LEK vs Kearney

Hi there,

It sounds like you've applied for both but have yet to interview (or even be invited to interview)?

If that's the case, literally don't waste time thinking about it yet! Wait for the offers to come - for all you know the decision will be made for you!

If you're deciding between two offers, then you need to network with both companies and get to know people there - ask hard questions and get to know their cultures!

Finally, don't estimate the important of working in an office (huge points for Kearney). You will not learn properly in a remote role. All my experience talking to people who own business and employ people has shown me that learning and development is seriously stunted in a WFH environment (the cohorts that joined this year are already better than those that joined last year).

Hello!

Those are very very detailed questions, since they totally depend on the office/region. Hence, it will be difficult that you find insightful answers in blogs like this. 

I would recommend you to use this as an opportunity for networking, and you will kill two birds with one stone. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, I would advise you to wait and see how many offers you actually get before considering the different options.
• Moreover, 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., exit opportunities, location, culture, compensation). 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.

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

Best,

Hagen

I see a strong advantage in having access to an office. It will provide much better support in your learning (and staffing) experience. 

Regarding type of projects, you will have to network to have a better understanding of the local situation. Without specific knowledge, I would believe Kearney to have a better chance of having more “pure strategy” projects. But once again, local office reality is more important than high level perspective on the firm.

I think you are trying to think further ahead than required. Give your 100% to the process first and secure offers.

Meanwhile, speak to some people from these offices - they would be in a better position to answer these questions.

Most projects in strategy consulting firm can be deemed as “pure strategy” projects. You must clarify your own definition of “pure strategy” before moving ahead.

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