Hi, I need some help with my career choice right now. I have graduated from university seven months ago and have always wanted a career within consulting. (I haven't been actively looking for jobs then because I had some other important things that I had to take care of first.) However, I have applied to a few different firms (such as Bain, MOW & PA), but have been rejected, the only exception being Accenture's Sample Day! I was considering Accenture, IBM BCS and Deloitte but I have not applied for these firms yet, then suddenly an agency contacted me and found me a role as a business and marketing analyst within a big credit card company (which I am quite interested in as well). I am wondering if I should take this offer, work a few years, see if I like it, and if I want to change, I could try consultancy then. However, do you think I should try and get into consultancy directly instead of taking some other job first? Also, after a few years of working experience as a business analyst, what sort of role could I apply for within consultancy? Would I have to start from the bottom or would I be able to get into the consultant level directly? Please let me know ASAP, as I don't have much time before I need to let them know if I should be taking this offer (I certainly don't have enough time to apply for the firms that I have mentioned above and progress through all the interviews before I have to give the credit card company an answer). Thank you very much for your help!For your information, I had a 2.1 in Maths and a MSc in Management, but no work experience.

Take the job you are currently being offered...get the ball rolling. It is always better to apply to firms when you're already employed. Once you're ready to go again - start applying to the big consultancies, Accen, IBM, etc..Your academic record is sound so keep trying and I'm sure you'll get in. Good luck!

Thank you very much for your advice!However, I can't see the reply posted by Aditi Konwar. Would you mind posting it again? Thanks a lot!

I would take the credit card company job now, but continue applying to your preferred employers. That's not too fair on your current employer, but then, life isn't fair.Wheather you will be able to get straight on the consultant level will depend on the following: level of your skills, their relevance to your chosen consultancy and the job market situation. I worked for 1,5 years in a consumer goods company after graduation, but since I was doing system implementation work and developed a set of skills that is in a very short supply at the moment, I got headhunted for Accenture & Deloitte. Good luck!

Hi c00kom01, thank you very much for your advice! It is very helpful!