Here's a career conundrum from the mailbag:
Hello,I am going into my senior year of college and I already have 2 offers from big 4. Details on each:Ernst and Young-salary: 72,000 + 5,000 bonus-interned there this summer-did not like the culture so much (may just be financial services in general)-Financial Services Advisory Division- Technology Analyst Program-3 years as staff, 3 years as senior, then become managerDeloitte-salary: 65,000 + 5,000 bonus-love the culture, nice people, fit in very well-Federal Business Technology Analyst Program-2 years as analyst, 2-3 years as consultant, 3 years as senior, then become managerBasically, EY pays me more but it's in NYC so it is higher cost of living anyways but even after that, it is still a significant amount more than Deloitte. I interned at EY this summer so I have an advantage but I also know a lot of Deloitte people since I did their externship program and won first place in 2 of their case competitions. I did not like the culture at EY so much but I love the people at Deloitte. EY does not have as great of a name as Deloitte but Financial services is probably more reputable and has better exit options than doing federal consulting. Either way, both EY and Deloitte will make me work long hours so work life balance is similar. At EY, it only takes 6 years to become a manager but at Deloitte it will take 7-8 years. I am having a very difficult time choosing between the 2 firms. Please help!