My sister is a consultant for KPMG in Vancouver. She likes it fine but is frustrated my having to take projects that are given her, whether interesting or in her field or not. They do quite a bit of training, if you want to be an accountant, but not much else. They did this one training thing on e-commerce being partially bought by cisco. They required everyone take an online test to show that they read the book. Now her specialty is environmental economics (the environmental impact of economic decisions and vice versa, mainly power generation) and knows squat about computer technology. So she called me and read me the questions and I told her how to answer. That's training.

A couple things to keep in mind about consulting. First your rarely get to choose your projects, you get what they give you. Second, you never work on your own projects, always someone elses. Not that either are bad. It depends on your specialty. If you are a CPA then you've got not problem. The big "5" are all accounting firms first, consulting is a sideline. If you have a special area of interest then doing it depends on them having a job to do. If they don't you do what they give you. It also depends on how many others are ahead of you at the food line.

The decision is untimately up to you. You have to do something you will find interesting. It's likely you will change jobs eventually anyway.

 

I have only heard of big 5 accounting firm.
The consulting firms within or spun off from those 5 firms certainly aren't "big 5" consulting firms. If you are an auditor/accountant, I'm sure the name will be good enough. The same theory applies to a near drop out Harvard graduate.
However, I doubt andersen consulting or KPMG is going to carry anymore weight than any regional consulting firm.
They do, however, offer a lot of training.
That's why it is important for you to take advantage of those training to upgrade yourself.

If it makes a difference for you, they do hold great christmas parties. That's the only thing I enjoy


[QUOTE]Originally posted by SpaceNeedle:
[B]Pig,

I think the name of the firm will carry me even if I am without skills.

 

Oh, I forgot to mention this.
Most training aren't required in those firms.
Even the "required" ones, you can really get out of those easily. With the amount of work they stuff you, it's very easy to find easy ways out. It still brings me back to the same point. It's fun and gives you a lot of money to go consulting, but you will have to have the discipline to keep up with the trainings even if you already work 80 hours a week.
Good luck

 

Well, I hate to be a stick in the mud, but a lot of consulting places are having a tough time right now... I know mine is. Lots of companies are watching their stocks get battered, and are throttling back big-time on their project dollars. Without big projects, consultants are SOL!

That said, I love my job. I'm 6 months outside of college and making more than I thought I would in 10 years. But, as the others have said, if I hated my job it really wouldn't matter. Chances are you'll be doing your job a hell of a lot more than you'll be playing with the toys your job lets you buy, so make sure you're doing something you like! (-:

Look into the consulting company, check out the clients they work with, and see how their financial straights are. Get a feel for what the consulting company will be like in a few years, even if the market crashes (the sky is falling!!!), and then do whatever the heck you want. It's your life (-:

-tim

[This message has been edited by TimStevens (edited December 20, 2000).]

 

What is your degree in and from where are you receiving it???
The advise given to you by cthree is very sound and you would be well advised to give it serious consideration.
As a former corporate attorney(litigation), I for one would tread very lightly into the corporate arena in 2001.
Be sure you have or develop a useful skill, the market for " jacks of all trades" is very soft just now.
Good Luck!!!!!!!!

 

BTW, I loved managers with the same attitude as wirejock. They constantly kept me in the Court Room where I wanted to be.

 

What type of court room cases are managers "like me" providing? I took over with a huge work order backlog. Production numbers now are higher than any time in history. Every technician has received anywhere from 10% to 30% raise since my tenure just over a year ago. Every tech has or will attend certification classes ( 10 day course $5,000) by the end of 2001. Departmental moral is so positive I have techies from other departments constantly asking for open positions. I have personally managed the installation of Telecom technology installations at all of our 110 locations.
I have the best. I treat them like they are the best. These techs support a Telecom system bigger than many cities (10,000+ telephones). Yes, it is my Department. Yes, I get the credit. Yes, It's all attributed to my staff. And Yes, I always make sure everyone knows it. Yes, I'm hard on contractors. I'm responsible for their performance. And no, not a single lawsuit in 20 years. I would never be so stupid as to make a move without questioning our corporate attorneys. Sorry, I'll get back down off my soapbox.



[This message has been edited by wirejock (edited December 20, 2000).]

 

WIREJOCK

I must apologize for my previous post, where I obviously offended you with my characterization of your management style.
I have spent countless hours litigating cases involving managers with no respect for company policy, laws and regulations. Your post gave me the impression that you were of that same ilk.
I am impressed with your accomplishments and it would appear that you are in fact the "real deal".
Again, my most sincere apology.

BTW I make a very handsome living sueing these bastards nowadays!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Roaddawg:
I also apologize for my instant defensive posture. We could definately use the services of an attorney with your type of specialization. If only it were up to me. I strive to demand best value for our company and learn something new every time I complete a bid project. Then I try to incorporate what I've learned to hopefully prevent future mistakes. The fine print is my weakness.

 

My two cents. . . I jst finished my MBA recently and have been in a similar situation. . . My advice: The Big 5 have reputations that go beyond their accounting groups. . . Specifically, Deloitte, KPMG, Price Waterhouse, and Anderson are all VERY well respected for their consulting.

However, the key is this. . . Where do you want your career to go. . . If you'd rather do the "corporate ladder" thing take the tech offer. . . If you think you'd like a "broader base" early in your career take the consulting position. . . Either way, you should be able to advance your career (and by the Ferrari )