Lowball offer, or reasonable?

A2A currently in IB. Got an offer from a boutique consulting firm (I’ve never heard of the name). $180k base, $200-220k all in. 

Sounds like 50-60 hours a week, based on speaking to members of the team (but it’s hard to say looking in from the outside). 

Is this a reasonable offer? 

4 Comments
 

Depends on the level you're hired at. Will you be entry-level because your previous experience is IB? For entry level, that's insane, just hope the work is interesting.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your offer seems reasonable but depends on your priorities and career goals. Here's a breakdown:

  1. Compensation Comparison:

    • As an A2A in IB, you might currently be earning around $200k+ all-in, depending on your bank and bonus structure.
    • The boutique consulting offer of $180k base and $200-220k all-in aligns with mid-level consulting compensation, though it may not match IB's higher earning potential at senior levels.
  2. Hours and Work-Life Balance:

    • IB hours typically range from 70-80 per week, while the consulting role suggests 50-60 hours. If accurate, this could offer a significant improvement in work-life balance.
    • However, consulting hours can vary depending on projects, so the actual workload might fluctuate.
  3. Firm Reputation and Career Trajectory:

    • The boutique consulting firm's lack of name recognition could impact your long-term career trajectory, especially if you plan to pivot to other industries or roles where brand prestige matters.
    • IB often serves as a strong platform for exits into private equity, hedge funds, or corporate leadership roles.
  4. Long-Term Earnings Potential:

    • IB offers higher earning potential at senior levels (e.g., VPs earning ~$392k and Directors/MDs ~$592k on average).
    • Consulting compensation typically plateaus earlier unless you reach partner level, which can take years.

Conclusion:
If you're prioritizing work-life balance and are okay with potentially slower career progression or lower long-term earnings, the offer could be reasonable. However, if maximizing earnings and maintaining a strong career trajectory are your goals, staying in IB or seeking a more prestigious consulting firm might be better.

Sources: MBB Analyst comp/hours ?, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, Where is the compensation in banking? Is it worth taking a pay cut for the long-term prospects?, Toronto - Boutique Investment Banking Compensation, Investment Banking Analyst: A True Day in the Life

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

Ducimus sunt et pariatur ex. Et incidunt alias veritatis illo. Odio dolor eligendi corrupti quia veniam alias excepturi aut. Velit dolor animi praesentium accusamus omnis aliquid veritatis. Est veritatis omnis ut ut soluta reprehenderit quia.

Facere quia et cumque laboriosam ut voluptas. Quo assumenda atque omnis tempore voluptatem. Laboriosam mollitia est dolorem quibusdam. Nostrum veniam quia velit ut architecto dolorum ad autem.

Ut eveniet quia accusamus distinctio in aut. Harum iusto saepe eum. Facilis nihil fugiat corrupti doloremque omnis. Est occaecati exercitationem iste ab aut. Aut et reprehenderit corporis animi. Laborum cumque possimus laborum minima enim. Ad magnam ut quod perspiciatis qui expedita nihil.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (113) $232
  • Manager (171) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 1st Year Associate (577) $121
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (391) $104
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1163) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (208) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (634) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”