Junior Role at MBB vs. Senior Role at Tier 2 (Not Big 4)

Hi there, 

I might be biased, but I would vote MBB every time, for several reasons:

1. In a scenario where you want to leave the firm in 2,3 or 5 years - your exit chances will be a lot better coming out of an MBB vis-a-vis a Tier 2, even considering a more junior role;

2. Your networking opportunities at an MBB will be better, as you will interact with the equally motivated people as yourself;

3. Your years in consulting will be more enjoyable: Tier 2 consultants work longer hours than their MBB counterparts do, because the boutique and Tier 2 firms colleagues frequently have to cover more than one project at a time. Work-life-balance is a huge issue that has to be addressed by the industry, MBB are just a little more advanced in their pledge and are a little more financially insulated, not having to resort to understaffing their projects all the time.

So considering all these, and many other arguments, I would vote for MBB, even taking in account the lower initial role.

Good luck!

Hello!

A million percent I would go with MBB, since it´s a brand for life, that later you capitalize in soooo many ways, more than what you can imagine. 

Cheers, 

Clara

Associate vs. Associate with tenure in the grand scheme of things is the same role (i.e., 6-12 months).  Promotion to partner is often faster at MBBs anyways and so I really don't see it to be a meaningful differentiation.  

Hi there,

I am biased but I'd definitely go with MBB here given

• prestige and exit opportunities, also considering lifetime earnings potential
• types of projects and pool of clients
• development opportunities
• global mobility
• availability and quality of support staff

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

First of all, the Associate role means different things at different MBB:

• At McKinsey, it's the step before EM (typically post-MBA/experienced hire)
• At BCG, it's a junior role prior to becoming Consultant (which is the equivalent to McKinsey Associate).

However, irrespective of the above, I would ALWAYS choose MBB over Tier 2. You will get promoted and rise the ranks soon enough. This should not be a criteria! 

What should be a criteria are the opportunities to grow and learn within the firm, exit opportunities, and the doors that will open later in life by having certain brands on your CV. Nothing beats MBB in this case!

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

On the surface of it and based on limited infor you have given- MBB seems better option.

But please choose wisely. There is more to this than just brand name or title or $$. Please have a look at this article for guidance- https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

Hi there,

Personally, yes. And I think most people in the world would.

The MBB brand is just so so valuable.