Hi all. I've been watching this forum for a while now, but this is my first time posting. I need some honest advice from everyone here.I'm currently holding two offers from an investment bank and DC. Both are expiring soon, and both are pushing me to accept quickly. DC is offering me a role in Tech Integration, while the IB role will be in technology.The salary at the IB will be much higher, which will equate to £360 a month more than DC after taxes. Both roles will require me to move and rent in London. One thing I'm not sure of now is how much I'll be able to save if I adhere to DC's expense policies, and since the IB doesn't have such policies, will the extra expenditure negate the higher salary disparity and bring both salaries to a similar level?In terms of quality of life, I'm sure DC wins hands down. IBs are notorious for their longer working hours, true? I'm quite particular on this work life balance issue as I feel that it's the one thing that will keep me from getting too stressed out or burning out after a few years. That's my perception, anyone here care to debate that?I'm also interested at the scope of training and knowledge I will receive at both firms. Any idea how much industry knowledge I will gain from working at DC as compared to the IB? I'm pretty sure both will train me up in the staple technologies out there, such as .NET, *nix, excel modelling, and project management certifications. However, does anyone know how much financial knowledge IBs train their tech grads in, or will the role be purely IT and not touch upon the financial side?I'm meeting up with a HR officer from the IB next week, and will ask him/her these questions as well. However, I know most (if not all) firms will speak highly of themselves and thus not paint a realistic picture, which is why I would really value honest answers/opinions on this forum from individuals that have experience. If I do get any new information I'll post it on this thread, but in the meantime please try and offer me advice to make my choice a bit clearer. I'm really torn between two offers here. I've seen lots of activity on the forums lately and hope that this thread gets some good attention. Thanks all!

You've been watching the forum for a while, and you have not noticed the range of replies to similar questions.What are your career aspirations?What do you enjoy doing?How will each job cater to each?

I can only answer one of those questions. Before I quit to do my PhD, I worked at CS (or CSFB as it then was) in IT. You need (and will be trained) in minimal financial knowledge unless you are specifically hired as a quant developer or something. Mostly the role is about general IT and systems support, even desktop support for the proprietary tools.

Hi popstar. I'm looking to go into a FO role as an applications developer, so perhaps they might train me in the banking side of things a bit more. What role did you perform in CS when you were there? Also, what kinda hours did you work? Personally if I'm gonna be learning practically the same technical knowledge at both firms, I'd rather go for DC as they purportedly have better (saner?) working hours and I'd have time to myself at the end of the day. Albeit lower pay (less $360 a month), but I guess I could make that up in performance bonuses right?Any other people wish to contribute to the discussion?

TI within DC, fromwhat i know/heard has a really good reputation, you really can't go wrong with that.I guess it can depend what IB you have technology role with.I've been offered role with JP in technology (and i've heard some..average things, real of bonuses/pay is horrible (glasgow))In your shoes i'd probably been tempted to go with DC. consulting and systems integration go hand in hand and it's great skill set to learn.But you also have to conisder do you want to go down the city/finance route(IB) or ANY other route? (DC)

TI within DC, fromwhat i know/heard has a really good reputation, you really can't go wrong with that.I guess it can depend what IB you have technology role with.I've been offered role with JP in technology (and i've heard some..average things, real of bonuses/pay is horrible (glasgow))In your shoes i'd probably been tempted to go with DC. consulting and systems integration go hand in hand and it's great skill set to learn.But you also have to conisder do you want to go down the city/finance route(IB) or ANY other route? (DC)

Surely this just boils down to: What do you want more of, time or money?Can you hack 5 years at the IB then move on? Do you really want to? Presonally I'd go for Deloitte, but then again, I'm such a slacker I only 8 till 4 anyway.

wstar,Hope my posting here doesn't reveal too much of myself for any trawling HR personnel to weed me out. I was offered by JP in London. I've had friends offered by JP in regional offices before (outside London) and honestly their offers are nothing much to shout about (circa 27k). Please don't take offence though I don't mean to put down or look down upon your offer.Care to provide a heads up on the average salary increase/bonuses scheme? It's said to be discretionary, I know in all probablility it won't be as much as a trading/front office role, but I honestly have no clue as to the amounts. Anyone here care to comment?

Anon,Your right! The starting salary outside London for JP Morgan is pretty crap - i've been offered more by BT professional services, i may just go there now and they offer up to 15% bonus where as JP Morgan are like erm...well it's discretionary and frankly it's annoying.sorry to the original poster for taking up your thread :)although i would still join DC TI - such a good role i think

wstar,Well mate, 95% made my mind up already to join TI. I've also read another post here that sez to join tech IB from IT cons. would be easier than vice versa, and that puts me in an advantaged position. I could do with more money, but frankly speaking I'm not prepared to work 10 - 15 hours more a week for a mere 90 pounds. I could make that in a few hours selling on ebay.You'd think that being a major IB JP's positions would be filled by now. The fact that only the London positions are filled and regional offices are still advertising positions hints at something doesn't it. BTW BT actually stated their bonus amount in your offer? Well done mate!

Anon,Yup i was a bit surprised too! It's a guaranteed 7.5% and up to 15% if you perform well. Recruiter told me (after i scared her with my IB offer) that after couple years on the scheme i'd probably be on around 35-38k which is not too bad.What's shocking is the pay JP offer in regional offices - and the difference....around 8-10k which really annoyed me - and i live in London so i know the difference between living expenses in London and Glasgow (home town)It is puzzling though but i do know that for back-office roles they tend to recruit all year and FO's are in Sep/August.Well for me Consulting is little more attractive, there's possibilities for European/international assignments and you do get a lot of mixture that you normally wouldn't as an IB TECH grad.Hard choice though - but it's a good one to have!