Accenture

You will likely be working on some very interesting projects with very capable people. As a result, this is not a bad place to start your career. However, be careful not to get pigeonholed into one role for the rest of your time here.

The culture of Accenture is very professional, and as such, you are expected to adhere to their standards. Think of this as a way to get accustomed to the real world in terms of professionalism.

I can only speak for the people at my office, but the people here are, for the most part, very friendly.

The benefits are excellent: affordable healthcare and 401k. Typical.

My perspective will be from my now former position as an associate software engineer. As such, the audience I'm targeting are computer science or related majors.

Being a young computer science graduate from a four-year university, the $46,000 salary seemed like a lot of money to me. This is how Accenture gets you.

In orientation, the coordinator spoke about how Accenture has a high attrition rate, but it's offset by its high hire rate. For every 1000 they lose, a new 1000 take their place. Think about this for a moment, and you'll understand why your pay is $46,000.

The reason why their attrition rate is so high is because the ones that leave have either realized they hate traveling, or realized their real worth. After they leave, Accenture hires a young and foolish college graduate (like me) to replace the one that just left. This is their business model, and you are their cattle.

My one piece of advice: realize your worth. If you are a programmer, you should not be making $46,000 a year.

Before I get criticized for complaining about a $46,000 salary for an entry-level job, I'm going to ask that you reevaluate the value of your degree. A computer science degree will allow you to command a $55,000 - $65,000 salary, depending on your GPA, as a starting salary for entry-level.

You can find better pay elsewhere, and not be a part of their system.

Pay your employees what they're worth.