Been in one of the MBBs for a few months and not enjoying it at all. Entry level consultant here. I’ve been waiting for a few months for things to turn around but I just don’t see myself doing this in the long run and I find all aspects of the job just very stressful. Thinking about quitting after current project is over in 2-3 months. Is it the new-hire blues or this level of misery applies just to me? I’m thinking seriously about quitting given I feel like my sanity is going out the window as I constantly dwell over work and I have absolutely no life outside of work. How bad would it look for my further career to have this short of a stint? Mid 20s, have a couple of years of prior experience despite starting as a junior level consultant at mbb. I’m guessing I cannot count on many exit opportunities with this short tenure.
Thoughts on leaving MBB after 6-9 months
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Hi,
Thanks for sharing this. I'm sorry to hear what you're going through. It's very important to be happy doing what you're doing. Everything else is secondary. Obviously, all jobs have highs and lows, but sounds like your lows are far too many. I think 6-9 months is enough time to gauge the current state and understand what the future looks like. This is what I would do:
+ Identify the main reasons that are causing you to leave. Set up time over the next 1-2 weeks with your EM/AP/Partner and communicate these reasons to them along with 1-2 feedback points on how they could help things improve for you. This is a no regret move. Worst case, things don't get better and you leave in 2-3 months anyways. Best case, the team makes a conscious effort to improve things for you. You'd be surprised to see how well some team Leaders respond to feedback.
+ If things still don't get better, then exit is the right move. Don't worry about the fact that you've left in less than a year. Industry folks would be glad to snag someone with an MBB on their resume, even if it's for a year. Obviously, you will have to spend some time creating and fine-tuning your story, but it is definitely doable
If you want to talk more about it, feel free to send me a DM and we can get on a call (no fees). I understand what you're going through and hope things get better soon. Hang in there!
Nirmit
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Dear A,
it's ok to quit, since consulting it's not for everybody.
Nevertheless, try to use a firm for exit option, they might help you find another job.
Best,
André
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I would highly suggest you talk with your project leader and partners very OPENLY. Consulting life is never the easiest one but it is definitely not the one you have to have a very stressful life. In my experience, most of the times that kind of issues are driven from lack of open communication. Those companies value their consultants a lot as consultants are their only asset and they do their best when problems are clear. Make sure that we are not the only people knowing your situation. Share this and raise the flag. I sincerely believe that you can find a solution. If things do not work after all potential actions, then you may want to talk to do a transfer to another company. You will surprise that your company will even help your transfer to another company. Please feel free to write to me, happy to have a call and discuss (for free)
Cheers
Serhat
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I recommend being there for nearly 2 years: If you start in July 2018 for example, you need to stay until Jan 2020 so your resume shows 3 different calendar years, and recruiters mindlessly assume you were there a full 2 years.
If you stay less, many will give you 'some' credit for having gotten in, but will assume you haven't had time to build the consulting toolkit and will therefore mentally slot you in for lower profile/pay/status jobs.
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Generally speaking:
Being accepted to MBB is a big benefit in your CV.
However, the longer you stay the better (although some people say that above Engagement Manager role, the additional value for future employers is decreasing).
If you really dont like the job and and cant stand it, then you should probably leave. However keep in mind that every additional month counts...
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Hi,
Unless it's an internship, it's extremely low. I recommend waiting for at least 1 year. What are the reasons for such a decision?
Best
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