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Partner at KPMG(or any big4) vs Senior Consultant at Mckinsey?

and Bain BCG Big 4 KPMG McKinsey
New answer on Jun 21, 2019
4 Answers
5.6 k Views
Arty asked on Jun 20, 2019

Hi all,

what do you think is better in terms of prestige (+ salary, brand, exit opps) being a partner at big 4 or being a senior consultant at Mckinsey?

Thanks for reply!

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 21, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Arty,

this is an option that sometimes arises for principals/associate partners in MBB, who have the chance to reach partnership in Big 4 companies, thus I guess that’s what you mean by Senior Consultant.

In terms of the variables you listed:

  • In general a partner role is more prestigious than any senior consultant position
  • In general the salary is better for a partner thanks to the variable component
  • The brand of McKinsey is stronger than any Big 4
  • Exit opportunities really depends on what you want to do. In general a partner position gives access to roles not accessible to senior consultants but as an associate partner at McKinsey you have the opportunity to become a partner there.

Hope this helps,
Francesco

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Ian
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replied on Jun 20, 2019
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Arty,

Partner any day of the week!

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jun 20, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I can't imagine such a situation, but the partner is better:

  • If you build a client base or expertise (e.g. Digital) - you can transfer to McKinsey as a partner
  • You have much better exit opportunities since you are communicating with the clients' senior management

Bes!

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Jimmy on Jun 20, 2019

Vlad, thank you for the reply! But is being a partner at KPMG is so good? Because i hear lots of the time if in scale of prestige MBB is 10 outta 10, then big 4 is like 3 outta 10.

Sidi
Expert
replied on Jun 20, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi Arty!

You have to be more precise - what do you mean with "Senior Consultant" at McKinsey? If you mean Senior Associate or EM, then Partner at KPMG is preferable. If you mean AP level (or Senior EM with a clear path towards AP), then I believe McKinsey has the edge.

Cheers, Sidi

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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