I have received a job offer to move from a Management Consulting role at the Big 4 to a Strategy Analyst role at a major airport in my home country.
The role will allow me to specialise in strategy, whereas my current role is many operationally focused.
The pay would stay around the same. Would this move be recommended?
It is your decision my friend.
Say Job A is your current job and Job B is your new job
Location: Better in Job B since it is your home country. Is that correct? Or do you prefer to stay abroad for now? Your decision.
Pay: Same in both jobs. But any tax differences? Will the difference in net pay be a deal-breaker for you? Your decision.
Role: Do you prefer the variety in Management Consulting? Or do you prefer the linear nature of a corporate job? Both are equally good and respectable options. Your decision.
Life: Job A might be potentially more stressful and have worse work-life balance than Job B. Or it may be the opposite. We wouldn't know. You have a better idea since you are closer to both. Also, do you want a higher stress job or a lower stress one? Your decision.
Career: Management Consulting will have a faster progressing career than a corporate role. But on the flipside the corporate role will be much more stable and the bar-to-survive will be lower. What will be your preference? Your decision.
Market: Consulting market is quite resistance to market disruptions (it survived and excelled during COVID). Whereas a corporate role always comes with the risks of external factors. What would be your preference here? Your decision.
Others: Is there any other item in consideration that will help you in deciding? You would know better. Your decision.
I recently moved from Consulting to a Corporate Strategy role. I can discuss this over messages as well. You can let me know your views on the above points.
Here's my generic advice: you don't have to accept a job just because it is better that the job you have. You should accept it if it helps you in pursuing the career you want.
Regarding the specific role: airports are a mix of infrastructure and malls. They make money from selling space and services to airlines and retail space (shops for passengers). This means that the knowledge you get is transferrable to other areas (e.g. shopping malls, retail, infrastructure management). If any of these areas excite you (and also in an analytical / strategy role capacity), then it is likely to be a good move.
Is it the job you want to do, does it get you closer to a job you want to do, or is it just something that may be slightly better than what you have? If it is the later, then stay where you are while you find something better.
Of course, I would take a strategy role over operations consulting any given day but… that's me, not necessarily you. ;)
Hi JunJo,
I agree with Pedro, you should decide based on your career goals:
Without knowing 1), it is not really possible to provide much advice.
If you are in doubt, talking with someone that followed a similar path (possibly alumni of your university) could help to clarify.
Hope this helps,
Francesco
Hi Junjo,
Congrats on the offer!
It would be pretty irresponsible of us to tell you what to do here with limited information.
Ultimately, both roles sound great. You need to decide whether you want to continue rising in the Big4 role or if you're ready for your “exit” and want to move to internal consulting.
Remember that the Big4 role will likely result in faster career progression (but higher burnout, fatigue, etc.)
Hi,
Please have a look at this helpful article I explicitly wrote to help with such questions-https://www.preplounge.com/en/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me
All the best choosing.
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