Dear experts.
I know the odds of getting into MBB are relatively small (maybe one out of 100 applicants will join). But if you manage to get in - I wonder what is the statistical probability to go all the way to become partner? The job is very demanding and a large share of people will leave, or have to leave, at some point. So how likely is it to become a Partner? Is it like 20%, or 10%, or 1%? And what are the most important decisive factors there?
Thank you for an inside perspective.
Hi Anonymous,
across all criteria relevant to be elected for Partnership at MBB, such as problem-solving, IP develpment, people leadership, coaching, client leadership, commercial targets, etc.), the absolute threshold is not that high.
The true difficulty comes from staying above the bar in all of them and be truly distinctive in one or two and still be able to sustain the lifestyle.
Can you do the problem solving and manage a team and build relationships with clients and perform internal Firm duties (eg, lead and develop a Practice) and see your family and get enough sleep and…?
Building up the skills from Analyst to Partner is not a completely overwhelming task — because you can get guidance and support and encouragements, etc. The real difficulty comes from the cost of doing it. Drafting and tracking a work-plan is not rocket-science — but if it does not come naturally, you’ll still have to do it for 3–4 years non-stop. If you get grumpy and inefficient when you sleep less than 8 hours a night, be prepared to work on that — quickly!
For example, a Junior Partner ("(Associate) Principal") may have a good track record / reputation for managing the lifestyle of the teams. However, looking behind the curtain might very likely reveal that, since he always has 3 or 4 teams working at the same time for multiple clients spread across two continents, he has to work just about every weekend for 2–4 hours, reviewing packs, on conf-calls, etc.
So at the core, it is really about the fit of this profession with your own strengths and whether you really want to make the effort to sustain that kind of life.
Cheers, Sidi
Hi,
I would agree with previous comments, but I want to underline one important factor - your ability to play long term game and have motivation and power of will to do that.
Best,
Anton
Hi There,
I agree with Ian's answer there. I think it is much harder to get in than to move up.
To make it to Partner, you actually don't need to be distinctive all the time. In fact, as long as you maintain tracking (normal) performance and build certain skills (managing people, client, sales, etc.), moving up the ladder without any acceleration should not be a problem.
So, it is not really a performance that blocking you to be a partner but it would be mindset, durability, and grit. In SEA, I think less than 5% that joined as BA & Associate became Partner - and I would say more than 60% did not make due to better opportunity outside, 20-30% due to unable to maintain such lifestyle or work, and the rest are counseled to leave.
Hello!
None will tell you this figures honestly.
Only internally it´s known nd this information is not shared.
However, honestly, I would not focus on this. Best is to go step-by-step and enjoy the ride.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Hi there,
For sure it is a small %, less than 5% maybe. Note that some people leave not because of performance but because they have other good opportunities or need more personal/family time.
For those who stay, agree with other expert that they are not necessarily the smartest, they just need to be good enough to pass the bar at every promotion, and be persitent enough to outlast others.
Regarless of the % of people making to partner, consulting is a great training/learning ground and it gives great exit options. So the small % shouldn't stop you from trying to work in consulting.
Best
Emily
Hi,
It's hard to calculate, but out of ±100 Analysts and Associates I was working with over 3 year period, probably less than 10 are still in the firm, and only 1-2 are partners. A significant number of my MBA classmates are leaving consulting after just 1 year. Those who are still there are just waiting for a Greencard. And it's not the question of the odds - most of the people leave themselves. So I don't think it's correct to calculate probabilities here.
In terms of growth - the most important thing you need to understand is that consulting is a client business and the client is always first. Here is my subjective view of what's needed to succeed on different levels of hierarchy. Pls, take into account that it's the ideal state, and getting these skills is a journey.
Analyst / associate level
Manager level
A lot of the above, plus:
Principal level
A lot from the above, plus:
Partner level
A lot of the above, plus:
Best,
(editiert)
Honestly?
Survival
You have to be good enough to make it through "up or out" and you have to be "bad" or risk-averse enough to not want to try your hand in another role at another company.
I have a lot of respect for Partners, but most of them were not better than their peers. They just wanted it more.
Wanted could be for any combination of the below:
I would say <5% of those joining MBB end up becoming Partner, but around 25-50% of those who actually decisively set their mind to it (i.e. don't "give up") make it.
So, while you'll need to demonstrate a mastery of any number of different skills to get through each level of the company, to make it through to Partner, you need to be 100% committed, have grit, be ready to sacrifice personal life, etc. It's a marathon, not a race.
Hi,
Just giving some rough ballpark numbers based on my own experience.
I left BCG as a Principal - and right before I left, about <10% of my same batch was still at BCG.
So the odds of making partner would be even lower than that.
Take note that the reality is that many people choose to leave voluntarily before making partner, and this may very well be the same for you :)
Dear A,
The general rule of the Pyramid says that 7 consultancy work for 1 partner an average. That means that your chances to make it to partner are about 14%, if you enter the company.
Good luck,
André
