I have recently got a grad job with Deliotte consulting, and though i am really pleased with a place at deliotte, i would have preferred a job with marakon, oc&c... more on the strategy side of things. I feel im at a bit of a crossroads here. Do i do a couple of years at deloitte and then move on ? (is it possible to move to strategy?)Or do i just apply for graduate positions next year, whilst working at deloitte?I know i shouldnt be concerned about money, as im just starting my career out, but when other grads are earning 10-15k more... it makes you ponder a bit... To be honest i am happy with 30k. Though im curious on the differential in salary's say in 10 years? will i always lag behind the strategy firms?!

Hi, If you're very keen on Strategy per se (as opposed to the better salary offered by strat houses), then maybe it'll be difficult to move in a year. Saying that, a place at DC is no mean feat. It is pretty well regarded and a 2 year stint there should leave you in a good position to find a role elsewhere in industry (or MBA with an associate role in top tier strat house afterwards).With regards to salary, I refer you to an excellent post by VI number 29330. 'Nuff said methinks.Good luck

Thank you for your reply.... it got me thinking..."If you're very keen on Strategy per se (as opposed to the better salary offered by strat houses)"Well from my prespective i am more interested in strategy, but this is as i dont really know what i;ll be doing day in day out with deliotte or a strategy firm...I think it might be the money issue a little. The fact is, maybe im being slightly prententious here, but i have worked damn hard for my degree and masters, and its not like the degree subject or university are frowned upon (top 3 imo for maths)...and looking into the job market, i was never 100% sure what i wanted to do...when i hear about jobs in ib or strat houses offering crazy money, i just get the feeling i might have chosen the wrong career stream already!!!!At the end of the day, i just would like to know... if i work my a**e off in consultancy, will i always lag behind the salarys of strat house?im sorry, if this sounds a little green eyed..

If you're worried about salaries then don't worry about the difference between Tier 1 & Tier 2 consulting firms. For example OC&C pay more at grad level than McKinsey. Even further down the line, the potential difference at a given career level is only ever going to be a few thousand pounds. The big differences (tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds) are between industries e.g. between consulting and banking or consulting and investment.

I'm in a similar position, in fact I turned down an M&A role at JPMorgan for Deloitte. People honestly thought I had gone insane but by having the choice I was finally forced to think about what I really wanted out of a career, and I realised I wanted to see at least a bit of sunlight! There's still times when I wonder if I'm making the right decision, but I would suggest this: If you believe you are good enough to get into a top strat house, or IB, then there is absolutely no reason why you can't do your two years at Deloitte, do an MBA and then make your switch.On a more opinionated note, if money is your thing then as 'nothing to see says' you're really barking up the wrong tree comparing other strat firms to Deloitte, the comparison should be to something like banking. Especially if you think about it on an hourly basis.

Thank you nothing to see ,I see now that industry is more of a defining factor then within the industry, it always seems like the Tier one boys (and girls) have it good, and somehow Tier two is ... undesirable.. anon2, quite an interesting message.If i go into ib, it would be Trading. And then im trying to sum up which is better.Trading + good money+ good hours+ fast paced- same place, day in, day out- work will remain the same- Meeting new people... limited scopeConsulting+ Different clients+ always working on different projects- long term monetary benefits (though to be frankly honest, i dont even know why this one conncerns me)- long hours- mundane work? Personally i would like to do both! haha, and then make my desicion. I though whilst at deliotte try to work in capital markets, and then after 2 years, seek to either get a further qualification, or go directly into trading.I know im probably worrying about things TOO much, but i dont want to sit here when im 30 pondering, if only i thought about this 8 years ago!Again, really appreciate the feedback.Thanks!

Thank you nothing to see ,I see now that industry is more of a defining factor then within the industry, it always seems like the Tier one boys (and girls) have it good, and somehow Tier two is ... undesirable.. anon2, quite an interesting message.If i go into ib, it would be Trading. And then im trying to sum up which is better.Trading + good money+ good hours+ fast paced- same place, day in, day out- work will remain the same- Meeting new people... limited scopeConsulting+ Different clients+ always working on different projects- long term monetary benefits (though to be frankly honest, i dont even know why this one conncerns me)- long hours- mundane work? Personally i would like to do both! haha, and then make my desicion. I though whilst at deliotte try to work in capital markets, and then after 2 years, seek to either get a further qualification, or go directly into trading.I know im probably worrying about things TOO much, but i dont want to sit here when im 30 pondering, if only i thought about this 8 years ago!Again, really appreciate the feedback.Thanks!

which bit of deloitte consulting are you joining?Its a really nice firm to work for. It really is full of nice people and a good culture and usually not bad hours either for the salary you get (on an hourly basis probably one of the most generous salaries)BUT beware the work is very different from a strat house. There is a lot less moselling and data analysis and numerical experience if tha is what you want to develop and in my view they could be a lot more challenging for their first year graduates.My advice is apply for the ones you are thinking of elsewhere ( strat house, IB or whatever) at least so you know where you stand. If you get an offer then you can think about it. If (as is statistically likely) you dont make the cut at least you know you tried.