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Nuances of different firms

Big4 differences MBB tier2 tier3
New answer on Jun 27, 2021
3 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jun 18, 2021

Is there any source of information that compile the nuances of different consulting firms? 

So far I can gather below information (might be wrong and/or incomplete in some cases). I understand that it's gonna be almost impossible to do all firms' nuances, but the firms listed below can be the scope.  

McKinsey: often regarded as the best, great network, great mentorship, strong in pretty much anything 

BCG: more 'posh' than McKinsey, strong in innovation, digital, among others 

Bain: amazing culture, pragmatic delivery, strong in PE 

Kearney: often regarded as the leader of tier 2 

Oliver Wyman: strong in financial and PE, good culture 

Roland Berger: strong in auto industry, strong in Europe, but so-so in America 

Simon Kucher: leader in pricing strategy, strong in marketing, though having limited presence 

Strategy&: still having the Booz vibe and reputation, though PwC's name is kinda weaken the brand?  

Monitor Deloitte: was strong as Monitor, not as strong under Deloitte 

Alvarez&Marsal: having more while collar vibes compared to all above, trying to climb the ladder 

EY Parthenon: still confused with EY as the parent

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Ian
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replied on Jun 19, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I agree with Adi that this is quite a broad question! There a heaps of resources online (including the company websites) that you can leverage.

If you're looking to really understand cross-country differences across companies, I highly recommend you get out there and network.

While companies do strive to keep their cultures quite similar, you do have to remember countries themselves are very different too. Furthermore, there are nuances (for example, there is a saying in Australia that BCG and Bain have "flipped" culturally). 

Regardless, if you get a bit more targeted in your questions, do some research, and network, you'll get the answers you need!

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Adi
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replied on Jun 19, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Please clarify what specifically are you after & in which country/office? Your list can get a mile long if you add the boutiques and reputation/rankings/strengths will vary by country & geography for the different firms.

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Anonymous A on Jun 19, 2021

Do the culture and firms' strengths differ by geography? I thought that the characteristics would stay the same? Of course there's minor differences here n there between offices, but the general consensus should stay the same, no?

(edited)

Adi on Jun 19, 2021

They vary by geography and industry. I cant post external links here but there are plenty of rankings by FT, Forrester, Gartner and other independent bodies. So search via Google

Anonymous replied on Jun 27, 2021

Country culture will often trump corporate culture, but it seems you have summarized the highest level of the cultures quite well.

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Ian

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