EY-Parthenon or RB London

Question

Just received offers from both firms in their London offices. Can't decide which one to join!

Heard RB is a bit smaller in London (80ppl). It traditionally focuses more on aerospace & PE. However, it is on a great growth trajectory and just hired several new partners in consumer goods to expand their industry focus. (heard it had a hard time growing because its more of a German firm)

EY-Parthenon is much bigger (300ppl), has a great culture and also more diversified in terms of industries. Also heard the London office is growing at +30%…

Top criteria for me to consider would be

1. mix of projects - heard RB focuses more on the “traditional” type of strategy consulting, whereas EY- P does a lot more due diligence, which is much more demanding and fast-paced…

2. culture and work life balance

3. exit options - is one more prestigious than the other?

They both seem like fantastic places to start off one's career and I am having a hard time deciding, would love to hear your insights!

Answer 1

I've worked for both (but not in London).

1. Mix of projects

EY-P has a very strong focus on commercial due dilligence work. It's more demanding (in terms of working hours and constant availability) and fast-paced, but usually requires no travel, and you don't have to be on the client (which also means some flexibility if you need to something in between meetings / deliverables). I actually prefer DD work by far, but the skillset that you gain is not as broad. But read with a grain of salt, EY-P is doing strategy work as well.

EY-P is also particularly strong in education, in media and consumer goods. Roland Berger will be stronger in industrials or any heavy industry (automotive, chemicals, manufacturing, …)

2.1 Culture

I suggest you do some networking on this one. Local office culture varies quite a bit in these two firms. Both have very high quality people.

2.2. Work life balance

As you can deprehend from my answer in point 1., it isn't like one is better than the other. It is actually that you'll find balance on differing aspects.

3. exit options - is one more prestigious than the other?
I would say that Roland Berger is more prestigious, unless you are planning investment roles (PE, …)

Answer 2

Hey,

Have a look at this article for some guidance & tips- https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

Congrats and all the best choosing!

Answer 3

Hello!

None is going to give you a better insight than Pedro here!

What I would add is, try to think about what you want longer term, since that is going to help you see what aligns better in the short term.

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

Hi there,

What a great problem to have - you can't go wrong here!

I can't beat Pedro's answer :P but I will just say, if you have a chance to network a bit, visit the offices, talk to a few people at both firms, etc. you'll have a bit more to go off of as well in understanding all of your questions.

Good luck with the decision!