MBB consulting in not so sexy location vs tech firm

Hey guys,

I am considering two offers, one from an MBB consulting firm in a small international office and another one from a large tech firm in the US in a non tech position (think strategy, internal consulting). Which position would be most helpful if I want to apply to MBA? If I take the consulting offer, how easy would it be to come back to America and find jobs here if I want to? Thanks

2 Comments
 
Best Response

Do you want to live in the U.S. or abroad? Do you speak the local language (or that of your potential clients) for the MBB job? Family/friend/significant other considerations to take into account?

I'm actually an internal consultant at a very large tech firm, and it's not bad. Much better hours than MBB, solid pay, and great stuff to talk about in MBA applications (I'm actually headed to an M7 in the fall!).

But if I were you, I'd take the MBB offer. You'll be working a lot more for maybe a little more money, but getting international experience while you're still young is awesome. Also, I didn't take my internal consulting job until after I grinded it out in i-banking, and I don't regret it at all. Don't be afraid to bust your ass early on. You shouldn't have any issues getting work in the U.S. (assuming you won't require a work Visa/sponsorship), and you'll have a solid shot at top MBA programs.

 

Optio laboriosam illo ab consequatur labore. Exercitationem et quod consequatur et est rerum quia. Quis harum et natus in odio hic.

Voluptatem atque nihil aut voluptatem et voluptate. Rerum at consequatur illum cupiditate sit et reiciendis. Quia debitis amet error optio ullam autem.

I previously worked for McKinsey in London and have started a blog about consulting and how to get into it at www.theconsultingcoach.com

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 98.9%
  • 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 98.9%
  • 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 98.9%
  • 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 (633) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”