Deloitte S&O vs. LEK
Undergraduate lucky enough to be deciding on a few different consulting offers. Wanted to see if anybody had any advice for choosing between Deloitte S&O (probably #1 of the Big Four) and a smaller shop like L.E.K. Any thoughts on differences in prestige/exit/B-school?
I would take LEK. Deloitte does more ops stuff, and LEK gives juniors a lot of exposure. Pretty similar exits tbh, both good, but culture at Deloitte can also be pretty rough and being at a bigger place with more bullshit and red tape can be a pain. But up to you, depends on industry preference / office too.
Better culture at LEK? LEK is known for being an absolute sweatshop. I guarantee you work longer hours at LEK on the double-staffing PE DD model. Sure, there may be more bro douchebags at S&O, but at LEK you’re going to work too many hours to worry about what Chad said at last Friday’s happy hour. I will agree that there is more red tape at S&O but I think that’s more of a factor for VP/Partner types.
S&O is probably better for most corporate exits given the brand recognition and broader case experience (not just PE DDs and growth strategy). LEK is probably better for PE/VC exits. I would make my decision based on this, while factoring in the workload and travel differentials.
Second the posts about relatively longer working hours at LEK but nowhere near IBD level. With regards to the vibe I have a few friends there that are pretty happy with the office atmosphere (note you'll be in the office the majority of the time at LEK). Also anecdotally the guys at LEK seem to party way harder.
If you want to focus on strategy engagements and are looking for exits in the buy side, LEK hands down, I'd say it's also a more interesting place to be (feedback from buddies at Deloitte is it's easy to feel like a number). Deloitte will place better into other industries though so keep that in mind.
With regards to B-school Deloitte is easier to get sponsorship from and provide lots of help with the process (full tuition paid, a technology stipend, discounts for GMAT preparation classes, and mentorship through graduate school) whilst LEK only gives sponsorship to "stand-out consultants who have actively contributed to successful engagements and demonstrate the aptitude and ability to grow" so seems like less of a formal process. I'd say it's pretty equal with regards to application success
Either way you're in an excellent position with either setting you up well for a solid career start.