Worried about OW offer. Will I be OK?
Hey all,
I worked my ass off for consulting recruiting and networked but didn't get any interviews for MBB despite a referral (I got interviews last year but it didn't work out this year). I was pretty bummed but I accepted it and moved on.
I kept at it and secured an offer at the Oliver Wyman SF office.
I really liked the people from my OW interviews and the pay is great. But I'm just feeling a little worried (maybe even insecure) about my offer.
I really wanted to be a consultant but I'm worried that my OW offer won't be as great for my career as an MBB offer...I wanna explore all kinds of industries (especially tech, because I'm an engineer) but I'm worried I'll be restricted to OW's bread and butter FS, energy, and transportation. I'm also worried that my exits may not be as good, esp in tech because OW isn't as well known there. A lot of my peers are going to MBB too so that is contributing.
Is OW a good place to start my career? Am I being whiny right now? Should I just grind it out? I'm even debating switching over to a software engineer role, but consulting I think is really what I wanna do.
I'd appreciate any thoughts. Would really love if those working at OW could comment about too. Thanks!
OW is a great place to start your career. Probably consensus #4 behind MBB—those who will matter for exits and career growth will know OW.
Especially in a market like this (where many people are on the beach) the subject matter/industry optionality an MBB associate has is greatly overstated. You take what staffing gives you and this will likely also correlate with your geography (e.g., O&G in houston or financial services in NY). It is true that eventually this pendulum swings and you gain some staffing leverage to try new things, but the “I saw 6 different industries in my first year” recruiting sales pitch definitely has an asterisk for the average new joiner.
The difference in brand between MBB and OW (or other T2s) is really most prevalent when recruiting alongside other hopeful consultants. The reality is that, in the real world, almost no one knows the MBB firms—and of those who do, 90%+ know and respect OW.
In a market where people are striking out with 10+ firms or getting offer rescinded, thank your lucky stars that you have an offer at a firm as good as OW. A lot of people would do anything to take your spot
Always this coping instead of telling ppl the truth. MBB will give you significantly better exit opps and yes it makes a ton of difference if you work at McK vs. OW. Nobody cares about 90% of the population even for decision makers/industry MBB (particularly McK, then BCG) carries MUCH more brand than OW.
Let me not even start with PE where you chances decrease drastically (~70%) of landing a offer if you are not at an MBB.
You can provide comforting statements about this as much as you want but the reality is different.
Still by no means a bad firm (actually great place to be at and develop a good skillset).
I’ve had some more time to think and consider opinions. I have also talked to multiple consultants.
I strongly disagree with your take, and think CFortune’s and the other poster’s words (telling me to relax) were very helpful for me.
Fine, MBB might have a bit better brand value. But at the end of the day, Oliver Wyman still has awesome brand value, and I can find a job I want afterwards.
It might be a little more difficult, but that’s fine! It’s completely doable. Almost comparably difficult, in fact. Plenty of consultants from OW have landed well regarded jobs that I want.
Looking back, the truth is I made this post because I was insecure about OW. But that is no way to live…it’s a great place with fantastic people and opportunities. There’s no need to compare myself to others and worry…I’m just gonna keep pushing forward in my own goal, which is to become part of the C suite of a Fortune 500.
What matters is that I’m making progress towards my dream and that I’m happy. If this job is a great opportunity + I can still work towards my dream + get the jobs I want after, obsessing over how good my firm is is a waste of mental time.
I’m a ba at Mck, first year, but my girlfriend works at OW. It’s a great firm with great people, and she enjoys working there. However, Mck does have a significantly larger brand value and exit opps. With that being said, it’s all about how you perform. A great performer at ow can have a much better career than someone at Mck who was counseled out. This is just the beginning of your career as well so keep that in mind. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask.
Thank you, appreciate your insight.
Hi,
I'm in a very similar situations. Worked my butt off for consulting interviews only to get 1 interview this year. Interned at OW this past summer and accepted a FT offer since I coudn't get anything better but like yourself, have dealt with a lot of insecurity in addition to feeling like I won't be nearly as competitive as my MBB peers. It is a bad market like the other user said and plenty of people would kill for this offer I know - but that doesn't make me feel better unfortunately.
I hope these feelings go away for both you and myself. Feels especially worse when I see some of my peers who (at least in my extremely flawed and biased opinion) have not worked as hard in or outside of school get those MBB offers. Hope it works out for both of us.
Figured I'd chime in given I'm in the same situation -- interned at a diff T2 (K/S&/EY-P/LEK) and am going back FT after striking out during MBB final rounds this year. I know things are tough/unfair right now and certainly agree with everything you're saying. I do believe we'll have opportunities for lateraling in a year or two, just keep in contact with the people you interviewed with during junior summer. Keep your head up, I have confidence our turn will come!
Not a consultant but just came to say you should just breathe. Relax. You’re doing fantastic. I know what it’s like being a competitive and comparative 21-22 year old, but at the end of the day life is very short and you should enjoy the journey as it presents itself. Just like how you enjoy a movie or a game even though you have no idea what will happen, you should enjoy your life the same. You never really control exactly how things play out.
OW is the best firm in the world to start your career at because it’s the one you got. If you had only gotten the 10-man consulting shop in your hometown, THAT would’ve been the best firm to start your career at. Be grateful for the opportunity in front of you and plan to make the most of it. Instead of saying “oh god no I might have to work in FS or energy” just accept you don’t know what you’ll be put on but make up your mind to enjoy it, excel at it, learn from it, and eventually use the experience to get where you want to go.
Any time spent thinking about others, or about how you wish things were different, is time wasted. Instead spend time MAKING yourself excited about this opportunity, and making plans for how you’re gonna make the most of it and get what you want out of it. Most of us, elite god-tier MBB employees included, are pretty average and forgettable anyway; and this is a good thing, because accepting this allows us to enjoy our journey without thinking of anyone else’s.
The world doesn’t revolve around you buddy. Everyone is dealing with the same anxiety. Stop calling attention to yourself
Bro how are you such a dick? Get a life lol
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