Can I request a promotion a different department’s partner?

Question

Hello all,

I’m in a bit of a dilemma and would greatly appreciate your advice.

Context:

• I’m a second-year, entry-level consultant at a Northern European Big 4 firm.
• Promotion season is approaching, but I’m uncertain about my chances due to two main factors: my department’s underperformance and my own struggles on a few projects, though I am actively improving.

Situation:

    •    I aspire to be promoted to a senior position, but I recognize that it might not happen this cycle.
    •    I’ve been approached to potentially join a significant, year-long project (still in the RFP phase) that is highly impactful—far beyond any previous work I’ve done. This project would be a major highlight on my CV.
    •    The project is led by a partner from another team, with whom I have a strong working relationship. I’m also uniquely qualified for this role as I speak the local languages of both the Middle Eastern office and our own, making me the top candidate.
    •    While this project is a dream opportunity for learning and development, I’m hesitant to commit to it for a year if I remain at my current level.
    •    I’m also considering a job change but would prefer to do so with a promotion under my belt.

Questions:

    1.    Can I leverage my unique qualifications to negotiate a promotion before committing to this project?
    2.    Should I discuss the possibility of a promotion with the partner leading the project, even though he is from another team and my bargaining power is limited?
    3.    Are there other factors I should consider before making a decision?

Thank you in advance for your insights.

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your situation!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, as promotions are based on past performance, which, in your case, wasn’t that well despite any factors from your practice that may play into that, I do not see a realistic chance that you can do a lot about your situation.
Moreover, please keep in mind that not being promoted does not have a lot of implications on your overall career, even if it might seem so to you.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi there,

In a nutshell, promotions in consulting are always based on past performance, not future potential performance, unfortunately.

Hence, I don't see a chance here.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your situation. Here's my honest take on it - I don't think you are thinking about this in the right way.

Everyone wants to be promoted, and everyone wants to do well - so it's great to have ambition.

However, if you are not already a star performer, then why would the Partner believe that you can perform better than you already are? There is little basis for the Partner to be willing to commit something to you. Having had to decide and been in discussions on staffing before, project leadership often would rather someone who is a strong performer and who can at least operate in a single common working language, than someone who speaks 2 languages but isn't a strong performer.

More importantly, it appears (just based on a superficial read of your phrasing) that you are expecting promotions to come to you instead of you earning the promotions.

“While this project is a dream opportunity for learning and development, I’m hesitant to commit to it for a year if I remain at my current level.”

Focus on your growth and development. Focus on doing well. I am not saying ignore or don't think strategically about shaping your career in consulting, but the strongest driver for promotions in consulting is often strong performance - and this is something that is not guaranteed and is dependent on how you actually perform on the job. Therefore, even if the Partner were to commit to your promotion but you don't end up doing well, he wouldn't be able to promote you still.

Now, I am speaking from MBB experience, but if promotion in your firm solely depends on a single Partner vouching for you and putting you up - then some of the points above are less applicable. But even then, if you don't perform well, why would the Partner want to vouch for you?

So - if its a good opportunity for development, if it exposes you to a part of your firm that is performing well and has clout, then take it. Shift your mindset from “what's in it for me” towards “how can this help my growth” and “how can i contribute / add value to the firm”.

Prove that you have what it takes and the recognition will come. (based on my own experience being able to get fast promoted at Kearney and fast promoted twice at BCG).

All the best!