Difference in prestige between M, B, and B

I know and I’m pretty sure most people know that MBB firms are top notch for a consulting career. But in the grand scheme of things, does the difference in prestige (if there is one) between M, B, and B really have that big of an impact on consulting career success (and/or having good exit opps)?

14 Comments
 

Work at an MBB currently - tbh there’s no difference all compete for same work all have same exit ops, similar people - You could say McKinsey is more prestigious but to most corporations that are buying work it’s all the same - McKinsey is more generally recognizable - the general person will know it similar to GS for better or worse 

 

For all intents and purposes that matter, they're the same in the major geographies. McKinsey has the most general name recognition but (1) that's often for reasons that aren't good and (2) it's not a meaningful difference for "people in the know". Executives understand that the trio represents the best in the industry.

One caveat is that in emerging geographies, McKinsey can sometimes be a step ahead / have a distinctive brand.

 

McKinsey: International, better than BCG and Bain

Bain: Private Equity, better than BCG and McKinsey

BCG: On par with the above, maybe a sliiiiight edge in highly technical fields as they tend too hire more PhDs than the others

Overall: no true difference

Remember, always be kind-hearted.
 

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