Significant downgrade from boutique to Tier 2. Does it make sense?

Hey there,

Re the starting date, do you mean late 2020 / beginning of 2021 instead? 

It does sound like quite a downgrade from your description. Without knowing the boutique firm and how the reputation is, I think it probably makes more sense to get your promotion first if there is no urgent push factor, since it is pretty close already. Getting promoted could give you more bargaining power with the next potential company. You can always try other Tier 2 firms by then, if this current one doesn't give you more credit for your promotion. 

Best,

Emily

Dear A,

I would advise you to go through the process step-by-step and then, if it works out, to meet the decision. 

Don't think too much in advance. 

Hope it helps.


Good luck,

André

Hi there,

Generally speaking, it is better to get the PM title before deciding to submit an application somewhere else. It makes your application stronger and it could reduce the "switching time-cost". It is better to apply midway through the tenure of a specific position, the later you wait, the more you lose.

That being said, from my experience with RB, I have seen Boutique PMs come in as senior consultants and get their PM promotions quickly because they proved they have what it takes.

So my recommendation is as follows:

• Your timing could have been better. ( it would've been better to apply as soon as you got senior consultant role, or if you had waited till you are a PM)
• Most probably, if you get the offer, your joining date would not be before September (if not Jan 2021) - so that might add a bit more to the "switching time-cost"
• Go ahead with the interview process - see what you can negotiate
• If not convinced with what you got from the negotiation, it might not be a bad idea to wait for the PM promotion and wait for this COVID mess to subside and re-apply to other companies (if not the same company)
• And if you are eager to change companies, then go for it, it's ok to lose a bit of time in order to build a stronger CV for the future (I lost time while switching companies too)

Feel free to reach out for any additional tips in case you are applying to the MENA region.

I hope this helps

Best

Khaled

Hello!

Generally speaking, I would suggest you to secure the PM role in your current company. This will give you better exit opportunities -and you can achieve this in less than a year-. 

However, it´s difficult to say given the uncertainity with COVID, that is going to freeze movements for a while. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi,

I don't think this transition makes any sense. Get promoted in your current company and apply to MBB directly.

I would still interview with them and try to negotiate

Best

Hi,

This is a very hard decision (though a good one to have).

I think you need to ask yourself the following questions:

1) Are you happy/content with where you are? In my view, if you've found a good company, role, etc. that's not something to throw away lightly (it's hard to find)

2) Do you need/want the extra money/status? If this is your motivation, make sure you understand that, and indeed are willing to work hard for it

3) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Only you can answer this. And, based on that answer, figure out which path will most likely get you there

4) Do you think you'll be happy/content there? Based on the people you met, the work you'll be doing, the culture it seems to have, do you think you'll enjoy it?

Consulting can be an incredible experience for some, where it opens doors, catapults their career, teaches/develops them dramatically, and allows them to make invaluable connections. It can also be an experience that people regret, and leave them wondering why they left what they had prior.

Make sure to think about what you want, what you're expecting to get, and if these two line up!

Hi there,

I would evaluate this considering your long term goal: where do you see yourself in 3-5 years? And which path between your current company at your current level vs the Tier 2 would help you to achieve that result faster?

In general terms, it could still make sense to accept the Tier 2 offer, assuming they put you in fast track for a promotion after – say – 6 months. I would go on with the process and see how much you can negotiate – worst case you can decline the offer and apply again after the promotion.

Best,

Francesco