Offer Decision: Deloitte S&O vs. Parthenon

I have entry-level FT offers from both Deloitte S&O and The Parthenon Group.

For Parthenon, I like their culture and the fact that they travel less than other consulting firms, but I'm not sure about the effect of their merger with EY. For Deloitte S&O, I'm attracted to their rotational program and broad international network since I'm very interested in international opportunities. I'm considering B-school after 2-3 years of working. What would you recommend in terms of:

  1. 1) B-school placement/sponsorship
  2. 2) Office culture
  3. 3) Work-life balance
  4. 4) Type of work: strategy vs. implementation
  5. 5) Exit opportunities
    1.  
      Best Response

      I'm pretty sure all the Big 4 will offer your MBA tuition reimbursements (depending on the group) - obviously those will require a commitment of 3 years usually after you're done with school.

      I think Masterspinner isright about Deloitte having more name recognition, although from what I knew of Parthenon, i like the type of work they did more (it seemed more interesting/challenging). Thing about Deloitte, (and PwC and Accenture) is that there will be some strategy projects, but mostly implementation. Thats their bread and butter. Unless you get into the Monitor clique and know people in that group, which they will then pull you into their projects. Otherwise, youre in a batle with all the other BAs that are trying to get on strategy projects.

      If you're offer with EY is in the Parthenon Group, than it means you'll be working closlely with the Parthenon people. you wonthave to battle your way into their circle. Not sure how the acquisition will affect them, but despite being bought by EY, they'll still be in their own clique for a bit. I know a lot of acquisitions still operate this way in other Big4.

      In addition, EY is probably the most internationally integrated of the big4 - meaning if you wanted to try and do projects abroad, i would believe the chances would be higher at EY than any other firm. Obviously this would also be depending on the group and project.

      Hugo
       

      Made a somewhat similar decision a while back (Deloitte S&O vs. a firm along the lines of LEK/Marakon). I ended up choosing S&O for the better name recognition and because I connected well with the people there.

      I think for most of the factors you are looking at its largely wash between the two. However, Pathernon is/was much smaller and was traditionally known to focus on strategic work. No clue how the firm has fared (retention, integration, etc.) after EY takeover but I would definitely try to talk to those that are more knowledgeable about the situation.

      Not sure what the poster above is talking about with regards to cliques. I know PwC has kept Booz as a separate entity but Deloitte fully integrated Monitor into their strategy practice. It really seemed as if the Monitor acquisition bolstered Deloitte's strategy practice and it was fairly well integrated as my teams typically contained a mix of Deloitte/ex-Monitor practitioners. I never had trouble getting staffed on interesting strategy projects but I will say that the type of work available at Deloitte will be more varied - it is frankly a larger firm and has a wider breadth of work.

      Can't comment on EY/Parthenon's int'l opportunities but be careful with how many of the Big4 describe their international networks. Many of the Big4 have sister firms in various countries that are related but are essentially different entities which can sometimes create hindrances to working internationally. During my time at S&O I know they were making a conscious effort at creating more cross-border collaboration through JVs and partnerships with sister firms in the Americas and EU. I worked internationally twice (both in EMEA) but worked with international teams fairly frequently - we worked with practitioners in international offices to flesh out / vet our recommendations for any strategy work we did that had a global scope.

      I have recently left Deloitte for external oppty but I enjoyed my experience with S&O overall.

      Don't think you can go wrong with either. Best of luck!

       

      Disclaimer: posted this on another thread, but same question..

      In a similar situation and going with Parthenon (Asked for NY office as well) for a few reasons.. my insight:

      1. They are very keen on keeping Parthenon separate from the rest of the firm (different branding/emails/etc).. and seems like they want to maintain their culture
      2. Their recruiting standards seem to be the same as before... still recruiting at all their core schools (generally 10-12 top institutions)
      3. Strong focus in PE/education/healthcare (personal preference)... and nearly all the work is strategy and more interesting..that being said, some operational experience is valuable as well
      4. Less travel than what you would have at Deloitte
      5. BSchool placements- some abnormally large % of Parthenon associates went to top bschools last year
      6. I applied to MBB/Parthenon as an intern last year, and didn't get through the final rounds but really enjoyed talking with Parthenon- very smart and talented group of people

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