(UK) Best option out of university - Big 4 or Capital One?

Hey guys,

I'm studying at university and trying to get a head start on my career. I currently have two options available to me. One role is at Capital One as a business/financial analyst (their graduates go on rotation and work with the different analyst teams throughout the programme) and the other is audit at a big 4 firm. I'm interested to hear what you guys think is the best option to take for future career advancement?

If I was to go into audit I highly doubt I would want to stay there too long after I get the ACA. But having that professional qualification and that company to bolster your CV sounds huge! Furthermore, the exit opportunities out of audit seem to be limitless.

Capital One definitely pay more initially (which to me is such an insignificant factor long term). They also seem to have great progression opportunities on par with the Big 4 if you stay long term, which I feel I would actually consider an option if I worked there in comparison to the horror stories I hear about burnout after a few years at B4. However, I am aware there may come a time, whether I stay with them or not, where I'd see my peers flourishing in positions having attained their ACA and surpassing what is available to me starting as a business analyst. I would possibly consider going for an MBA after a few years if I went for Capital One to get my own level 7 qualification, but this is a huge investment and would mean at least a year out of work, or a few compromising my work if I did it part time, when I could just have an ACA training contract.

This seems like a huge decision right now and I would love to hear some people's input!