Bain vs. Strategy&

Question

Hey guys,

Wondering what your take is on S& vs. Bain.

I am a graduate student in Europe. Curious on your opinion in difference between these firms on

1. Type of work

2. Work-Life Balance

3. Prestige

4. Exit opportunities

From what I´ve heard you are working less and earning more at S&, yet don´t have the same brand reputation as at Bain.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Hi,
type of projects and work-life are similar, but they really depend on the geography. In terms of exit opportunities and brand reputation Bain is much better

Hope it helps,
Antonello

Answer 2

Hello! Going to your points:

1. Bain will focus more in Strategy consulting, and they are particularly strong in Due Diligences

2. Similar in both, and very dependent on the engagements. Bain traditionally had a better reputation than BCC and McKinsey, but not based on real facts.

3. Bain gains x100 here. No doubts

4. In line with point 3, go with Bain here

For me, Bain is a no-brainer in this case. Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi there,

I am happy to answer to that question because I had the same doubts/questions.

1. the type of work is pretty the same, however I can say that strategy&, being part of the PWC network, focus more on the strategic part of a project and leave to PWC the implementation.

2. pretty the same but as far as I know stratgy& has smaller offices compared to Bain, thus they take care more at your personal life. In addition Startegy & does not have the up or out policy!

3. Prestige of course Bain, this is the reason why I decided Bain even though for the consultant position the salary is a little bit less.

4. Exit opportunities are very linked to the prestige, of course Bain is a stronger brand in your CV. But really depends on the clients you work with.

Answer 4

Hi,

1 - Will be similar

2 - Probably worse at Bain. But depends on the particular office

3 - Bain of course

4 - For Bain your exit opportunities are much better

Compensation will be the same. If it is lower at Bain in your case - it will be compensated by the faster career track.

Berst

Answer 5

Hi,

In general, it is true that S& doesn't have the same reputation as Bain. There are two main reasons:

Strategy&'s brand revamp did not help keep the same image as Booz, and is often mixed with PwC's management consulting arm
After the brand revamp and PwC acquisition, a significant number of top-performing consultants/leaders left for other companies (e.g. BCG)

Having said that, Stategy& is also a great company to start your career. I advise that you speak with existing/former employees of these companies (of the office of your choice), and decide which office culture would suit you best.

Best,

Deniz

Answer 6

Hi there

I agree with the other experts on the whole,:

1. Similar but typically more prestigious clients with Bain and working higher in the organisation

2. Similar but at my Bain office there was a strict ‘no weekend’ work policy.

3. No question – Bain x 1,000

4. No question – Bain x 1,000 – amazing alumni and networking opportunities

In conclusion, if you have opportunities with both, then Bain wins hands down.

KInd Regards,

Adam

Answer 7

Hello,

I would go for Bain. Its brand has more prestige and this will give you more exit opportunities.
In terms of type of work and work-life balance, it depends on the office you will be working for.

Best,
Luca

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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