Hi, I am currently researching the somewhat daunting task of my new career, possibly consulting, and am trying to gather as much information as possible to make a decision. My background is a BCom/LLB with 4 years experience as a private practice corporate lawyer. I am midway through completing my MBA through Edinburgh Business School (HW). I am trying to find out the following:1. Roughly what is the pay structure for consultants at McK, Bain etc and at the accounting firms (i.e. Yr1 - partner/director)?2. Would the normal route for MBAs be a straight hire to consultant post-completion of the MBA?3. Is there a timetable when most of the firms start taking applications for new consultants? 4. What is the different reputations of the consulting arms of the accounting firms i.e. is Deloitte seen as preferrable to KPMG etc in the UK and worldwide?5. Besides the UK I am looking at Singapore and Sydney (I'm a New Zealander). Does anyone know if they follow a similar hiring process in these countries? Also, I only speak English, so would this rule out consulting in HK?Apologies for all the questions, but I would really appreciate any help. Many thanks

1. See glassdoor.com and the top-consultant.com salary survey (search for "salary survey" on the forum to find a link)2. Job titles vary between firms; some firms would hire MBAs as "Associates", others as "Consultants", and no offence, but some firms would only hire Edinburgh MBAs as 2nd year Analysts3. For formal MBA hiring, September through December, and sometimes again in the Spring. Hiring timetables vary by school, e.g. for one-year vs. two-year courses and for those which start the year in September vs. January.4. Varies from country to country, but they're much of a muchness overall. Deloitte have maintained the most consistent consulting presence, so have the largest workforce and the reputation for offering the largest range (not necessarily the best) of services in the UK and US. PwC are the most successful overall (measured by revenues and profit). KPMG are the most prestigious in the Netherlands and Austria. E&Y have marketed aggressively in the UK public sector, though haven't built out the consulting wing as successfully in other countries.5. Singapore and Sydney, yes. Consulting in HK with only English is no longer possible as the source of work turns towards the mainland (and there are plenty of good bilingual candidates).