Hello everyone,

I have recently received an offer from Accenture for graduate consulting position. I am graduating from top London university and I am interviewing for graduate positions at other consultancies, but I was pleased with Accenture offer. However, when I told my friends about it, mostly I got negative reactions and some were even shocked that I would want to work at Accenture. This is mostly due to their perception of Accenture's culture - extremely long hours, lot of pressure, constant traveling.
I never thought that these things were any different at other consultancies. However, I have my doubts now if I really want to work for a company that lot of people seem to perceive as "bad guys". How is that going to reflect on my own personal image?

During my interview process I met few people from other top London and UK universities and even few from top business schools from Europe and I am aware that lot of people from my school applied there and didn't even get invited to the first round of interviews. I am confused as to why lot of people are applying and want to work there whereas those outside of it really thing badly of the company.

One would think you would be honored for the position presented to you. To work at a top consultancy firm like Accenture opens a number of future opportunities few will be afforded.

Do not listen to your friends, the offer was presented you, only you can decide if you have the fortitude it takes to accept a role like this. Yes, there will be long hours, sacrifices to be made, and missed time with you friends; but you won't know if the position is right for you unless you try.

As for Accenture, this is a top company with international opportunities that will never leave you bored, nor will you stop learning.

Best luck in your decision. Nothing worth pursuing is cheap.

Hey Bebsy

ACN is not as bad as people make it out to be. I never worked there, but know many people who have and I recruited with them out of university as well.

Don't listen to people who are in your class. Everybody is in a different situation and has different aspirations. Looking at what they are doing, or what they think about ACN is only going to confuse you. Instead, focus on your own goals and talk to some experienced folks in the field (in person, as opposed to a forum where random people post random things that might bias you)

Now, here is my view for all it is worth given my intro above: if you browse the internet and this forum you will find a lot of negative opinion on ACN. This is because frustrated people scream the hardest, and happy people go out and enjoy their success and happiness (instead of venting in a forum). You will see the same phenomenon with many other firms as well. You could certainly do worse than starting your career out at ACN.

Having said that, meet with as many firms in the field (i.e. consulting if this is what you want to do) as are willing to interview you. Once you have a full set of alternatives, make a final decision based on your available options. What other people think or whether you believe you could have done better is irrelevant at that point, since you have your best during the recruitment cycle and you picked your best available alternative.

Hi,

I am currently working at ACN so I can give you some insight (Toronto Branch). I have been with ACN for about 6 months. Are you in System Integration, Tech Consulting, or Management Consulting? I am personally in TC and I find that there are a lot of good opportunities.

Yes, the hours are long some days but that comes with the job. It really depends on the project and how busy you are though. Sometimes I work 13-14 hour days, sometimes I work 10-12. Regardless, it isn't as bad as people make it up to be and it is a big branch name so it always looks good on your resume.