The Student Room Group

2015 Consulting graduate applications

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Original post by Vox Feni
Same here, I received this bs after 6 weeks of "you have been invited to the AC" on my application status.
I wonder what is the point of specifying a firm deadline for applications If in the end they end up processing applications on a first-come-first-served basis? meh. :mad:


By the way, how did you go about choosing your alternative service line on the questionnaire? more than half of all available options (which are not even labelled) seem to describe several subsets of the technology consulting practice, with no real explanation of how they differ in terms of skills required...


Just went with what I felt matched my interests and was closest to Strategy. Narrowed my choice down to Analytics vs. Digital. Decided on Analytics in the end as I got the feeling it would tackling a wider range of business problems, where with Digital the focus naturally is very much on Digital problems and strategy.

In terms of the other options, ruled out the IT implementation/ IT strategy out fairly swiftly. Not my cup of tea, focused entirely on implementing IT systems. If I recall correctly the other options were labelled as Finance consulting but sounded more like operations orientated stuff, which is the more traditional management consulting work. However, I decided on Analytics over that as I felt it would be closer to the problems you'd encounter in strategy, but obviously focussing more on the data side of things.
Original post by zxh800
Just went with what I felt matched my interests and was closest to Strategy. Narrowed my choice down to Analytics vs. Digital. Decided on Analytics in the end as I got the feeling it would tackling a wider range of business problems, where with Digital the focus naturally is very much on Digital problems and strategy.

In terms of the other options, ruled out the IT implementation/ IT strategy out fairly swiftly. Not my cup of tea, focused entirely on implementing IT systems. If I recall correctly the other options were labelled as Finance consulting but sounded more like operations orientated stuff, which is the more traditional management consulting work. However, I decided on Analytics over that as I felt it would be closer to the problems you'd encounter in strategy, but obviously focussing more on the data side of things.


Makes sense, thanks for the reply mate.
Hi, can anyone give me any advice please? Which firm is more highly regarded, Capgemini or IBM? For Capgemini, I've got programme and transformation role, whereas for IBM I've been placed in their interactive customer experience service line.

I know that IBM have the bigger brand but the role at Capgemini would be better, but I'm not sure how well regarded Capgemini is.

Any advice would be much appreciated!
Reply 743
Original post by samsicle
Ooh congrats! When did you do your first round? Is it for the London office?


It's for manchester - performance improvement


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Original post by tasmith247
Hi, can anyone give me any advice please? Which firm is more highly regarded, Capgemini or IBM? For Capgemini, I've got programme and transformation role, whereas for IBM I've been placed in their interactive customer experience service line.

I know that IBM have the bigger brand but the role at Capgemini would be better, but I'm not sure how well regarded Capgemini is.

Any advice would be much appreciated!


In my personal opinion I would go for the firm with more prestige (IBM in this case)...If you asked me a year or so ago I would have said do the programme which you are most interested in but one thing I've realised having been to uni and having gone through the whole graduate process is that prestige matters above all else.

For example...

I don't know whether you use LinkedIn or not (you probably should sign up if you haven't already considering you're applying for corporate jobs) but whenever you look up any recent graduate and the firm they're working for (Eg. PwC) the first thing you do is scan their internships and then look at their university to subconsciously compare yourself to them. Whether Kent is the best university in the country for English or not is irrelevant as it's not a top 10 university and employers like the one's everyone is applying to here are looking for Top 10 universities (as its the only ones they're familiar with/ target directly and why take someone from somewhere else when there's an extremely good chance they can find an equally good candidate at a better university)

Likewise, as a graduate there is a good chance that you will change firm after a few years (after completing whatever grad programme) and ultimately apply to the bigger and better firms you didn't get into beforehand, this time applying as an experienced hire. Again they won't know too much about the specifics of the scheme (it's up to you to sell what you've done and the results you achieved at interview....and how that makes you a good fit for this new role) but they do know where they rank in the industry and where everyone else does too. Obviously you may love your grad scheme to bits and stick with the firm...

All this said I have answered your question very black and white...whether to go with prestige or interest in the programme.

I personally consider the following extremely carefully and you may want to too (ultimately it's up to you)...

1. Progression - Are there a limited number of Associate vacancies after the analyst scheme and what's the ratio that progress. It's important because if you really like the idea of sticking with the firm for more than 2/3 years (although this may change/ strengthen when you start) then it's something which can make a big difference. Also is there scope to get promoted outside the standard graduate structure...I can't think of anything more frustrating than working extremely hard to stand out and then not gaining the benefits of promotion/ more responsibility. Also number of years to Partner is you're that way inclined. In consulting they can range from 8-15 years.

2. Travel - I feel the opportunity to demonstrate you've worked abroad is ridiculously valuable at this point in time and can really help you stand out at interview. So, how international/ off-site work is there.

3. Client-facing - Same as above really - also demonstrates lots of responsibility

4. Culture - Do you feel valued, are you a tiny cog in a massive workhorse (progression often limited in this instance), do you enjoy where you work

Anyway I'm rambling but I'm happy to express my personal opinion/ offer advice should you want any more. I'd like to stress these are my thoughts...before everyone shoots me down. I do feel it's important to enjoy what you're doing but I think you may have to think more long term in terms of your overall career aspirations...a grad scheme is only 2/3 years after all...and we've all already endured 3/4 years of largely trivial work to get a bit of paper that has a name and a degree classification on it.

**Apologies for grammar/ spelling - can't be bothered to read this post over**
Reply 745
Original post by zxh800
Just went with what I felt matched my interests and was closest to Strategy. Narrowed my choice down to Analytics vs. Digital. Decided on Analytics in the end as I got the feeling it would tackling a wider range of business problems, where with Digital the focus naturally is very much on Digital problems and strategy.

In terms of the other options, ruled out the IT implementation/ IT strategy out fairly swiftly. Not my cup of tea, focused entirely on implementing IT systems. If I recall correctly the other options were labelled as Finance consulting but sounded more like operations orientated stuff, which is the more traditional management consulting work. However, I decided on Analytics over that as I felt it would be closer to the problems you'd encounter in strategy, but obviously focussing more on the data side of things.


Analytics all the way :cool:

Original post by tasmith247
Hi, can anyone give me any advice please? Which firm is more highly regarded, Capgemini or IBM? For Capgemini, I've got programme and transformation role, whereas for IBM I've been placed in their interactive customer experience service line.

I know that IBM have the bigger brand but the role at Capgemini would be better, but I'm not sure how well regarded Capgemini is.

Any advice would be much appreciated!


Follow the role, first and foremost. What do you want to do going forward? You can change firms if you want to further down the line, but you can't change your areas of experience as easily!

Do you fully understand what would be expected of you in each area? If not - ASK! Talk to your HR contact and ask to speak to a grad in the area you have an offer from. It won't harm your position and realistically will be better to make an informed decision rather than listening to me or anyone else here giving their own views. :smile:

Original post by wisepirate
In my personal opinion I would go for the firm with more prestige (IBM in this case)...If you asked me a year or so ago I would have said do the programme which you are most interested in but one thing I've realised having been to uni and having gone through the whole graduate process is that prestige matters above all else.

For example...

I don't know whether you use LinkedIn or not (you probably should sign up if you haven't already considering you're applying for corporate jobs) but whenever you look up any recent graduate and the firm they're working for (Eg. PwC) the first thing you do is scan their internships and then look at their university to subconsciously compare yourself to them. Whether Kent is the best university in the country for English or not is irrelevant as it's not a top 10 university and employers like the one's everyone is applying to here are looking for Top 10 universities (as its the only ones they're familiar with/ target directly and why take someone from somewhere else when there's an extremely good chance they can find an equally good candidate at a better university)

Likewise, as a graduate there is a good chance that you will change firm after a few years (after completing whatever grad programme) and ultimately apply to the bigger and better firms you didn't get into beforehand, this time applying as an experienced hire. Again they won't know too much about the specifics of the scheme (it's up to you to sell what you've done and the results you achieved at interview....and how that makes you a good fit for this new role) but they do know where they rank in the industry and where everyone else does too. Obviously you may love your grad scheme to bits and stick with the firm...

All this said I have answered your question very black and white...whether to go with prestige or interest in the programme.

I personally consider the following extremely carefully and you may want to too (ultimately it's up to you)...

1. Progression - Are there a limited number of Associate vacancies after the analyst scheme and what's the ratio that progress. It's important because if you really like the idea of sticking with the firm for more than 2/3 years (although this may change/ strengthen when you start) then it's something which can make a big difference. Also is there scope to get promoted outside the standard graduate structure...I can't think of anything more frustrating than working extremely hard to stand out and then not gaining the benefits of promotion/ more responsibility. Also number of years to Partner is you're that way inclined. In consulting they can range from 8-15 years.

2. Travel - I feel the opportunity to demonstrate you've worked abroad is ridiculously valuable at this point in time and can really help you stand out at interview. So, how international/ off-site work is there.

3. Client-facing - Same as above really - also demonstrates lots of responsibility

4. Culture - Do you feel valued, are you a tiny cog in a massive workhorse (progression often limited in this instance), do you enjoy where you work

Anyway I'm rambling but I'm happy to express my personal opinion/ offer advice should you want any more. I'd like to stress these are my thoughts...before everyone shoots me down. I do feel it's important to enjoy what you're doing but I think you may have to think more long term in terms of your overall career aspirations...a grad scheme is only 2/3 years after all...and we've all already endured 3/4 years of largely trivial work to get a bit of paper that has a name and a degree classification on it.

**Apologies for grammar/ spelling - can't be bothered to read this post over**


Your 4 points are reasonable, but don't seem to relate to your initial paragraph where you talk about Cap vs IBM.

I would choose Cap. IBM aren't more prestigious in the management consulting space (I'd argue they are less prestigious than Cap which was essentially E&Y not so long ago). They also pay less at a junior level and are generally thought to invest far less in development of their people (loads of info online on that, although obvs people do get different experiences). It's not a right or wrong kind of choice either way, but to choose IBM just because the name is well known for entirely different reasons is not sound logic. The right people will know both.
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by M1011
Analytics all the way :cool:


What's the career trajectory like in Analytics? What kinds of things do people end up doing after 5+ years (if they don't stay with professional service firms that is)? I've been purely looking at strategy consulting so far with a few to taking up a strategy orientated role in industry after a few years experience, so I was wondering if a similar option existed with Analytics?
Reply 747
Has anyone heard back from OC&C re: the interview rounds in Jan?
Reply 748
Does anyone know whether it is too late to apply for Capgemini Sept/Oct 2015 intake?
Original post by gcafc
oc&c had first and final rounds in a day last week. offers have been made and contracts delivered. i don't know if any spots remain

I think there are two (at least?) groups at the moment.

I did their online tests a week or two ago and the email read: "If you are successful in this first stage, we will be hosting interviews at our London office on, Tuesday 6, Thursday 8 and Friday 9 January 2015".
Original post by tasmith247
Hi, can anyone give me any advice please? Which firm is more highly regarded, Capgemini or IBM? For Capgemini, I've got programme and transformation role, whereas for IBM I've been placed in their interactive customer experience service line.

I know that IBM have the bigger brand but the role at Capgemini would be better, but I'm not sure how well regarded Capgemini is.

Any advice would be much appreciated!


With regards to my previous post I don't know too much about IBM or Capgemini or the two programmes specifically which is why my response was written generally speaking. I do agree with [M1011] in the the sense that you should do everything you can to find out about the roles and the organisation through talking to people directly in order to make a more informed decision that represents your values. Personal development investment as highlighted is a good indicator of the value they place in you but I don't think pay should ever come into it. As a graduate whilst its nice to finally have money coming in and although you will always compare your pay to that of your friends its a very narrow way of looking at something...why get paid more now at firm X when your long term prospects/ pay could be far better at firm Y.
Reply 751
@Michael XYZ This is correct, I'm also in the Jan group. So I assume you haven't heard back yet either?
(edited 9 years ago)
Got an email today from EY saying they've filled up their ACs for 2014..guess no news till the new year :frown:
Original post by wisepirate
With regards to my previous post I don't know too much about IBM or Capgemini or the two programmes specifically which is why my response was written generally speaking. I do agree with [M1011] in the the sense that you should do everything you can to find out about the roles and the organisation through talking to people directly in order to make a more informed decision that represents your values. Personal development investment as highlighted is a good indicator of the value they place in you but I don't think pay should ever come into it. As a graduate whilst its nice to finally have money coming in and although you will always compare your pay to that of your friends its a very narrow way of looking at something...why get paid more now at firm X when your long term prospects/ pay could be far better at firm Y.



Thanks for your input guys!
Reply 754
Original post by zxh800
What's the career trajectory like in Analytics? What kinds of things do people end up doing after 5+ years (if they don't stay with professional service firms that is)? I've been purely looking at strategy consulting so far with a few to taking up a strategy orientated role in industry after a few years experience, so I was wondering if a similar option existed with Analytics?


A lot depends on what kind of "analytics" you are interested in and gain experience of. Some people focus on the data science side of things (big data / hadoop etc). Others prefer the more traditional "consulting" side of it (business modelling / optimisation). Both offer good prospects in industry, particularly in areas such as BI. Don't factor out strategy orientated roles further down the line either - for every good strategy there needs to be a solid business model!

Also on a side note, personally I quite like how Analytics give you a specialism (you're the numbers guy), but in reality you tend to work across a lot of clients and still do all the typical core consulting stuff. So in essence, you don't need to stay in analytics 5 years down the line if you don't want too - the skills are very transferable and in demand.


Original post by PP5246
Does anyone know whether it is too late to apply for Capgemini Sept/Oct 2015 intake?


Nope, should still be fine to apply now.
Hey, for anyone applying at Deloitte - do they do re-testing during the 1st round interview? Someone told me the other day that they do but the interview invitation email didn't mention anything about this.. thanks!
Reply 756
Has anyone heard back from Bain yet regarding first round AC interviews for London/European offices? Any idea when we'll hear back? Thanks!
Original post by jasmin9010
Hey, for anyone applying at Deloitte - do they do re-testing during the 1st round interview? Someone told me the other day that they do but the interview invitation email didn't mention anything about this.. thanks!


This is what I recieved from Monitor before my AC:

"Deloitte operates a retesting policy; you could therefore be selected to sit a retest of the numerical test before attending your first interview. If selected, you will resit your test in the Deloitte office where your interview is to be conducted. Unfortunately if you are unsuccessful at the retest stage you will not be able to proceed to the first round interview stage."

Assuming no one has heard back from them post-ACs?
Original post by lolalu
@Michael XYZ This is correct, I'm also in the Jan group. So I assume you haven't heard back yet either?

Correct, I've not heard back yet either.
Original post by edgorey
Has anyone heard back from Bain yet regarding first round AC interviews for London/European offices? Any idea when we'll hear back? Thanks!


I haven't heard back yet either. I could kick myself for forgetting to ask after my interview, but I assumed (hoped!) they would let us all know today (or at least by the end of tomorrow) as first round interviews have now finished as far as I know.

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