Hi, I'm a consultant at one of the above 4, and am feeling the urge to move. Few specific gripes, just too much of the same and keen for a change really. I'm aware there are other options than the big transformational consulting firms, e.g. the accounting firms and niche firms. But if I was to stick to this type of firm (until last week I would have included PA as a fourth possible contender, but now's perhaps not the best time to join them!), how do people reckon these three measure up against each other? So far it sounds like ACN and IBM have the best brand, but treat their employees like cogs in a machine while paying around the same as CG. CG may have a weaker brand but better work/life balance. Do people agree with this so far? Any other pros/cons I should be aware of?

Agree with what you said. A possible con is that Cap have a lot of work in the public sector which may not be your cup of tea!

My experience:You'll work longer and harder at Acn but will be paid more and work with a better calibre of person.

CG does offer better work-life balance, stemming from its European heritage. IBM is the biggest of the three, but for business consulting, ACN and CG is probably stronger.

in my experience the work at ACN is not so interesting, but the rewards are better and, despite the reputation, they treat people well and generally respect their contribution. Not everyone is great, given the numbers they recruit, but for the most part people are hard working and dedicated.I now work at one of the large a/c firms, still in consulting, and the work is far more interesting, but it's a much more agressive culture and far less accepting of those who are a bit different than acn was

What exactly do you mean by it's a much more agressive culture and far less accepting of those who are a bit different?Separately, are the people who work for these firms similar to those in the pic below, i.e. exactly the kind of people you can build deep personal relationships with and would want to spend your spare time socialising with?http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/04/02/business/suit.span.jpg

Hi trinny,Thanks for that useful insight. Opportunities have since arisen at a couple of the big accounting firms. In what way would you say the culture is "more aggressive"? Do you mean more macho/arrogant? Longer hours? More backstabbing? How does the cash compare to the big full-service firms?Thanks again, Jethro