Hi all,Once again, a lost grad seeking advice from elders....I have got an offer from Shell in a technical role and a Big 4 offer in Consulting. Choosing between the two is a challenge! Starting salary is roughly the same for both,so I am looking at future opportunities. After reading posts in the forum, it seems that moving from a Big4 to industry is very common, but what about moving from a technical industry role to consulting? Also, does anyone has any idea as to how the pay compares between Big oils ans Big 4s at higher level? What job would open more doors?Thanks,Lost Grad

Hi,if you choose consulting you´ll can relatively easy switch to industry in a few years. But to find a job in your favorite practice (automotive, banking, resources) is a bit more difficult in my opinion.I think, Shell is a great employer with various career opportunities. If I could choose again, I would take my first steps in industry.

To be honest Lost Grad you could just flip a coin - both great companies, great brands on your CV, and both will provide enough development to keep you going for years. Oil and FS in particular are 2 sectors where moves from industry to consulting are both commonplace and fairly well trodden (more so in Oil I think than any other sector) and having Shell on your CV will certainly grab the interest of consulting firms specialising in the oil space in future years. The route from Big 4 to industry is comparable.On balance, by a miniscule degree, I would probably go for Shell, for the greater breadth, security of the sector, and that they are starting to do some serious things in sustainability which will only make your experience even more valuable in 4 or 5 years time.

But surely, once in an engineering role, it is hard to get out of one? Most consultancies look for people with change management experience, right? Do you get to develop these skills by being an engineer in BP? If consulting is your end target, why not start with a big 4 job?

I would opt for Shell.I work for them through a big 4 firm and am considering applying to a role in trading there. They seem like a good company to work for.

Would the same comments apply to BP and Exxon, or is Shell one of a kind compared to the big oils?

Getting out of an engineering role depends on the individual. After all, it is up to an individual to determine where they want to be as opposed to where the company wants them to be. Sure, you can opt to stay in engineering, but nothing stopping you from moving around and experiencing change management engineering type projects. If you want to completely move out of engineering this could be a shock, but do-able. Good luck.