What should I choose? (Big4 Abroad vs MBB Local)

Hi there,

I'm sorry but here you ultimately need to think about what you value most!

Do you care more about West Coast US Tech or do you care more about the brand/reputation/career implications for MBB?

Two considerations to keep in mind here:

1. Always take any "promises" a company makes with a grain of salt. You cannot be sure that that office transfer will occur (even in the best of times, let along with a pandemic raging)
2. Moving to the US will also be do-able with MBB but this will obviously not be for the next 2-3 years at least (and comes with a high risk that it never happens).

Where do you want to be? Only you can make this decision!

Hi there,

Congratulations on your MBB offer!

I think it depends on whether you can move to the US from India with the MBB company you got an offer from.

If that’s possible (even not this year), I would definitely go for MBB given your goals – the brand is going to open several more doors than Big4.

If that’s not possible, I would check on LinkedIn how likely it is that you move from your current company in the US to your target tech companies in the US. If that’s feasible, then you have to assess whether it is better to have a US career with the Big4, or a career in India with MBB. I think both can lead to your long-term goal of a Senior startup role in India. The MBB brand is still going to open more doors but it is up to you to decide whether that compensates for the fact you are not going to be in the US.

Best,

Francesco

Hey,

Congrats on both offers!

If you examine closely, they are both two very different options. If mid-term goal is to be in India in the Tech/Start-up sector, am not sure whether going to US will help that case very much. If you genuinly want to do this, you should start setting yourself early, network, learn while you are at MBB in India. Plus the Brand is stronger and you will learn a hell lot quickly.

US BIG4 is also good, but with current visa issues and on-going COVID situation, I dont think its going to be an easy ride. Plus, who knows whats going to happen in 5-7 years and you career path may look very different. Choose this option, if you are flexible about future plans.

 In addition have a look at this article I have recently published on "How do I know which Career is Right for me". Plenty of tips you can borrow: https://www.preplounge.com/en/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

All the best choosing.

I would go for the immediate option to move to the US if that is where you want to be. Joining MBB in India may not offer you that option in the future. Tech is quite a broad space and so although it may not be as common as MBB, I would be suprised if someone with a strong profile didn't manage to get in.

Good luck!

Hey there,

Good answers here already. My 2 cents.

• 2 years at MBB will open many more doors and opportunities than moving to US with a B4.
• Depending on the MBB you can also get staffing in the US and your foot in the door in one of their US offices.

I'd definitely choose MBB.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi, 

As someone who worked in MBB in India and the US I can tell you that the brand value alone makes it worth the switch if you want to be in either country long term. However you will lose at least 2 years in terms of your move to the US (maybe even more). That being said after you do move you will have more options coming from MBB.

Ultimately you need to prioritize what is more important - a move to US right now or a move later with higher brand equity. There is no right answer it really depends on your priority.

If you want to be in the US (like your comments suggest) just come now, no one can predict the future so might as well go with what you have.

Udayan