Antony,<BR><BR>Having been to the Cambridge careers event last week, I can tell you that the number of entry-level positions this year are 30% down on last year. My personal recommendation would be to do something with your gap year that will enhance your CV in the eyes of a consultancy (eg. learn to speak a language fluently) and then apply upon your return. Several of the biggest firms - including Accenture, Andersen, PwC - recruit all year round, so you could apply when you return.<br><br>If the market takes off, within 2-4 months the firms will be screaming out to recruit more junior staff, so assuming this has happened by the end of your gap year you could get recruited and begin work very quickly. If things have got worse, then any offer you secured now would probably be worthless anyway - your entry would either be deferred or the offer would be retracted altogether. HTH
