I have offers from ACN and CSC. ACN @ Manager (M3) and CSC for Principal,CSC is paying me 4k more on base .Workwise both are for the "hot skills " in architecture I am only concerned about the career progression and work culture . how difficult is it to make it from M3 to SM in ACN and Principal to next level in CSC.Any inputs would be helpful in deciding my future career path.

how old are you and what packge are each offering

32yrs , ACN 79 ,CSC 83

be carefull with CSC, I have heard very strange stories about the work culture there etc.From what I know M3 to SM in accenture will probably take you 2 performance periods (depending on when you join). The best choice would be to start with ACN in the next few months, get adjusted quick and be on a top project with a good role for the start of the new performance year (1st of June officially). of course you need to perform like hell, do some business development besides, but it is manageable.advantage of ACN:there is a defined career path within ACN and even if the promotion process is not perfect...at least there is a process. each year people make the jump up, why shouldn´t you?I cannot tell you about CSC but from what I see ACN has the most transparent promotion process in the market. I would expect more politics within CSC.

You need to consider long term earnings too to establish which is worth it. If you're almost SM you're probably thinking about going for partner/senior executive so it might be worth finding out what's on offer at each firm. I know at Accenture it's not enough!

what is the grading structure at CSC?

I've worked for both (6 years with CSC and 2 with Accenture) - I would say ACN any day! (But then again, I suppose it depends what you look for in a company?)