I have been offered positions on the Grad Schemes at both Accenture and PA Consulting. I really don’t have a clue which one to accept, and was hoping for any advice or comments. Im looking for a career which is technology focused, but which large amounts of customer interaction (but certainly NOT programming every day).Does anyone have any comments on the following for either or both companies:- Type of Work- Career Progression- Work/Life Balance- Training- Working Culture- Offers BelowAnd any other relevant points, which would give me a clearer view of either company?Below are a few background details about offers and myself, but ask if you need anymore?My Background:Bsc. (Hons) Computer Science – 2.1 (University of Manchester)1 years work experience at Microsoft as an SDETAccenture Offer:Working within ATSSalary: £28,500 pa£10,000 bonus (£6000 start of year 1, £4000 start of year 2)Holiday: 30 days + bank holidaysPension: NoneDiscretionary Bonus: NoneHealth Care: £400PA’s Offer:Working within IS ImplementationSalary: £27,000 paSign on Bonus: £1000Joining Payment: £2000Transport Allowance: £3500Pension: £2160Health Care: £350Discretionary Bonus: dependant upon performance (last year 20% salary)Holiday: 23 days + bank holidays

Accenture every day of the week.Rumour has it PA ain't the best place to be for grads right now.

PA no doubt... especially if you want a life

For your average joe on the street, Accenture is the better known brand- thins is important for future job opps. PA is a good company, but its small size and UK govt focus is a hindrance in my view; they have virtually no footprint in finance for example. Pay wise both are similar; neither great, but both acceptable.

Generally, they have similar projects and prestige but different cultures and ownership structures.Accenture is secure but bland so good for corporate warriors and the risk-averse. PA has risk/reward opportunities for mavericks and the more commercially minded.

Would disagree that PA is more commercially focussed- there reputation is that they are bright fore sure, but say for example in comparison to accenture, they dont have as much of the commercial/management consulting skills which your typical accenture consultant will display. Also PA arent known for their aggression, which can be a good or bad thing.

Thanks for all your advice. In terms of exposure to customers rather that sat at a desk all the time, do both companies offer this?Also, is Accenture really as evil as people make out?

be VERY careful here...ATS in Accenture is NOT consulting. it is a part of the solutions workforce. please read up on this before comparing apples and pears.

Ok, im going to feel very stupid now (feel free to abuse me for this), but its not ATS im joining but AIMS (Accenture Information Management Services. I had very foolishly assumed they were identical Services. Sorry for the inconvience caused :-(

The advantage that PA offers you is the ability to make yourself noticed if you are good.I had a large amount of exposure on all of my assignments at PA. Including presenting / interviewing senior mangers in my first role. PA can be very much what you make it, that said you can be unlucky and end up on the wrong assignments (same at any firm)I found the senior management at PA to be a real mixed bag, some very intelligent, sharp and interesting people. Some with limited consulting or managerial skills.In summary as a grad (which I joined as) you have more opportunity to make a name for yourself at PA, but higher risk as you won't be 'found' a project to work on and the focus is upon utilisation.

Any further comments would be welcome?

You say you get a bonus each year typially 20%. That sounds REALLY good. So eg. on £28000 does that mean each year you'll get about 5K bonus minimum? That sounds awseome! Is that correct? If so the financial rewards of PA are one of the best I've come across for grad level.