I have been fortunate enough to be offered a job in the CDC community but am also halfway through the recruitment process at IBM BCS for their BTO grad scheme. Before all you senior consultants start slating IBM BCS etc... I would like your advice concering what to do from a grad situation and what firm would be the best place to start a career with training and development and internal job opportunities etc...I felt i had more of a 'fit' at IBM so far but am more concerned about my career development opportunities. IBM has more scope for lateral moves surely and the training over the next 5 years or so appears more structured and 'better' than at Cap.Please remember, I am a grad and jumping on an upwardly looking IBM BCS scheme after a couple of bad years might prove fertile ground for my quick development and career progression?Tony, your thoughts would be much appreciated given your experience etc...Thanks in advance

Don't know much about either firm, but I think you've put your finger on it when you've pointed to the terrible press that their own employees give BCS here. There's a reason for that, and a reason for thier huge staff turnover rate. IBM will vaunt what a great name to have on your CV, but its no better or worse than having CG on it.

Most real (post Grad) consultant at IBM are a result of the old (and superb) PWC grad scheme, many (not all) of which are now unhappy or working elsewhere. At the time of my departure I could see little evidence that IBM properly understood the ambitions or requirements of a budding grad consultant, nor had a real inclination to invest in a scheme. Expect a more technology orientated body shop from IBM. You may also find if your a capable ambitious grad, that the clear structure of the IBM scheme translates, in reality into a restrictive bureaucracy. Either firm will give you the opportunity to work alongside some excellent consultants, both will be good for your CV.