Why isn't there a lot of people who move between MBB firms?

Hi there. When a consultant is thinking about leaving the current company, they always need to ask himself/herself "why". Some common exit reason for MBB consultants are:

- The long hours

- They find jobs with better package and title elsewhere 

- They want to pursuit their personal passion like traveling the world, starting their own companies, etc

If you look at above common reasons you will realize moving among MBB doesn't really make sense for most people, as all these factors will be very similar among the 3. 

Hope this answers your questions!

Hey there,

There are a few reasons:

1. They like where they are. Being at McKinsey, there are very few reasons to move to BCG or Bain, and vice versa. Once you made it in, you kind of built your ''home'' there. You will meet friends, build a network, grow your reputation in a certain sector / industry, connect with partners, etc. Starting the process from scratch somewhere else makes not much sense since it won't change your outcome (exit opps, etc.) but comes with considerable cost
2. It is actually frowned upon. I know a few people that switched MBB firms and for them, it was always due to a certain issue that popped up (e.g. received no promotion). For all that left McKinsey to another MBB, they actually got kicked out of the alumni network even...

Cheers,

Florian

I guess the key question is "Why?". While some differences exist, especially individual teams if you're seeking strong specialization or are already specialized, but those are exceptions and typically are more relevant at a more senior tenure. Especially for junior tenures, the three companies are really very similar - once you've found the company & culture that work for you, there's little reason to switch.

Hi Erica, I confirm it happens, especially in the case of personal/performance problems of the consultant. However, when looking at an exit option, consultants look for a career change, so out of MBB (which are comparable in terms of all the main kpi)

Best,
Antonello

Its the same thing with different logo :). Its better to diversify and move onwards and upwards once you have worked for a particular MBB.

Hi there,

That's because of the goal + objective of being there as well as the switching costs!

Many people join MBB to build thier resume + network and open other doors. If they're leaving, it's because they've been able to leverage the brand to do what they really want to do.

Alternatively, if their goal is to rise up at the firm, it's best to stay and rise up the ladder to Partner as that's all relationships and longevity at the firm.

If you switch, you're either not meeting your goals in #1 or you're delaying your goals in #2.

The only real reason you would switch is if you're sure you want to stay a long time in strategy consulting, but you've just realize the culture match isn't there!

All 3 of them are at the top. Switching wouldn't necessarily improve your brand value.

It would boil down to chasing a very specific target (e.g. sector focus, region focus etc.).

That said, its not completely unseen.

Hey there,

esentially because there are not a lot of differences between them and at higher level (e.g., partners) there could also be no-compete agreement signed. Few situation that I personally saw were:

• not receiving promotion/ having the counsuel to leave
• want to change geography and the firm has not allowed internal mobility

There is no real incentive to switch from one MBB firm to another. You spend a lot of time building your skills, being part of the culture and creating a network. To give it all up to join another firm that does similar work with similar people in similar industries is not that desirable.

People are much more likely to make this move if they do not fit into a particular firm for a very specific reason to that firm that they won't find in another firm (e.g., travel policy differences between McK and Bain). Or if they are counseled to leave but really want to be in consulting.

Udayan