How to decide which firm should I join (France)

Question

Hello guys,

I received 3 offer from the following firms:

Arthur D Little

Accenture Strategy

Top-Notch Boutique (which is not that famous, but prestigeous in France for the specific industry i am applying for)

The pay is almost equal (+-/10k p.a.) but that isnt the most important factor for me, but the brand name is. My goal is to join a inhouse consultancy or go to MBB after that.

I just cant decide, because all firms were very nice to me but there were some slight differences in terms of team size for my specific industry (ADL has a very small team, but Accenture has a big one)

Any ideas how to decide?

Answer 1

Hi there,

There's a path to MBB through each of those 3.

As for ADL/Accenture, there's a number of people who used it as a stepping stone to MBB - they're equally valid. You will be able to develop a good value proposition as a candidate with a generalist profile.
As for boutique firm, I personally find this more interesting because you will have less of a brand stamp. If you can make the link between your potential work there and MBB through overlap of industry/function, you could develop a more targeted value prop as a candidate.

We can't really tell you what to do with so little info but it seems as though you have some great options! Well done and best of luck!

Answer 2

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offers!

If your goal is to maximize the chance for an exit, you can check that as follows for data-based insights:

Look for alumni of the ADL, Accenture and the boutique on LinkedIn for the region relevant for you
Check how many moved to your desired exit
Normalize for the size of the companies in the relevant region

You may also want to check which company has the best fit in terms of industry.

You can find a few more tips here for a similar question:

▶ How to Compare Consulting Offers

If you want to do extra due diligence, contact Alumni of your university (not current consultants) that worked in those offices (bonus if they worked for both companies). You will learn more in a 30min call with them than with any online research you may do.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Hi,

There has been surge in such questions recently in the Q&A forum on how to decide between firms. Please have a look at this article which I wrote exactly to provide guidance on this question- https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

Congrats and all the best choosing.

Answer 4

Hi there,

Congrats on all three offers!

Remember you can take a frameworking approach to solving this dilemma.

Figure out the major factors…you've already determine brand is the major priority.

From there, figure out which firms fit the most important factors…do research, speak with people at the firms, etc.

Answer 5

Hello!

Congrats of those 3 shining offers!

I agree with you that, if your goal is going to MBB, brand is the most important factor.

This said, idk how it looks exactly in France, despite being neighbors. A priori I would say Accenture, but worth checking with people regionally, since I know France is a very peculiar market.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara