I have a degree in Economics and Management Science from a good redbrick and am due to start at one of the major 'big 4' consultancies next year on their graduate training programme. I am considering my career path further down the line and would really like to do an MBA in 8-10 years time but keep being told to do CIMA instead as it will add more value to my job!In essence my question is: is CIMA worth doing for a consultancy orientated career adn if so why? The acid test being, is it of a higher currency on my CV than a good MBA after a few years?Thanks in advance, U

They're not mutually exclusive. Why not do both ?

Because they will both require a considerable time/effort and money commitment to juggle alongside a consulting job as well as trying to have a life in my early 20's!!!What is your opinion of them and why? What is your background if you don't mind disclosing such information?ThanksU

Since you plan on doing your MBA in 8-10 years, why not do the CIMA before hand. To my knowledge most people normally undertake an MBA after 3-5 years of work, you 8-10 sounds an awful long time, but if this is the case I would consider the CIMA first.

Check out how many exemptions that one will give you towards the other. If you do want both then you don't have to do 2x the work, there is lots of overlap. What do you think your likely career path will be? what sort of organisations do you want to work for? Many don't seem to prefer one over the other and use them interchangeably in job adverts. If your current employer will fund CIMA but not an MBA then I would do CIMA and see how I get on.

I can see the benefits of having both and at my level i'm not sure where i'm going to be in 10 years time (currently just out of uni-analyst level). I really want to find out which will add more clout to my CV further down the line and be a useful skill in a general practise consulting firm such as PA, CG and Deloitte?MBA grads tell me to do one as it'll be a life changing experience but all the accountants i know ridicule MBAs and tell me to get a professional accountancy qualification!! I appreciate the rational for any bias but in your opinion (more senior personnel than myself) what would you advise if you were in my shoes?Thanks