Hi everyone,
I currently work in the strategy practice of a Big 4 in Italy, with more than six years of experience. I’ve just received an offer from an MBB firm in Italy for a Consultant position.
What are the main risks I should be aware of, especially regarding the probation period? And is this move really a no-brainer, or are there important downsides I should consider?
Thanks a lot for your insights!
Hey there :)
It really depends. MBB will give you stronger brand, faster learning curve, and usually better comp, but the working hours are longer and less predictable. At Big 4, the pace can be steadier, and you often get paid for extra hours, which MBB does not do. Some of my friends at Big 4 would never switch because they value that lifestyle more. So it’s not a universal no-brainer, it’s about what fits your long-term goals and the way you want to live.
best,
Alessa :)
Hi,
First of all, congrats on the MBB offer! That’s a big achievement after 6+ years in strategy. A few thoughts on your key concerns:
Probation risk: In practice, very few people fail probation at MBB once they’ve made it through recruiting. The firm has already invested heavily in you and will work hard to support your ramp-up
Transition from Big 4 Strategy: Since you’re coming from strategy, the skillset overlap is large. You’ll find the frameworks, problem-solving, and client settings familiar. That said, MBB typically runs at a faster pace, so expect higher intensity, longer hours... The cultural shift is noticeable, but many before you made it work
Upside vs. trade-offs: The “no-brainer” part is the brand, network, and career acceleration. Downsides are the intensity of travel and hours, which can be higher than what you’ve experienced, especially less predictable. It’s worth reflecting on whether that’s aligned with your personal and lifestyle goals
Best,
Lukas
Thanks a lot for sharing your perspective, that’s really helpful! Just to clarify, I’m currently in the strategy practice (meaning Monitor or Strategy&), so the setup should be already a bit closer to MBB compared to other Big 4 teams.
That’s why I was especially curious about the probation period and whether the transition is considered smoother in this case.
Best