11 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights to help you decide between T2 consulting and top econ consulting:

T2 Consulting:

  • Resume Fit for MBB: If you plan to reapply to MBB strategy down the line, T2 experience is likely a better resume fit.
  • Career Advancement: T2 firms offer good career advancement opportunities, and the experience is often seen as comparable to MBB in terms of talent and quality.
  • Compensation and Hours: Pay and hours are similar to MBB, with marginal differences at higher levels.
  • Lateral Movement: There is significant lateral movement between T2 and MBB firms, indicating that experience at a T2 is well-regarded.

Top Econ Consulting:

  • Different Skill Set: Econ consulting focuses more on statistical models and understanding why something happens, which is different from the business-oriented problems tackled in management consulting.
  • Less Travel: Generally involves less travel compared to management consulting.
  • Recruiting Perspective: While econ consulting firms are prestigious, F200 (or similar) experience might be more directly relevant for MBB recruiting, as it provides direct business experience.

Considerations:

  • Long-Term Goals: If your long-term goal is to work in management consulting or MBB, T2 might be the better option.
  • Skill Development: If you enjoy and excel at statistical analysis and economic modeling, econ consulting could be more fulfilling.
  • Recruiting: F200 experience is often seen as a strong indicator for MBB recruiters, potentially more so than econ consulting.

Conclusion:

Both paths have their merits, but if your primary concern is positioning yourself for future opportunities in MBB or management consulting, T2 consulting might be the better choice. However, if you have a strong interest in economic analysis and less travel, econ consulting could be a great fit.

Hope this helps!

Sources: Econ Consulting or F500 for MBB FT Recruiting?, Is there HONESTLY a difference in the quality of work between Strategy& (Tier 2 consulting) and MBB?, Q&A - Left First Undergrad with Sub 2.0 GPA====>Booth MBA/"Tier 2" Consulting, Economic Consulting Q&A - Past experience at major firms, Economic Consulting Q&A - Past experience at major firms

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Without further detail and considering the eventual MBA path, I'd recommend heading down the route of a T2 (assuming it's for a typical strategy role).

As poster below already mentioned, Econ consulting is largely run by academics, with PhDs being much more common than an MBA, which tells you whether or not a stint at Analysis, Cornerstone, NERA and the like places you well for an MBA, it is a path less traveled which puts you at a disadvantage vs. going down the more traditional route of a T2 consulting role into an MBA.

In addition, through the MBA you're seeking a change in course in type of role, all the more reason to go with the T2 with strategy consulting traditionally opening a broader set of exits vs. econ consulting.

 
Most Helpful

Some T2 advantages:

  • Clear long-term path to management and above. At a certain level, you can't progress upwards at a top econ consulting firm unless you have a graduate degree (PhD / MBA). Obviously making partner at T2 is hard, but it is possible from out of college
  • Broader range of industry exits. Going to an investing PE role directly is possible from some of the DD-heavy T2s and nearly impossible from econ consulting
  • Somewhat higher pay at junior levels
  • More diverse set of projects and experiences - growth strategy, DD, ops, marketing, etc
  • More development for business skills

Some econ consulting advantages:

  • MBA placement is largely a wash with T2. Law school is a wash, maybe an edge to econ consulting. Clear edge to econ consulting for quantitative programs
  • Some industry exits that would be difficult / impossible from T2. Quantitative roles at tech firms / hedge funds / think tanks are in play, for example
  • Slightly better WLB on average, and no travel
  • Especially at top econ consulting firms, some of the projects involve big lawsuits with big names. Big tech, Wall Street, big pharma, etc.
  • More development for technical skills

If your immediate goal is to work for a few years and leave for an MBA, they're pretty much tied and you should choose the option you'd most like to work in.

 

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