“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
If this is London then OW for sure.
They also have a global staffing model.
It is Oliver Wyman and ATKearney Spain.
Oliver Wyman - especially if you are considering working on the East coast
International projects ATK staffs regionally (Americas, EMEA, and APAC) but staffing is very flexible cross-region so international opportunities (project based and office transfers, etc.) are easy to come by. OW seems to be similar also. Although at last count, I think ATK has the third largest geographical presence of any consulting firm (40+ countries, 60+ cities), so I would give them a narrow win on this front
Access to top USA MBA programs. Access imp is pretty on par. Negligible difference in placement. However, I think OW is much more focused on promotion in the ranks without break for an MBA, which doesn't necessarily promote culture of getting an MBA (correct me i'm mistaken here)
Which other factors do you consider critical to compare those two firms? I know about the strong FS practices at OW and the operational aproach of ATK... -You're right, they both have their strong points in terms of project types. Beyond that, I think the consideration should be of cultural fit (they're pretty different imo), public vs. private consultancy (OW is a public company, ATK is a private company), growth story, etc.
Congrats and good luck with the decision.
It is Oliver Wyman and ATKearney Spain.
Usernotfound101, As you say A.T. Kearney also give international oportunities. My concern is that I have been told that is better to stay in the national office for a while to get seniors to know you and make your "brand". That is why at the end, I am unable to assess if even if possible it is recomended to make international projects during the two first years at A.T. Kearney. What do you think about that?
As you say OW does not require consultants to make an MBA, I also have the concern about barriers if I decide to do it. I have tried to ask, and of course, all OW consultants say that the company suports all consultants willing to do their MBA. Again, I don't know how to further verify that. Any ideas?
Thanks again
Whichever consulting firm you choose to go to, I would advise getting to know your local home market first. In fact, virtually all of them will encourage you to do the same. This is beneficial to your career long-term because of the way progression, reviews etc. typically work. If you are immediately looking to go elsewhere, I would recommend looking into an office transfer from the get-go. As for your specific question around the possibility of an international project within the first two years - ignoring all the nuances of consulting in project timing, firm needs, etc. I would not expect you to have difficulty getting on an international project within your first two years + spending enough time to build your brand. Many of my friends there have done this.
Can't help you with the second one. I would ask how many people applied to MBA programs / got-in / were approved for firm sponsorship.
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