MBB - is it true that work is competitive and cutthroat for analysts and associates ?

heard from someone in a T2 firm that they like their firm because they don’t have to compete/try to be better than their fellow analysts/associates unlike MBB

not sure if they’re just trying to convince themselves or if it’s true

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Been at an MBB for over a year now, and have not once felt that. My class is one of the most collaborative groups I've ever been a part of, and I don't know how I would do this job without them. My firm is very clear that if you do well you get promoted - there is no limit to numbers so long as you perform. 

 
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the conversation around MBB the past year has focused a lot on the extreme need for junior hires, but less talked about is the need for competent middle management to grow those new hires into effective employees

if you can last 2 years at MBB with decent performance (within 1 std deviation of average), you will be promoted no question because they NEED you to be around to coach new hires, anchor complex projects, and be effective deputies to more senior managers on a case team

all this to say, no, competition within a cohort is effectively nonexistent. until you're closing in on the partner level, you are measured against an objective bar, so all that matters is your own performance

 

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