What are the best exits after 2 years in MBB after top undergrad?

Question

I was officially counseled out by my first job, top MBB, after almost 2 years (will hit 2 years w/ transition time). I'm at a loss. My performance was strong but due to the economy's uncertainty, there were some rough layoffs.

I wasn't the happiest, but I knew this was a strong job with good career progression, prestige, and salary. I have nothing lined up next. And I see a sea of possibilities ahead of me. I did go to a top undergrad. What are some other roles/companies where I can get strong learning experience, good progression, and remain in a good salary track? In other words, what would be an upgrade to my current role?

I feel that I lost this amazing opportunity and that I should run and apply to the competitor MBB firms and pick up where I left off. But another part of me thinks that this could be an opportunity to redirect into something even better...but what's better than consulting?

I'm am not really considering industry, since no particular industry attracts me and career progression/learning can be a bit slower. Startups seem risky in terms of salary and progression. I'm considering PE Ops strongly, but would that be a downgrade or upgrade, since I wouldn't be on the deal team?

Please share your two-senses :)

Answer 1

Hello there,

First of all, I am so sorry for this situation, really. Don’t let this setback define your perception about your performance or value. MBB sometimes cast this spell on consultants so that one thinks there is nothing better than that. It does, specially if one can be unattached from the superficial things of this career.
You can find a solid list in the question of this link and some good comments too.

Good luck!

Best,

Mari

Answer 2

Hello ! This sutuation that you're sad about might actually end up a huge boost in your carreer. As you know, most people stay in MBB for a few years before looking for something else, and sometimes its hard to take the decision to leave. So first thing I would strongly recommend is to accept the current situation and see all the positives in whats coming next !

That being said, in terms of next carreer steps, take the opportunity of the free time you have to think about what you want to do, prestige is definitely not the only criteria (+ you already have mbb on your CV). PE Ops can be a good option and it's not a downgrade, and it can also be a good opening to PE deals, but please take time to think about what you want to do before moving to your new role.

Answer 3

Hey there! From my experience most people go with those roles after MBB:

1. PE Operating roles – Strong option, not a downgrade. Great learning, high impact, and solid comp. You’ll work closely with exec teams, sometimes more influential than deal roles.

2. Corporate strategy at top firms – Roles at Amazon, Google, Meta, etc. give high visibility and fast-track progression. Often former consultants thrive there.

3. Tier 2 consulting (Strategy&) – You want to stay in consulting but restart, and these firms embrace ex-MBB and offer similar work with less stress.

4. VC or Growth Equity ops – Smaller teams, strategy-focused, high visibility if you want to be in the startup world without direct startup risk.

5. Internal strategy at PE-backed companies – Lean teams, rapid progression, and good visibility to C-level.

Getting back into MBB competitors is possible but perhaps not immediate or guaranteed. Take the time today to research jobs with ownership, development, and impact — this may be your turning point into something more aligned with your long-term goals. If you need help categorizing firms by function or shortlisting, let me know.

Alessa

Answer 4

Hi there,

Many people have been through or are going through similar experiences, due to the overall economy / market situation and the implication on consulting. It is really unfortunate, but remember that results from external factors out of your control are not your fault and surely don’t define you. This might be a blessing in disguise that might lead you somewhere better.

As for next roles:

PE Ops role is good. I wouldn’t consider it as downgrade. In fact, some of the PE firms are very selective on the people they hire even for Ops team.
Consider VC opportunities. VC tends to hire more junior consultants, which fits your profile. The more senior you are in consulting, the harder to pivot into VC.
Corp strategy. Though you said you don’t find particular industry attractive, you don’t have to stay in one industry / one firm forever. Corp strategy team usually gives you better mobility compared to other roles in the org.

Good luck!

Emily