BB IBD vs MBB Consulting for public sector exit opps?

Hey WSO,

Let me preface that I don't want this to get into a leveraged sellout-esque pissing match over which group of professionals has the biggest dick.

I have these two paths ahead of me and I want to know which is best for me, given my goals. I don't intend to do either in the long-term. By the age of 30, I want to preferably have:

1) Gained entry into a top dual MBA/MPA program, like HBS-HKS, CBS-SIPA, INSEAD-SAIS.

2) Made an exit into the public sector. I haven't made my mind up specifically, but this could mean anything from civil service (foreign service officer, intelligence agencies, etc) to more finance-related stuff (sovereign wealth funds, treasury, fed). Maybe even state legislature or other elected office in the far, far future - but I won't get ahead of myself!

Given my career trajectory, which would hold a greater cachet in terms of helping me get those things: an IBD role at GS/MS/JPM, or consulting at McKinsey, Bain and BCG?

My first gut reaction tells me MBB, because something tells me public servants don't take kindly to bankers for some reason. But please correct me if I'm wrong!

5 Comments
 

People enter public service after running a pizza restaurant. Others were CEOs of BB banks. It doesn't matter. What matters is how much drive you have.

How many people are you willing to canvass? How many phone calls are you willing to make?

The fact that you have people who believe the Earth was created 5,000 years ago working alongside former executives should give you an indication of what it takes to get into public service. Not necessarily brains, but rather drive and a LOT of luck (and money from somewhere).

 
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