What position should I aspire for at Strategy&?

Question

I have my final interview scheduled tomorrow with S&.

I have applied online for a “full time consulting position” targeted for my business school. I have 6 years industry experience and a masters (Non-MBA) from a target business school.

During the early process they have not indicated the level at which I'm interviewing for.

However during my first round of interviews the first interviewer suggested Associate level 2-3 but suggested I get in touch with the HR to inquire about this. When I did, she mentioned Associate level 1 however I said let's make sure that I'm the right fit and then we decide, I'm flexible.

The second interview the interviewer suggested senior associate 1 or associate 3. Which I believe is fair.

I didn't want to discuss this with the HR and I thought it would be better to get to the last interview and then discuss it.
The problem is they just called me and they said your final interview is going to be tomorrow.

What do you suggest I do?
Should I bring it up with the partner in my final interview? Should I wait until I get accepted first and then negotiate?

Or should I call the HR before the interview and indicate to her that my interviewers suggested A3 or SA1 and explain that I feel I have skills that the firm can utilize better at a SA level (i.e. leadership, etc)

I really can use a piece of advice.

Answer 1

Hi there,

my perspective / angle

1) I find “risky” to bring up w/ Partner: focus on crushing the final step and make the partner “adore" you

- Focus on your USPs and what you can do for the firm and not what they can do for you

- Expect and navigate the lesser level of structure in interview (could be a very sophisticated dialogue vs. a full-blown case w/ prompt etc…)

- Exude “structure” and “structured thinking” throughout the discussion and always come with “backupped” answers

- Be super careful in communication (verbal / non-verbal): succint, crisp, to the point and insightful

2) Once you won over the partner , reach out to HR, communicating the fact that you feel, based on your performance and background that you could definitely be a A3, SA1

Final important remark: I am following the working hypothesis that it would be better for you to start at higher seniority in Strat consulting. Please reflect whether this is really the case

a) I have seen people come up post-MBA too senior and being PiP-ed quickly and then transitioned

→ Lower level = bit lower expectations and increased possibility to shine in the first project(s). Remember: your brand will be defined quickly and then mostly people will stick with that (confirmation bias is human). Very hard to drastically change perception

b) If you are in for the long-game (towards partnership) I can assure you the up-to-1 year or plus delay will not matter in the end. As my senior partner used to say - “it is a marathon, not a sprint”

Answer 2

Hi there,

Q: What do you suggest I do? Should I bring it up with the partner in my final interview? Should I wait until I get accepted first and then negotiate?

I would wait to get an offer and then let HR know about the comment of the second interviewer. That’s the moment where you will have more leverage because they know they want you.

If at that stage they are not keen to offer the position you want, you can try to leverage another offer - in case you have any - to see if they can recognize some more seniority.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with Strategy&!

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 understand that it might be irritating to receive different information from your interviewers. Nevertheless, I would highly advise you to first secure the offer and negotiate the appropriate position when discussing the offer.
Moreover, while I completely understand that downgrading your work experience may not seem fair, unfortunately, it is a common practice within strategy consulting and might also help you with a slightly more relaxed start to your strategy consulting career. As such, I would highly advise you to approach the negotiation phase with a clear target but with the flexibility to compromise.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best negotiate your starting position with Strategy&, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 4

1. Try to show maturity, ownership, poise, drive.

2. Get the offer.

3. Negotiate / discuss rank afterwards.

You should be targetting Senior Associate 1, if you have business training and experience. Associate 3 can be acceptable as well, but it is actually a higher risk position. I'll explain why:

In both roles you'll be expected to be performing at Senior Associate level by the end of the year.
You are more likely to get Senior Associate responsibility work if you hold that rank, so your ability to prove that your performing at that level is higher
Associate 3 tends to be an up or out role.

So oddly enough, Associate 3 is a higher risk - lower return role.

Answer 5

Please DO NOT call HR before the interview.

You have no leverage right now.

I completely agree with Francesco that you need to wait until you have an offer.

Once you do, flag the comments from the other interviewer.

Now, remember, this is why it's so important to have as strong a resume as possible AND perform as well as you can in interviews.

The appearance of your resume/candidacy and your performance can affect the role at which you join (which is worth tens of thousands of $!)

Answer 6

Hello,

Pass the interview first. If the partner brings it up, then you can talk about it during the interview. A3/S1 seems fair. They may push you to join for A3 with a possibility of a faster promotion subject to performance.

Either way, pass the interview first. Don't bother the HR with this right now.

Best,

Rushabh

Answer 7

Hi there!

Wish I had seen this earlier.

Don't bring this up in the chat with the Partner. This is something that needs to be cleared with HR.

In these sort of cases, when the differences in roles is not huge, you can also discuss it once you have the offer on the table. Then you also have a bit more leverage than before.

Best,
Cristian

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Answer 8

Hi, Based on my knowledge from friends working there, the starting salary range for an associate is around $70-80k... (read entire answer)

Hi, Based on my knowledge from friends working there, the starting salary range for an associate is around $70-80k as base salary, On top of which you get a housing allowance... (read entire answer)