Hi,I am currently heading up the strategy and projects division at a South African corporate bank - was previously a strategy consultant at Accenture for 4 years (in financial services). My husband is being transfered to the UK, not sure whether to look for a position in consulting again (either contract or within a firm), or in a bank?? Looking for the most lucrative option that will advance my career quickly.Any advise hugely appreciated!

Hmm. My "advise" (why can't people get this one right??) is to get a senior strategy job with a top investment bank. That will advance your career pretty quickly.

I think you answered your own question with the use of the word "lucrative". If money is your primary driver then investment banking will easily out-pay a consulting role in London.Both sectors are recruiting like the clappers by the way, so with Accenture and banking experience on your CV you'd be able to secure a position in whichever of the two you choose.

Thanks - good to hear the job market is buoyant over there. In South Africa there is massive demand for consultant's at the moment, so the more lucrative option here at the moment is free-lance, contract consulting if you have a good name in the market.Would banking still out-pay contract consulting? It is interesting to hear that your investment banks have in-house strategy roles - financial services here in SA most "strategy" roles in banking are in the the retail banking space.

Contract rates tend to vary...anything from £450 to £1000 a day...set up a pvt company and you could end up paying abt 15% tax...thus take home pay in the region of 85% of gross...however I am not sure what area you consult in...the above rates are very much for system guys...say Summit/Murex/Calypso guys..not if you have good business side knowledge together with API development experience that could be well sought after...

Contract rates tend to vary...anything from £450 to £1000 a day...set up a pvt company and you could end up paying abt 15% tax...thus take home pay in the region of 85% of gross...however I am not sure what area you consult in...the above rates are very much for system guys...say Summit/Murex/Calypso guys..not if you have good business side knowledge together with API development experience that could be well sought after...

Try these guys - www.druidib.com

Thanks annon - I have a real mixed bag of experience, so the contract route is still an option as I do have system implementation experience (SAP though - very popular in SA banking at the moment). will check out the site Druid - thx.