I have a career dilemma-I'm fairly new to the consulting field, about 2 years experience and I have an MBA equivalent degree. I am certain that I want to specialize in public sector work. I can go with a big name firm and wait a few years before Im secure on govt projects or I can go straight to a small PS firm with less name recognition. The first will look great on the CV and the latter may give me better experience (i hope..). In the longrun... what's better? brand name on the CV or the actual content of the work you do?

Not really a dilemma anon... go for the brand (there is a reason they are a brand in the first place i.e they will be doing a lot of work in PS to achieve that brand recognition, and the quality of training/projects should be very good). It will also give you far more exit options -you can always move on to a niche PS firm (i.e. smaller) later when you have an established track record with the bigger firms but having a branded MC firm on your CV will make subsequent moves MUCH easier.

Thanks Mars a Day- Im just so tempted to go with the smaller firm, however, becuase I could be getting straight onto those coveted strategy/planning projects rather than having to wait in line at the big brand firm....