UK MSc Grad: Accenture Outsourcing v IBM Technology Consulting for long-term MBB goals?

Hey everyone,

I know these threads are a dime a dozen over here but I would really appreciate some advice.

I am due to graduate with an MSc in Operational Research & Management Science from a top 10 UK university. I did my undergrad at an average university here in the UK, with a double major in Business Management (Finance) and Law. My grades are decent but not outstanding. Current work experience profile includes serving as an undergraduate economics TA, a few summer jobs, and a short summer internship at a local law firm. Finally, I have engaged in a wide variety of extracurricular activities throughout my academic life and have been involved in several strong positions of responsibility and leadership at university.

I currently have 2 options on the table:

1) Join Accenture, initially as a Service Management Co-ordinator for their Outsourcing platform, with strong potential to work my way up and gain exposure to clients. My specific role will be to work in Continual Service Improvement (IT Service Management - ITIL based), analysing performance data and making recommendations to improve KPI's.

2) Join the IBM GBS Business & Technology Consulting graduate scheme as an analyst.

Which of these would be better if I want to join MBB somewhere down the line, either within 1-3 years or after MBA? I realise that technology consulting has its downsides, but these are my options right now, and I would appreciate any input.

Thanks.

 
Best Response

1) Considering your grades, university, and job offerings, I doubt MBB is in your future (and I work at IBM lol). Anyways, you're probably just romanticizing MBB considering your background in Operational research.

2) Do what you like more. Whatever happened to that simple, yet strong piece of life advice? If your answer is neither, then turn down both job offers and do what you actually like.

3) You sound like you were down on yourself from this message. Do you have any regrets? If so, now is your time to fix that, take the consequences, and better prepare for the future. And considering these "consequence" choices, seems like you're doing pretty well right now.

 

Thanks for the advice :)

1) I may not get into MBB, but so what? I set myself super-high goals, because if I don't then there is absolutely no chance of achieving them. With that said, if I fall short of the mark then I still find myself in a more fortunate position than most people I know, and I am thankful for it. I may not be ready for them now, but I believe that I have what it takes and am prepared to put in the work to prove it. I have not applied to them yet. At the end of the day, if they don't think I am worth recruiting when I give it my best shot, then fine.

2) I like IBM more, and want to do consulting. The decision to join IBM has already been made in my mind. Still, I am doing my research as I respect many of the opinions on these boards from people who have more experience than I do, and don't want to reject the Accenture offer without properly exploring it and the opportunities that it could provide me with.

3) I have underperformed in the past, and am trying to prepare better for the future now that I know what I want to do with my life so that I have no regrets later.

Thanks again for your advice.

 

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