Hi. Is it true as i have heard that Atos Consulting do not take on graduate recruits but experienced hires?

They don't have a graduate scheme, but their entry level grade is suitable for grads with upto two years commercial experience. At the moment, I think they're looking for people with over 3 years experience and probably not entry level consultants. Atos is not the place to go to start your career - no set up/infrastructure to support grads at all.

Are you a colleague of RecruitGal?Thanks for your advice. In your personal opinion, where is the best place for a graduate, having done a MSc to start his consulting career. I am open to all types of consultancy may I add be it strategy&ops to IT. Although with a slight preferance to anything rather than IT. This question applies to anyone else too with a view.Many thanks

The trouble with grad positions in consulting firms is that they put a lot of emphasis on academic record. So unless you got 3 A's at A Level and a 2:1, don't bother.... But if you do, I think you should try PA Consulting, Deloitte, Capgemini and also PwC (Strategy Group). Also look at Bain, BCG, and McKinsey if you can show some all round achievement in your life. If you don't like IT, stay away from Booz Allen, Accenture, IBM, Logica, Detica, Xansa, CSC. And no, I am not a colleague of RecruitGal, but I do love her, very much...

Don't know much about the Atos Grad programme, but would imagine it is aimed at IT grads, rather than general business grads. And hey, Recruitboy - love you too...

RecruitBoy, thanks for your response. I got a 2:1 and i got AAB at a level. Im currently doing an MSc. I tired Bain, BCG etc feel that they predominatly take oxbridge candidates. Im not adverse to IT, is just that my background is not in that area so i presumed it better to stay away from it if possible. I can be taught, thats for sure. In light if this I was wondering where you believe (or anyone else) is the best place for a graduate to start, in terms of work offered, pay and culture. I dont want to start somewhere that taints my view of the industry. regards.p.s. Love both you and recruitgirl.....

You're a bright chap aren't you Kev, well done! I hope you're doing your MSc from a top place. In terms of starting place, I know that PA Consulting have a very structured and organised programme for graduates. Culture seems a bit formal to me, but at least its professional. They'll pay you around £25k, which aint bad. I've heard positive things about PwC's Strategy Group and know that PwC treat their people really well. Pay is similar to above. Finally, try Deloitte too, they breed some good ones. Pay will be around £28K, culture is supposedely good. Personally, I think you should also have a look at the smaller outfits: Impact Plus; Compass; Credo, etc...Just have a look at this websites career opps in the £20-40k range and start applying...when you get phone calls (and you will), ask questions about graduate development in their firm. Stay away from Accenture (IT Workaholics), Capgemini (failing arrogant firm) and BT Consulting (Oh my GOD!).

I disagree about Capgemini. They are operating a t lot more effectively and are anything but arrogant. Indeed, the people are the best part of the organisation. And this is from someone who has actually worked there, not recruited for someone.

K, stop being a dumb ass. Kev needs to join a firm that is doing relatively well in the market so he can actually get some valuable experience under his belt. Capgemini are a reputable firm, but have a look at the financials mate...I know two people who work at CG, including my brother! Both are looking elsewhere. BTW - "not recruited for someone" - so you're assumptive and arrogant, sounds familiar. Kev, here is evidence of why you don't want to go to CG. K, you don't know my background so keep the attitude locked in. RecruitBoy is just the name I chose to show my deep affection for RecruitGal - who I love, very much).

Cheers RecruitBoy, You seem to know your stuff inside out. I have taken your points on board. is a chat/email offline possible?K, thanks you too for your input. RecruitBoy was only giving his opinions, while tey are subjective nevertheless it is his entitlement. Is there anything more you can add about CapGemini or to my original question. All info will be gratefully appreciated.

If I'm arrogant, you're deceptive. We'd make a great consulting team! :0) Sorry to come across that way, bit fed up of reading bad things about CG. I thought it was a great place to work and the figures are significantly on the up. I think the technology consultants are slightly less happy as many were laid off during the "dark years". However, the culture at CG is superb. Everyone enjoys worklife balance and are professional. There are a lot of ex Accenture and IBM who bring a nice mix of experience. I have also worked for Accenture and would support Recruitboy's view. They are very intellectual people who are very good at what they do. however, the size of the org means what you do is likely to be rather narrow in scope. You may end up managing a database which is NOT consulting. From a culture point of view, Accenture is rather regimental. Lots of face time and not enough work-life balance. Training is second to none but rather IT slanted.Hope this helps and my arrogance doesn't cloud your judgement!

I was a bit surprised by recruitboy's comments on capgemini too. I'm a current employee who has worked at other major consultancies in the past. I've found the culture at capgemini to be the most diverse / accepting and the most willing to encourage individuals to pursue their own career goals.There can be no denying that capgemini have found it particularly difficult over the last few years but the organisation is definitely on the up (especially consulting). Lots of initiatives and enthusiasm for change, not to mention improving financials. You will always find people who want to leave any consultancy - especially in a rising market - so i wouldn't worry too much about recruitboy's brother!I would definitely suggest that you take a look at capgemini's grad programme (cdc)

Yeah, I'm going to stand up for CapGem too (sorry RecruitBoy). They had a rough 2004 but have really pulled themselves together so far this year. They are less of an acquisition target than they were a few months ago, so I would be willing to give them a go... The ex-Gemini people are particularly good value.