Hi there,

I get your frustration! Nonetheless, let's see what the real problem is:

1. Does it simply make you feel less appreciated? → Remember how quickly people move up the ladder. It may just be a matter of months until you get promoted.
2. Is it financially unfeasible to accept the BA role? → Try and negotiate (unlikely to lead to much as already pointed out) or compare with your BATNA. If there isn't any, you don't really have much of a choice.

In any case, you got an offer from a top firm! Don't let your ego get in the way of recognizing and celebrating this achievement!

Best of luck!

Hi Andy,

I'm sorry to hear about this - it's definitely a bummer!

Yes, this happens when candidates essentially don't perform to the level expected. In all honesty, you're probably lucky to have an offer giving your poor structuring. It seems they feel you have what it takes and just need to be trained.

You have a few options:

1. Try to negotiate (unlikely to work)
2. Accept the offer - recognize that oftentimes this happens for your own benefit (if you start higher than you should, you'll crash and burn)
3. Look for other roles - if you do, you need to improve this weakness

One last point - if your structuring is bad like they say, you could really use a coach! Get one (perhaps biasedly, like me) that actually focuses on the mindset shift of structuring. This is not easy, and you'll be much better served (in both succeeding in the role and getting a faster promotion) if you hit the ground running on the job already knowing how to structure/framework properly.

Here's some reading that's important for proper structuring/frameworking:  https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

(edited)

Hi Andy,

Sorry to hear that. This could happen, but they should offer a quick promotion path (eg 6 months) to Associate given your experience. If they didn’t, I would try to negotiate it.

If they don’t offer it, it could still make sense for you to join depending on:

1. The opportunity cost to join versus the other options
2. Your willingness to work in a role with colleagues/managers that are a lot more junior. For many people this could be a source of demotivation

Good luck!

Francesco

(edited)

Hi

With your level of experience and MBA, I would negotiate very hard with the team. Otherwise, it will become very demotivating after a short while when you will see candidates with similar experience as yours in more senior positions. I have seen plenty of similar cases where candidates have not lasted long with the firm because of their discontent with the position offered.

I hope this helps. 

BR

Dear candidate,

do not worry. While this might demotivate you a bit, simply think long-term about this. Let's say you have to work until your 70, the 2-3 extra years of entering at a lower level but at a firm that you like, will not make the difference. And hopefully they will show enough appreciation for your work after you have joined so that you will be happy and satisfied. You will advance quickly and will get to exactly the level you want to be at.

Best regards

What does this actually mean in terms of salary and progression. Will they promote you after one year (assuming you do “ok”)? Or do you face an up-or-out after that year?

Is your salary going to be significantly downgraded or not.

If you are actually getting an extra year before “up-or-out” and the salary cut is not very significant, this is not necessarily a bad deal. Can actually be a good one in the long run. Whereas if you face up-or-out at the end of the deal and get a relevant salary cut… I suggest you weight vs. the alternatives. Then it is more an issue of how bad you want to be in consulting and what alternatives do you have.