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How is working in M&A PMI interms of exposure, scope, interest? Is it better than CDD and strategy? How is the pay in this practice and what are skill sets in this practice? Is big 4 leading in this domain than MBB? If yes, which big 4 is leading?

If yes

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Top answer
Julia
Coach
on Aug 10, 2025
30% OFF 1st Session in August | Ex-McKinsey Engagement Manager in US and Europe | 3 years+ interviewer | Columbia MBA

Hello! PMI is all about making a deal actually work (merging systems, aligning teams, hitting synergy targets…) Compared to CDD (pre-deal research) and strategy (big-picture planning), it’s more hands-on and execution-focused

It’s not better than CDD & strategy, just different. CDD is fast-paced and varied but can feel repetitive. Strategy is broader and more conceptual. PMI goes deep into fewer clients where you see real tangible impact.

Pay’s about the same as other consulting tracks.

Big 4 lead PMI in volume (especially PwC and Deloitte) and MBB does fewer PMI projects but usually the complex, high-stakes ones.

Oussama
Coach
on Aug 10, 2025
Ex-Bain & Company consultant with Corporate strategy experience, and unique prep cases for consulting interviews

Hello,

 

As Julia mentioned, these are different steps: CDD is more about understanding the market and the target company, so it is more strategy-oriented, whereas PMI is focused on making the integration a success, and is more operation-oriented.

In MBBs, there is no difference in comp, as consultants - up to a certain seniority - are versatile and can operate across industries and projects. From my experience, PMI in MBB is usually sold as a follow-up of a previous CDD or Strategy project that led to the Merger or Acquisition. 

10 hrs ago
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

I would strongly recommend you reach out to a few people who are now in consulting and working in M&A PMI to ask these questions. 

The added benefit is that not only will you get proper 'insider' answers, but you might also end up with a referral for potential upcoming applications. 

If you don't have contacts already in the industry, you might find this guide helpful:


Best,
Cristian

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