Hi, there,

a perspective below - but your topic #1 is a highly individual-specific choice based on your set of value: as such treat my answer as a potential angle of many.

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I am currently working in a boutique consulting firm. I have gotten an offer from an MBB firm in the MENA region and would like advise on the two following questions:

1. Is leaving the boutique firm after working a year for MBB considered bad ethics? They seem to have expected I will stay for a long time and have been giving responsibility beyond that of an associate consultant and have been very nice to me. During my case interview, I did say I am looking for a long term career in consulting. 

Whether this constitute bad “Ethics” is 

1) Function of your set of values from a professional (and perhaps personal) POV

2) Function of the set of values from the stakeholders in the botique (e.g. they could understand it, despite not liking it, because of better MBB brand)

I would concentrate more on 

a) how important to me it is to not “burn bridges” with the botique. 

b) If this is important to me - how could I do this?

2. The salary at MBB is ~10% lower. Is it advisable to negotiate the salary to my current salary at the boutique firm?

In most MBB geos the salary band is “non-negotiable”. They can help you with a signing bonus in some cases.

My advice

1) evaluate your current “standing” vs. them (how much they like you)

2) Test the topic w/ HR In a very polite way. If they seem open try to explore further - otherwise drop

→ You say you are in for long-term - If you make an NPV analysis of the Salaries you can reach in MBB, this -10% cash @year 0 does not count that much (just my two cents)

Thank you for your advice.

Hi there,

Well done on the offer! Congrats!

1. Is leaving the boutique firm after working a year for MBB considered bad ethics? They seem to have expected I will stay for a long time and have been giving responsibility beyond that of an associate consultant and have been very nice to me. During my case interview, I did say I am looking for a long term career in consulting. 

Not at all. You don't “owe” them your life. MBB is a huge upgrade and you should not turn down something like that just out of guilt.

This is just how the world works - you could turn down MBB and next month the boutique fires you because there's no work.

Of course, make sure to exit gracefully and well. Don't burn any bridges and keep the connections alive. Who knows, after MBB you might want to return!

If you do this right, they will understand.

2. The salary at MBB is ~10% lower. Is it advisable to negotiate the salary to my current salary at the boutique firm?

I would, yes. You have a perfect “excuse” or leverage. Be prepared for them to say no, in which case you should ask if they can then adjust to signing bonus so that at least the 1st year matches.

Well done and good luck!

Here's some reading to help you at MBB: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tips-for-consultans

Hi there, 

Congrats on the offer!

I don't think this is a question of ethics. You work for a certain firm for as long as it makes sense to you. If you would like to do something else, you are free to do that. You have no obligation to them beyond the contractual ones. Of course, make sure you don't burn any bridges and keep the nice relationships you developed, but staying there out of guilt will only lead to resentment on your part. 

Regarding salary, it won't be easy to negotiate it. Most likely, they won't want to change the base and will only accept discussing the bonus. 

Sharing with you a free resource here about how to make the most of your first year in MBB:

What being an entry-level consultant is like

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, I do not think switching employers in your situation is unethical. While you should appreciate the additional responsibilities granted by your current employer, it is understandable to switch employers if you think your future employer will provide you a better mid- to long-term career trajectory.
• Moreover, while base salaries at strategy consulting companies are normally fixed, I would still advise you to negotiate given the base salary is not competitive compared to your current employer. While chances are high your future employer might not increase your base salary, they might provide you with a signing bonus or higher performance-based bonus.

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

Best,

Hagen

(edited)

It's a tough one for sure because it is likely that going to mbb might be better for your brand but it's also possible that staying in your firm is good for your career. 

At the end of the day if you truly believed in your firm you would not have applied to MBB after joining to begin with so maybe reflect on why you did that and use it to decide on your next move. 

Hi there,

Well done getting the MBB offer - congratulations!

Here's my take on your questions:

1. Is leaving the boutique firm after working a year for MBB considered bad ethics? They seem to have expected I will stay for a long time and have been giving responsibility beyond that of an associate consultant and have been very nice to me. During my case interview, I did say I am looking for a long term career in consulting. No, this happens all the time. You didn't lie when you said you're looking at a long career in consulting, just not necessarily with them. Your current firm knows that they can't reasonably expect you/the best people to stick around forever. Think about it this way - if s*** hit the fan, they would let you go without hesitation. It's not personal, it's just business. Just make sure you're finding the right moment to leave i.e., not in the middle of a project, and be respectful throughout the exit process.

2. The salary at MBB is ~10% lower. Is it advisable to negotiate the salary to my current salary at the boutique firm? Yes, of course. You should always negotiate, especially in this case. Just make sure you don't make yourself overly disagreeable to the point that they regret ever having given you an offer. In case you don't get what you want, don't worry. Compensation progresses rapidly in MBB and you will be handsomly rewarded if you stick around for a while.

Best of luck!

Moritz

Hello A,

First of all, congrats on your offer! My answer to your questions:

1. It's understandable that you may feel guilty about leaving your current boutique consulting firm after they've given you responsibilities beyond that of an associate consultant and have been very nice to you. However, it's important to remember that in the consulting industry, it's not uncommon for employees to move to different firms for various reasons. You have to do what's best for your career and personal growth, and your current firm should understand that. It's important to communicate your decision to them professionally and respectfully.
2. Negotiating your salary at the MBB firm to match your current salary at the boutique firm is not advisable. Keep in mind that MBB firms offer a strong brand name, diverse and challenging client engagements, and unparalleled professional development opportunities. Your compensation package should also include benefits such as healthcare, retirement, and bonuses. It's important to consider the long-term value of your compensation package, rather than just the salary component. You can try negotiating other aspects of the compensation package such as signing bonuses or performance-based bonuses.

Again, congratulations, and best of luck with everything!

There is no such thing as ‘ethics’ when you're a salaried employee. Unless you have substantial capital in a business they can fire you as quickly as you can leave, you need to put yourself and your development first. I'd absolutely make the move! 

Worth asking on the salary but as the salaries are usually set by level I'd be surprised if they move.

Good luck!

I don't see why moving to a job you prefer would be unethical by itself.

Regarding salary negotiation, salaries are already defined. You may be able to negotiate sign in bonus, or other benefits.

Hi there,

think about what the best career path is for you and then pursue that path. I would not worry about the (short) time you spent in the boutique firm. The salary at MBB is fixed - you have likely more upside in more senior roles + better options to switch to industry jobs.

Cheers,

Andreas