I have around 12 years of experience in IT Project/ Program Management. ACN has given me an offer to join at M1 level. They are still deciding the package. I feel disappointed with the levelling. I am looking for any guidance before accepting this offer.

depends on the package. M1 vs M2 tends to be irrelevant as the guidelines prevent any meaningful promotion with less than 24mos service anyway. SM (which I assume you were hoping for) is rarely offered and requires both industry contacts and proof of business won. EHs coming into SM tend to be those who have missed director/AP at other firms.Don't obsess over the levelling, if the base meets your needs then see what you can negotiate in terms of months at level afterwards.

I agree with someguy, however I would negotiate the MAL with HR before you sign as it is harder to do after (although not impossible).

Base will be anything from 65-70k (not much more) plus 5.75k car + 8% indicative bonus (normally 10-15%) + package.You can be unhappy at the levelling but if they think you match upto the people they have at M1 and you are not on a par of people who are M2/M3/M4 then that's life. Especially if you haven't come from a consultancy.

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if ACN supports faster promotion cycles in case you are found to have been hired at wrong level?

They have done in the past - but it relies on you finding a key sponsor that takes up your case and pushes it. You have to remember that you're always laddered against others at your level - if you're getting accelerated, someone else is missing out on an opportunity. So there will be resistance.

I often hear 'laddered' in this context - does this mean 'stack ranked' or 'ripped apart like an old pair of tights' ?

The Partner who interviewed me call to discuss my concerns. He mentioned that there are fast progressions but you need to have a sponsor. They seem to value me - looks like its me who failed to leverage it and negotiate better position. I have decided to join ACN; lets see what future holds for me.

Nhire, first of all congrats on the offer. Promotions will not come instantly and there is always an element of randomness in such a large outfit, but be assured that with the right projects and network you will be seen and recognized rapidly. The one advantage of coming in at M1 as opposed to say SM is the scope for learning on the role and easily outshining your peers which translates into above average pay rises and better roles (virtuous cycle).

Nhire, Which vertical would you be joining? and how long did they take to get back to you after your partner interview? I am waiting for a response from ACN and just wondering how long i should wait.

I have not been aligned to any vertical yet. It took them a week after Partner interview (but HR normally commits to 10 days).

Thanks someguy. You are right about the positives of coming at M1. Lets see how things pan out in ACN.