Lower MBB Salary than Big 4

salary negotiation
Neue Antwort am 25. Mai 2022
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Anonym A fragte am 24. Mai 2022

Hi, I work for a big 4 firm at an AP/ Principal level. I got an offer from the MBB firm at the same fixed salary and higher bonus. However, they are giving me the role at Engagement Manager/ EM/ Manager/ Project Leader level (2nd year). My joining is still 1.5 months away.

As I was a fast track promotion case in my current firm, my salary was lower compared to other folks who have been in the system for more time than me. My salary was recently corrected by 15%.

I am wondering whether I should join the MBB firm or not (as now my offer is a level demotion + 15% lower salary than my new salary).

Also, how can I negotiate with the HR of MBB firm?

 

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Cristian
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antwortete am 25. Mai 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

It depends on what's your long-term plan. 

If you want to be a consultant long-term, the shift makes sense. Yes, you're taking a step down in terms of role (everybody gets that when shifting to MBB), but since you already have AP skills you're going to get promoted quickly. However, salaries are higher for MBB at Partner and Senior Partner level, so from a long-term financial perspective it still makes sense to switch. 

Still, I'd try and negotiate with HR. I'd explain them the situation that you're in (i.e., lower salary). They might not be able to adjust the actual salary since the salary bands are quite strict on a per role basis, but you could suggest to them to compensate you with a higher sign-on bonus that would compensate for the lower salary over a year, let's say (an approximate timeline until you'd get promoted to AP). 

Best,

Cristian

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Francesco
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antwortete am 25. Mai 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! Regarding your questions:

1) I am wondering whether I should join the MBB firm or not (as now my offer is a level demotion + 15% lower salary than my new salary).

I helped candidates before in a similar situation, and indeed if you are a principal in non-MBB you normally join as Manager in MBB, so your situation is normal.

I would make a decision based on your goal:

  • If MBB allows to get there faster, go for MBB
  • If your current firm allows to get there faster, stick to your current company

If you want, please feel free to share you long term goal so that we can comment more.

2) Also, how can I negotiate with the HR of MBB firm?

You can normally negotiate three things in consulting:

  • The signing bonus
  • The relocation bonus
  • The seniority you join (which will automatically increase the base salary)

The easier way to negotiate is to have an “opportunity cost” due to another offer. Given your current one is 15%+, I would definitely put it on the table if not done already.

If you want to learn more about negotiation, I would recommend “Never split the difference” by Chris Voss, which includes some great tips.

Best,

Francesco

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Lucie
Experte
Content Creator
antwortete am 24. Mai 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

congrats on the offer! The decision is ultimately yours and it depends very much on what is your long term goal (exit vs. long term career in consulting), topics you want to work on, etc. MBB are not precisely salary competent at your seniority level, I think the game starts only at partner level, where you can get fairly quickly vs. industry. the learning curve, exit opportunities and potential career growth is the magnet. If you want to get some clarity, feel free to reach out, I am PL myself at BCG coming as as a lateral hire. 

Good luck,

Lucie

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Ian
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antwortete am 25. Mai 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I'm surprised that at your level you're so worried about salary.

If that is what you're prioritizing, then ask MBB to adjust your pay or stay at your current company!

Personally, I think you need to reflect on what is truly important to you. Making Partner? Brand? Where you are 5 years from now? Culture? Etc.

Is $300k all that different from $255k at the top marginal tax bracket? 

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Neal
Experte
antwortete am 25. Mai 2022
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | Leader of Experienced Hire Recruiting | USA, Europe, Asia | 1000 cases and PEIs

Congratulations on your offer! I would say negotiations are fairly uncommon. Regardless, it seems based on your steep historic trajectory that you'd likely advance at the new firm in which case the compensation should bump nicely.  I'd encourage you think about where you'd have the most impact, choice and growth potential.  The why you choose to move won't be for a few dollars here and there.

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Cristian gab die beste Antwort

Cristian

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