Dear All,From reading through the threads, it appears there are alot of very knowledgable professionals from all backgrounds - consulting, banking, trading etc etc I am wondering if you would be able to offer me some of your words of wisdom regarding my career choice below, I'm sure there will be a few contrasting views, I'm all ears!I am finalist business student trying to make a decision about which career path to go down. I have offers from both a big four and a very large oil company to start with them next year in a graduate scheme. In the oil company, I have the option to start as trader on around 40k, with the big four as a consultant on around 36K, however I have also been applying to Investment banks (for the money of course!). I'm trying to decide which routes may work out the best - for example, if I cant get into IB advisory now, would it be an idea to start as commodities trader and make the move a few years down the line? Or perhaps start in the big four as a consultant and try and move across to Corp. Finance later (which is also a bit of a challenge!), or use my background in consulting and try and make move into IB that way? Ultimately, I would like to end up in IB, and the quickest route (assuming I cant start as a graduate) is what i'm looking for?Cheers for your time =)C

How old are you?

You are wrong in your assumptiuon.....you can start in IB as a graduate. Good luck!

Stephen: He knows he can start as a grad, this is his backup option. Read things properly before replying!C: You don't tell us a lot about what consulting area you have an offer for (if it is consulting that is... could be a big 4 bank!!). However, i'd go off the assumption that it won't be as relevant to IB as being a trader in an oil company. Therefore, and i'm sure you could make this leap of logic yourself, stick with the relevant experience that being a trader will give you (if it's front office work you're after that is). If it's back office or nearly front office (as implied by the IB advisory comment), then maybe you would be better served by the consultancy work, espeicially if it's finance related.I am, however, intrigued as to what consultancy is offering 36k to a grad?

hence I asked his/her age.it is always depend on your expereince and age.36k for a grad which just came out of uni is far too high.So I believe u got to give a bit more detail.

Thanks Anon, K & Stephen for sharing your advice! In response to your question, I am 21 and completed my sandwich year placement (as part of my degree) with the big 4 firm, my initial offer was made at 34k, I negotiated a higher salary with my years experience in the firm =) I worked in strategy mainly (but often touched on other random projects!) whilst at the Big 4. It looks like trading will help me work towards getting into IB eventually, in the meantime will keep up with my applications to the banks and keep my fingers crossed, thanks again!C