSO Consulting Industry Report 2018

I know money isn't everything, but the pay gap is actually pretty large between Accenture and the other firms, especially because of the overtime, and I am graduating with a good amount of student loans.

Top Consulting Firm Exit Opps

But I am hesitant because I have heard that MBB tends to have this unspoken rule about ever letting people from Accenture in and:

  • Right now I see myself trying to interview at an MBB as a lateral hire a few years from now
  • I'd love to get into a relatively decent grad school in the future

PwC vs E&Y vs Accenture - Final Verdict?


Source: WSO Consulting Industry Report 2018

It’s a difficult decision that depends on many factors, including:

  • Compensation
  • Culture
  • Work/life balance
  • Exit opps
  • Career goals

You can gain additional insight on different consulting opportunities in these posts:

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