Middle-Front Office Shift @ MBB

Question

Hello all,

I just wanted to ask you a question pertaining to a peculiar situation I've found myself in:

I'm currently at MBB, not in consulting proper however, rather in a “digital consulting” role, in one of the data-enabled ventures MBBs have been building up in recent years.

Naturally my goal has been to move to consulting for quite a time, albeit due to hiring freeze/slowdown the task has become increasingly difficult, bordering on impossible.

This being said I've been interviewing with some other firms and I've just got an offer from a strong tier 2 with a compensation easily on par with MBBs (due to region specific situation). My issue is that I would really like to stay with the firm and the offer for the tier 2 would require a relocation that presently could blow up my personal life (we're expecting our first child).

Question is simple: Is there any way in which I could leverage the offer into at least being considered for the shift to generalist consulting? I do not think it's possible, but I wanted to get a third party opinion to confirm my suspicions.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Q: Is there any way in which I could leverage the offer into at least being considered for the shift to generalist consulting?

An offer from a competitor may accelerate the process with another firm. When I applied to MBB, I already had an offer from a Tier 2 and that helped to speed up the process with them. However, another offer (i) cannot guarantee you will receive an invitation for the consulting track and (ii) cannot guarantee you will get an offer for that.

Overall, if you are planning to take the offer from Tier 2, you have nothing to lose by disclosing it to your current employer and asking if there is an option to switch divisions with them.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

First of all, have you ever applied for a consulting role with your current employer, because it doesn't sound like this is the case?
Moreover, I would advise you to consider the long-term career and personal impacts of accepting the offer vs. staying at your current firm. Given your current personal situation with expecting a child and the desire to remain at your firm, this could be a pivotal factor in your decision.
Lastly, leveraging your offer to negotiate a shift within your current firm is a delicate matter. It's essential to approach this strategically, ensuring that your counterparts view this as a testament to your loyalty to the firm rather than a threat or ultimatum.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 3

Hi there,

Previous answers are on par with how I would also expect things to work - so good advice there.

Only thing I would add is that it sometimes helps having someone “fight in your corner” internally. So if there is a senior out there that thinks highly of you, you can ask for their advice as a mentor / sponsor.

(1) They might have some good insights on how to best navigate this internally (much more than we could know here), but also

(2) In an ideal case scenario, they might be willing to bring your case forward to any decision maker and be just the support that makes the difference!

I think if you have such a close mentor / sponsor you could trust, it should be a no regret move at this point to give it a go.

Good luck,

Ariadna

Answer 4

Hi there,

I agree with your sentiment that it will likely not move the needle with your current employer.

You can always discuss with HR and some higher-ups in the organization (ideally partners) about your plans and ambitions and try to find support there.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 5

Probably doesn't change anything. But if you are willing to leave, it doesn't hurt to try.

P.S. Personally, I would not change jobs nor relocate when expecting a child, as you are taking risks with both (job and adequately supporting your family)