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Anonymous A

8 hrs ago

DACH

McK or ATK?

I have received an offer for an Associate role from both McK and ATK in the DACH region. With a background in pharmaceutics I would have a strong life sciences in both. While I met great people at both companies during the interviews I have the better gut feeling with ATK - I think it feels more caring to me. Also, I saw the rapid growth in the life science field that ATK had over the last few years in Europe which might bear quite some potential for me. Is there a shame in deciding against MBB?

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Pallav

Coach

6 hrs ago

Non-target expert | Ex-BCG | >200 cases

There’s absolutely no shame in choosing ATK over McKinsey — it really comes down to your priorities. McKinsey will always have the stronger global brand, broader exit opportunities, and more flexibility if you decide to move industries or geographies later on. That said, if your focus is on life sciences and you feel a better cultural fit with ATK, the rapid growth of their LS practice in Europe could give you more responsibility earlier and a stronger platform in your area of interest. The “right” choice is the one that aligns with your career goals and where you think you’ll thrive day to day. Prestige matters, but so does fit and growth potential.

Pedro

Coach

5 hrs ago

Experienced interviewer and consultant (+5 years) | ex-BCG | RWE Consulting

Congrats on the offers! Well done!

I think in the end it is always a matter of personal preference and culture fit (it seems that you may feel better connection with ATK). Nevertheless, I would always highlight that McK is undoubtedly at a higher level than ATK - that may (or may not) play role on how your career progresses.

Benjamin

Coach

3 hrs ago

Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

I started at ATK and was there for ~3 years and then i moved to BCG.

Best decision in my professional career.

Take McK.

Happy to have a more detailed chat - just drop me a DM.

Evelina

Coach

2 hrs ago

EY-Parthenon (7 years) l BCG offer holder l 7+ years coaching l 10% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS

Hi there,

There’s no shame at all in choosing ATK over McKinsey – it’s about what’s right for you, not just the brand name. A few angles to think about:

1. Life Sciences Focus

ATK has been investing heavily in life sciences in Europe, so you’d likely get strong exposure and rapid responsibility.
McKinsey also has a strong healthcare & pharma practice, but you may find yourself staffed more broadly across industries, especially early on.

2. Culture & Fit

Your gut feeling matters a lot. If ATK felt more caring and supportive during recruiting, that’s a real signal. Day-to-day experience and mentorship can outweigh pure brand prestige.

3. Career Trajectory

McKinsey opens the widest set of doors (exit opportunities, international mobility, brand). If you want optionality beyond life sciences, MBB is unmatched.
ATK is growing fast in life sciences and could make you a specialist with a strong reputation in that space. Exits will likely skew toward pharma/biotech/healthcare corporates and PE.

4. Perception

No, there’s no shame in not going MBB. What matters is the trajectory you build. Many consultants thrive and exit successfully from Tier 2 firms, especially in strong practices.

If you’re motivated by culture, growth opportunities, and a clear path in life sciences, ATK could be the better personal fit. If you want maximum flexibility later, McK still has an edge.

Best,

Evelina