RB VS LEK

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offers from RB and LEK!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• Generally speaking, you seem to have a good understanding of the two companies. Still, I would like to point out that while there may be some focus industries, both of them are still catering to all industries and functions.
• Personally, I cannot confirm the rumors about LEK in SEA. I would advise you to contact someone from your wider network working at LEK in SEA. Another possibility would be to be very frank about this and talk to your POM (post offer management) contact about it.
• From a cultural perspective, from my own experience and the ones of my personal network, Roland Berger's culture seems to be more European - more German, to be precise - resulting in a more direct way of communication and action. Still, I am sure that the culture might still differ slightly from region to region. LEK being founded by former Bain partners seems to have a very similar, US-American culture.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best decide on your future employer and the preparation of your career entry, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Hi there,

This is a tough one but luckily you have a good problem in front of you :)

It sounds like you're interested more in what LEK does, so certainly don't discount this. Please also double-check that you will fit well culturally and that you feel you will be well-supported. (Networking and having calls with consultants there is key).

Personally, I can't see LEK going anyway but I don't have specific insight into their SEA practice (and rumored pay cuts), but, if other coaches here don't have a view, I highly recommend Blind, Fishbowl, and Reddit to get community views on this.

Good luck with your decision!

From my consulting experience (worked in 4 offices for BCG, including SEA), culture of a firm can actually vary quite a bit between different offices . I find this particularly true for SEA. Hence, difficult to make a fair comparison between the two without further information.

Depending on which office, esp if SG or KL (for RB) your offers are from, I'll be able to give you some actual insights into the cultures of both firms. Feel free to send me a PM.

As a general piece of advice - all things other equal, I'd always choose the firm based on where the people I interacted with resonate better with my personality. If you feel like you ‘clicked’ better with the interviewers (and other staff) from one firm, chances are that you will also enjoy working with the same people more. 

I believe both firms are much more diversified than what you state here. Having said this, you should network with them (or even ask to talk with the people that interviewed you) to really understand their strengths (their weaknesses is a bit harder, though, but you can ask how the business outlook is right now).

You would also want to know how they staff people (i.e., what you if join LEK but then never get the chance to actually work in healthcare?)

On a side note, you should use interviews (i.e., when they give you time to ask questions) to ask some of these questions.

Hope this helps - Pedro