Hi it's Steve again, I posted like one year ago about me graduating with a 2.2 from Cambridge and went so lost in job hunting. So many thanks to BEP and marsdays and other people who led very interesting discussions, your opinions are much appreciated.Finally I got some work experience at a startup company and after this I seek for a change. Now here are two chances for me: a medium size(200-500)recruitment consulting firm and Accenture (client delivery role). I do not have any experience in client delivery or recruitment consulting, so I would really appreciate it if anyone can advice on how to make the choice.Thanks a lot,Steve

An ex-Management Consultant can always become a Recruitment Consultant. A ex-Recruitment Consultant can rarely, if ever, become a Management Consultant. Read into that what you willIf they have both offered you the job but you have experience in neither, you have nothing to lose.For me they aren't even comparable.. Accenture every day of the week.

I agree 100% with Tom.Even leaving that astute point aside, the failure rate of new hires in the recruitment industry is probably the highest you'll ever see outside the SAS. I'm not even joking. This is particularly true of the big 'contingency' recruiters, where you'll get a few weeks 'training' (if thats what you want to call it) and then be given a phone and a desk. Expect 3 - 6 months to make some money (ie invoice a client). If the opportunity is with an exec search firm (by which I mean is retained by clients, not contingency selling 'exec search' with out retainers thats contingency with some marketing) then you would actually benefit from time at Accenture first before making that move.However you slice and dice it, Accenture Accenture Accenture.

Steve,I agree and would advise you to listen to Mars...Recruitment is not quite as sexy as it means, unless you get really good at it like Mars.Get into Accenture, do a few years there and career options wise things will be much rosier for you. Give it a few years and that 2:2 will be investigated less and the "Cambridge degree" is what they'll just remember.Go in Accenture, work hard, do well and you can always become a Recruitment Consultant in the future. Accenture will open far more doors for you.

Thanks Tom. I had the offer from the recruitment consulting already, they specialize in the SAP field and I was interested in knowing more about SAP. I felt that people in recruitment consulting are nice, and I am not sure what it is the culture like in Accenture.

Thanks mars, if I can get an offer from Accenture, I will definitely go with it. I've been through two rounds of interviews by now, and the final stage is assessment centre. Any tips on that?

Thanks Anon, now I am sure that I want to get into Accenture, it's just the assessment centre that I've never experienced before. I'll talk a lot (unstoppable!) when I get nervous...it's pretty bad I guess. During the video interview with Accenture, I've answered like 9 competency questions, and I don't think there's more from me at the assessment centre. Since it's not a consulting role, I wondered what would happen on that day...

Just remember this...It's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

[quote]Thanks Anon, now I am sure that I want to get into Accenture, it's just the assessment centre that I've never experienced before. I'll talk a lot (unstoppable!) when I get nervous...it's pretty bad I guess. During the video interview with Accenture, I've answered [b]like[/b] 9 competency questions, and I don't think there's more from me at the assessment centre. Since it's not a consulting role, I wondered what would happen on that day...[/quote]Try to remove the word "like" from where it's not needed - it annoys us old folk. I agree with the others on this thread - Accenture is the place to go.

Thanks Frio, I'll remove all the likes, it's just a bad habit sorry. There were 9 competency questions as I remembered, and I'm not sure what exactly are they looking for on client delivery roles. The description on their website is not clear.

No need to apologies to me - it's just a tip for when dealing with your future managers when you're going through the application process. Client delivery role is a really generic job title, it really could mean many things.If you get in, do a good job and start building a good network a whole host of opportunities will open for you.

Steve,Calm down - your postings are coming through like an excited child... this is fine when we are applying for intern roles while at school / Uni but not when you are going for full on Management Consultancy roles.Remember;1) You have gone through various interviews / competencies at Accenture and they still want you to come in to the last stages. You are nearly there2) Be confident but not arrogant. This is an incredibly difficult balance to get just right. You are coming through as under confident at the moment. You are going to meet a lot of cocky know it alls at an Accenture assessment Centre. They are oxygen thiefs and will try to take all air space. You need to show a bit of steel, but not be shouty. Show them here and there that your good manners don't mean weakness.3) Assessment Centre. Simply put, you need to nail it. You are a Cambridge Grad, which no doubt means you are smart from a "studying" point of view. An assessment centre will sanity check far more. I wont go into detail here, do a search on this forum for Assessment Centre and you will get plenty of advice / detailLast couple of pointsBest of luck and go in with a positive frame of mind. While others are babbling on about themselves, listen but also try to keep thinking one step ahead.Every assessment centre exercise - there will be FAR more to do then the time available. Thats the point, they are there to test you. If they give you 20mins, don't spend 18mins reading... you will have to flick through, take key info and spend a good 10mins creating the presentation.

no brainer... accenture..