Hi everyone,
I currently have offers at a Big 4's M&A advisory practice (not part of EY-Parthenon/Monitor/Strategy&) and a boutique consulting firm that specializes in TMT. I was wondering if you had any advice on what would be the most beneficial between the two?
Though I am slightly more interested in the TMT sector than M&A advisory, would having a Big 4's name on my resume help my chances for full-time recruitment next year?
Thank you for your help!
On a personal note, my career was highly influenced by the people I met in my first job and the fact that I had a great performance there (i.e., good reputation).
That's why you should give preference to the things you are more likely to enjoy doing. In this internship, you will be already building your reputation. And you want to build a strong reputation amongst the people that are part of a network that is the most valuable to you (i.e., people working in TMT).
Even if this doesn't matter, I would say that if you want to work for TMT… you should gain experience in TMT. The boutique may not be a big brand, but they will be known amongst several people in the TMT industry. They will have alumni there with whom you may be able to network.
Having said this, yes it is true that a Big4 may be a stronger brand in your resume, and is better at “signaling” quality to the market (vs. the boutique that signals “interest in TMT", assuming that are small and not very well known, otherwise they may be at par). And this is a moment where industry experience isn't something they will be looking for in your resume.
By the way, you will be doing finance type of work at the Big4 - not “business” (strategy / operations) type of work.
Hope this is some good food for thought! And good luck with your decision. The good thing is that there isn't a wrong decision there, both are good ;)
Hi!
Each of the two experiences has its pros and cons and I wouldn't say one is better than the other.
Choose your next step also for other considerations, e.g. your manager, team, lifestyle, etc.
Congrats and good luck,
Anto
Go for that where you have an interest. You will enjoy it, perform better and carve out opportunities for yourself. Having a good brand on CV will only take you so far. Its important that you invest your time & effort in things that matter to you and in turn will have a positive impact on people around you.
Have a look at this article I have written that provides guidance on making the right career choices: https://www.preplounge.com/en/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me
Hi there,
You need to first assess your values and priorities and then decide against that!
Big4 will have the brand/resume building side to it, but if you're more interested in the boutique you are more likely to enjoy it, build a strong network, and grow/learn professionally.
I can only tell the pros+cons not tell you what to do :)
