Multiple choice

You really have to think what do you want to do with your career. 

PE is more challenging from an analytical perspective, but less on client management or driving change. It is much more about market analysis and understanding value drivers and investment thesis, and less about setting up business strategies or driving strategic initiatives. It is better to have an exit related to PE or Finance, not as good to industry overall or corporate strategy roles. 

On the other hand please note that in Mckinsey you will gain experience in a few industries, so your experience will be (more) applicable specifically to those - but hopefully you have a say in what those industries are.

I prefer, by far, the PE role, for several of the reasons mentioned. And it also plays very well to my strengths and weaknesses, and on what I like to learn and do.

Hope this helps you reflect on who you are and what your preferences are and how they align to these roles.

(p.s. no difference between M and B).

Hi there,

I know you had to use structured thinking to get into BCG/McKinsey so I'm implore you to do that now. Right now, it seems you have just a blob of thoughts :P

Sit down and think about what matters! Where do you want your career going?

It's pretty simple at the end of the day: If you know you want to work in the PE/VC world, go with BCG. If you're still trying to explore options and don't know what you want, go with McKinsey.

To answer your questions:

Will general track be more diverse than a focused PE team at BCG and will BCG PE team be just good for PE and less good for other exit options vs McK? 

Of course general track will be more diverse! By its very definition! Generalist keeps you…general!

How will outside of consulting world accept both of these - will McK generalist beat the PE or will the lucrative PE angle have an edge? 

Same as above. McK = stronger brand…and as generalist you will have a wider range of exits. BCG PE will have an edge on…all things PE…shocker! :)

Lots of ??? but would like to make a right move as loved both places equally.

I only see 2 questions - you need to think through this more and figure out what your questions are (i.e. what do you need/want)?

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offers – that’s a great problem to have!

In terms of the choice, I would consider the following:

• Where do you want to be in 5-10 years? Look at the company that can help you to achieve that goal faster. If you are keen on PE, BCG would be a better option

• If you consider the average consultant/partner you talked to in each company, which one would you rather be? Quoting Jim Rohn, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. You will spend a lot of time with your colleagues in the next years - be sure you choose a company where the people are close to the person you want to become

• What is your gut feeling telling you? Our gut feeling is able to catch elements we cannot initially rationalize. You may “feel” a company is better, but don’t know exactly why. Delve into why you feel that way, do some research on that and try to understand if that point is valid

If you want to do extra due diligence, contact Alumni of your university (not current consultants) that worked in that office (bonus if they worked for both companies). You will learn more in a 30min call with them than with any online research you may do.

Best,

Francesco