Hi,I have had a job offer from ACN (start in Feb2010), and have also been offered a job at unilever (starts Sep2009). I would prefer the ACN role but am worried that there may either not be much work or my start date could get pushed back due to current global crisis.Is unilever a good option, or should I wait for ACN and start in 2010 (start a course druing the time off)?thanks for your advice..

Why not start the Unilever job and see how you like it?If its great, you love the people and the work, stay. If its a bit rubbish, quit and start at ACN (if the ACN start date doesn't move). If the ACN start date does move, then wait it out at Unilever.If the Unilever date moves (why would they be more insulated from the re/depression than ACN?), then you can hope the ACN date doesn't. If you do end up spending just 6months at Unilever, you gain:a) new professional contacts / networkb) new matesc) 6 months of work experienced) opportunity to see within another companye) some doshCan't see too many downsides. You should be able to quit Unilever without burning any bridges.It might be a tough decision to leave Unilever when the time comes if you "sort of like it", and worry about taking a leap from the frying pan into the fire... But thats a decision you'll have to take at the time. If you're concerned about contractuals and your rights, perhaps some of the more knowledgeable people on this site can help you there but I don't see why you would be doing anything wrong. If you're concerned about the ethics, don't. Companies are companies. They don't feel any sort of loyalty towards you, and you shouldn't feel the need to feel loyal towards them either.

OP, Bob is spot on.There won't be any contractual issues to worry about unless you are very senior and have any 'golden handcuff' clauses in your contract, which I doubt.Frankly Unilever is a fantastic brand to have on your CV, certainly as good as ACN, so you really can't lose!And well done on getting offers from both :)

One thing I would add it can be tricky to suceed at a company if your already thinking about leaving... but agree with the above... if you enjoy Unilever - I would stay

OP, I have an even better suggestion. When in Unilever get very familiar with their ACN-managed project services group- it will acquaint you with the typical entry level ACN person and hopefully make you some useful contacts. Network, network, network. Then decide if ACN's 2010 offer is worth waiting for.

Yes, this networking thing will be very useful, as you will be able to first-hand the marvels of process mapping, data architecture, IT strategy (I love his one), IT chnage, configuration management, change management, programme leadership by (quite simply) the best exponents of this art. Then (hopefully If you have any faculties in place) you'll know that ACN and all the nonsense people that work for the org are simply a bunch of glorified admin people cloked in the veneer of consulting paintZB

nice to see you are back, ZB.

What does the Unilever role involve?

I agree - take both. I did the same when I was offered a grad role with ACN and wasn't due to start for 6 months. I was offered another job with another company at the same time and took both. In the end I quit the first job to move on to ACN. During my time at ACN I've worked for Unilever and can say they are a great company to work for. I know others that have spent time there for non consulting companies and they agree. If I were you I'd take the UL job and if you like it, stay there!

GuysI have worked in ACN and now working in Unilever, work culture is fantastic and growth is good compared to ACN. i slogged in ACN for 5 years and currently with Unilever since 3 years.Pick Unilever and then bother about ACN.

Why would you even consider Accenture ahead of Unilever? Are you mad? I mean, really, are you?TELEVISION ANNOUNCER: We now return to the Smurfs...(on television screen)Smurf #1: Hey, did you have a good time last night?Smurf #2: Smurf-tacular!Smurf #1: Yeah, I saw you leave with Smurfette.Smurf #2: Oh man, as soon as we got out of the bar, she started smurfing me.Smurf #1: Shut the Smurf up!Smurf #2: Yeah!Smurf #1: Right in the Smurfing parking lot?Smurf #2: Smurf-Yeah!Smurf #1: Oh! That is freaking Smurf!

I'd reckon Accenture will pay more at each level if that's a consideration.

Ahh..yes..decisions decisionsOn one hand, you could work for a reputable, world-renowned companies at the cutting edge of marketing, strategy, operations and research with opportunities abound or you could work for a glorified admin firm and become proficient in the art of process mapping, data architecture, IT change, IT strategy, configuration management, and other god knows other wordly things.I have never met anyone from ACN with a modicum of economic literacy, business savvy or commercial acumem. All they do is turgid powerpoint slides, and incomprehensible visio maps.Is there anyone on ACN who knows about the business end of a company other than the IT/process mapping part?ZB

Most of ZBs views on Accenture are correct.Keep it up ZB!

ZB knows what he is talking about; he advises obama administration on important global issues.

Go for the Unilever job. I used to work there and now work for a consulting firm (not ACN). Unilever offer a great graduate development scheme and you'll have a good brand name on your CV. You can always go into consulting at a later date. Good luck!

Given how much of Unilever has been outsourced to ACN or is in effect being run by ACN, I don't imagine there's a huge difference between these employers. Join one and you'll probably end up working for the other at some point anyway.