Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Generalist or Digital?

Hi,

Given the current climate and the increasing number of digital projects MBB firms are doing, would it make sense to join BCG TDA/Bain Vector/ McKinsey Digital rather than becoming a generalist? What are the differences in career track, international opportunities, team, general reputation and so on?

 

Thanks in advance!

9
1.9k
24
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Apr 06, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • First of all, I would highly advise you not to make such important career decisions solely based on current trends in strategy consulting. Instead, I would highly advise you to opt for the option that better aligns with your professional (and maybe even personal) mid- to long-term goals. In order to make an informed decision, I would advise you to do the following:
    • Weigh the different criteria that are meaningful to you independently of the current options (e.g., capabilities, international exposure, (sub-)culture). After that, score the two options based on your criteria and their weighting, resulting in two scores. This way, you have covered the left-brain perspective.
    • Critically assess your initial reaction to the outcome of the scores. For instance, if you feel the urge to tweak the numbers, this is a solid indicator that you do not want this decision to become reality. This way, you have covered the right-brain perspective.
    • By doing so, you will be able to integrate both parts of the brain into the decision-making, guaranteeing a higher chance that you will still be happy with it years later.
  • Moreover, while the digital track obviously has a narrower scope regarding projects, both career tracks are very similar, even if depending on the region, country, and strategy consulting company you apply to.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

on Apr 07, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Given the current climate and the increasing number of digital projects MBB firms are doing, would it make sense to join BCG TDA/Bain Vector/ McKinsey Digital rather than becoming a generalist? 

I would target a career in digital if that’s interesting to you, not just based on the probability to join MBB. If you like the digital space, you can by all means apply there.

2) What are the differences in career track, international opportunities, team, general reputation and so on?

I would expect most factors to depend on the firm and geography, so the best way to know that for your target office would be to network with consultants working there. In any case, I would use as the main criterion whether or not you would enjoy the digital focus.

Good luck!

Francesco

Andreas
Coach
on Apr 06, 2023
McKinsey EM | Top MBB Coach | >70% Success Rate | Free Introductory Calls

Hi there,

I would advise you to base that decision primarily on what your profile is and what your career goals are - and less so on the current economic climate. 

Cheers,

Andreas

Ian
Coach
on Apr 11, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

It would make sense to do the thing that GENUINELY INTERESTS YOU.

Please don't do the thing that you think everyone wants you to do and that you think gives you the best odds. If you like Digital, then amazing go for it! If you don't, then you're going to hate it and quit after 2 months.

Please don't lose the forest for the trees here…apply to the roles/jobs that you genuinely find interesting (and that your profile fits and you would be good at)

Rushabh
Coach
on Apr 06, 2023
Limited Availability | BCG Expert | Middle East Expert | 100+ Mocks Delivered | IESE & NYU MBA | Ex-KPMG Dxb Consultant

Hi,

If you have the right profile and would enjoy to specialize in that domain, then I think it might be worth applying to the digital practice since that seems to be an in-demand practice area.

Best,

Rushabh

Emily
Coach
on Apr 10, 2023
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad

Generally you can do digital cases if you're a generalist, but it's much harder to get on generalist cases if you're in digital. If you have a real love of doing digital projects then it makes sense to go for a digital route, if not then I would personally go for generalist as it'll give you more varied work. 

Good luck!

Pedro
Coach
on Apr 06, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

This really goes down to whether you want to be a digital specialist and focus on that field or just wanting to be a busines specialist.

Both options are fine and MBB are great for any of them

on Jul 31, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there,

At the end of the day, it all has to do with where you see yourself in 10 years from now. 

If joining one of them brings you closer to that vision, then it's the right thing to do. 

Best,
Cristian

Deleted user
on Apr 28, 2023

Hello,

I would recommend you answer this question for yourself based on your interests, expertise, and where you want your career to go. Both generalist and digital tracks are prestigious and competitive. Your experience and exit opportunities will depend more on what you personally make of each role, in my opinion. 

6
Similar Questions
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Apr 24, 2025
Global
5
3.6k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
39
5 Answers
3.6k Views
+2
Consulting
Can I still get an offer? MBB final round, almost finished one case but didn't.
on Aug 23, 2024
Global
7
1.9k
Top answer by
Pedro
Coach
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session
59
7 Answers
1.9k Views
+4
Consulting
Rest of the Process after the getting the offer
on May 18, 2024
Global
7
900+
Top answer by
Ariadna
Coach
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
22
7 Answers
900+ Views
+4
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.