IBM and Deloitte are both huge global players. Let’s face it – getting a job at either is a huge achievement! But, when push comes to shove, what are the main differences between the two for employees? (and which is better!?)
After extensive research, I have learned that Deloitte is better than IBM for kick-starting your career due to:
- Its core business and expertise in consulting
- Career advancement opportunities
- Excellent work culture and adherence to corporate values
- Global market presence
- Maintainable Work-Life Balance
- Diversity and accepting workforce from various ethnic backgrounds
In this post, I’ll take a look at:
- The 6 main differences between IBM and Deloitte
- Explore the significant aspects of both companies to help you decide which is better (for you)
IBM vs. Deloitte – 6 Key Differences
Here are the main 6 differences between IBM and Deloitte:
1. Core Business And Expertise
IBM is a global technology firm established in 1911. It has a long-standing history in the computing industry. (Source)
Its core expertise lies in:
- Information technology
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud computing
- Business and technology consulting.
- Blockchain
- Cybersecurity
On the other hand, Deloitte is a UK-based multinational professional services firm founded in 1845. It is mainly renowned for providing consultancy expertise to different kinds of businesses, including:
- Audit & Assurance
- Financial and Risk Advisory
- Consulting Services
- Tax
- Legal Services
The company is ranked first among the Big 4 accounting firms, alongside PwC, KPMG, and EY. (Source)
2. Career Opportunities
There are lots of benefits to pursuing a career at IBM. These include:
- competitive compensations
- certification fee coverage
- recognition for hard work
IBM also has flexible policies and management.
They encourage measuring employees by their impact on the firm and work rather than hours spent in the office. (Source)
However, some employees express dissatisfaction with the “Normal Distribution” rating system, leading to pay scale disparities.
Here’s how IBM ranks its employees based on the rating system at the end of each year:
| Rank | Percentage |
| Top Contributor | 5 % |
| Above Average Contributor | 15 % |
| Average Contributor | 75 % |
| Bottom Contributor | 5 % |
At Deloitte, career opportunities are applauded.
The company provides a chance to work with highly driven and knowledgeable professionals who excel in their respective service lines. (Source)
Deloitte also emphasizes:
- social responsibility
- fostering volunteering opportunities for beginners to make a positive impact.
Due to its prestige, Deloitte attracts top talent for jobs, especially fresh graduates from the best universities worldwide.
The company offers them better packages and occasional generous joining bonuses.
While beginner salaries might be low for some positions, you’ll get the opportunity to work on top-end projects. There’s also the chance for professional growth in your respective role.
3. Company Work Culture and Values
An organization’s success and reputation is based on lots of things, including:
- Work culture
- What the business stands for in terms of beliefs
- Its principles
- Its philosophies
In this regard, IBM is known for its emphasis on:
- Training and growth of the employees.
- Good entry-level pay.
- A supportive working culture where employees can learn quickly.
However, the firm is criticized for slow promotion processes.
I’ve also heard talk of an unclear career progression pathway. This can lead professionals to seek more opportunities elsewhere.
Some employees also report that the management in certain regions set unrealistic targets. The firm has gradually reduced work-from-home opportunities. (Source)
Conversely, Deloitte’s culture is highly rewarding and flexible, and the management often accommodates remote work for its employees. The company offers mentorship opportunities to its workforce to help them advance in their service line. (Source)
An employee at Deloitte says on Indeed, “Great company to work at. Highly rewarding. Learning curve is steep here, at least in my project. Seniors were helpful at every stage. Overall good experience.” (Source)
Other than that, Deloitte values:
- teamwork
- building strong relationships within the organization to encourage a sense of belonging.
But it should be said that some employees find it challenging to move to upper ranks in the firm without committing to excessive work hours.
4. Market Presence
IBM serves clients globally. It has a 5% market share with a net income of $5.7 billion and annual revenue of $57.4 billion. (Source)
Its extensive customer base includes:
- governments
- enterprises
- startups
- and individuals
The influence of the corporation is felt in several industries, such as:
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Education
- Research
With offices in more than 150 nations, the global reach of Deloitte is similarly outstanding to IBM. Its vast network caters to multinational clients – they support them with localized expertise. (Source)
Last year the firm was ranked No.1 by revenue and received a strong vendor rating from Gartner in their reports.
The reports also show that the Deloitte market share is 12.4% and has outgrown with 19.9% growth. (Source)
5. Work-Life Balance
The IBM employees report that the company has a positive work environment. They have a reputation for achieving results efficiently.
While there are some instances of long-hour demands from management, the corporation mainly focuses on normal working hours with occasional weekend work. (Source)
Depending on the manager’s approval, IBM allows the workforce to tailor their schedules in an effort for a better work-life balance.
Deloitte also boosts work-life balance for its employees. But let’s face it – during busy periods, like year-end audits or tax seasons, the employees have to stay up late at night, which can burn out their energy massively. (Source)
6. Diversity and Inclusion In the Company
IBM promote themselves as pioneers in promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive work environment.
They are recognized as:
- Second World’s Best Employer
- 14th Best Big Companies to Work For 2021
- World’s Most Ethical Companies 2021
- 3rd on the ranking of Most Inclusive Companies by the Chamber of LGBTQ+ Merchants of Colombia
- Best of the Best: Top Employers, Top Supplier Diversity Programs, Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies (Hispanic Network Magazine) in Latin America
- Great Place to Work for LGBTQ+
- Equality and Inclusion Influencer of the Year
(Source)
This is quite an impressive list!
Similarly, Deloitte acknowledges the importance of diversity and inclusion of individuals from different backgrounds.
The company has taken considerable initiatives to promote a better workspace for everyone. These include:
- Ethnicity and Black Action Plans
- Commitment to 40% female partners by 2030
- 3% partners of Black and 12% of Ethnic minority partners by 2025.
- End disability exclusion and support LBGTQ colleagues.
(Source)
Well, there you have it! Choosing between the two giants can be confusing sometimes, but a few key differences between IBM and Deloitte can be the determining factor.
In my opinion, Deloitte is better than IBM due to core business values, advancement in current roles, and good work-life balance that includes remote working hours.
The following Youtube video gives good info about the kind of working life you can expect at either IBM or Deloitte (alongside a couple of other companies):
