MBB optimal ranking

Hey fellas, gals, what's the best level to apply for in any of the 3 MBB firms that gives a good balance between (a) not having too much responsibility but (b) not getting pushed around too much by people above? Manager? Consultant? I'm not too worried about the pay as even the basic consulting salaries seem pretty generous to me. Thanks!! :-)

5 Comments
 

I don't really understand this very well. MBB all have entry level positions for people out of undergrad. Then a separate, more senior level position for post MBA. If you're lateraling from industry from another firm you'll likely fall in the post MBA entry level position.

So basically there's only 2 entry points. And you either get one or the other depending on your situation.

Also, even if the culture at your firm is to got get bossed around internally, you will get bossed around by the client.

Listen, here's the thing. If you can't spot the sucker in the first half hour at the table, then you are the sucker.
 
Best Response

Thanks WindowView, Hammo, great answers. I'll try to clarify.

I moved laterally to McKinsey in 2011 from a senior-manager level industry position, and was assigned the rank of Expert, which is apparently broadly equivalent to Engagement Manager. The pay was good, I only lasted a half-year or so though because I kept getting pushed around by some ex-Army guy out of West Point who had never been to a proper university.

Now I'd like to take another shot at it. I hold a director-level position currently in the nonprofit world and the pay is predictably terrible but I emphatically do not get bossed around. I thought maybe BCG or Bain would be good. I don't mind taking a less responsible position than I had at McK with lower pay but I really want to avoid the getting pushed around bit. I'm wondering whether Consultant/Associate level, or Manager/Project Leader level is better in terms of striking that balance.

Thanks!! :-)

 

Wow, lots to address here.

  1. I hope that your assertion that West Point is not a proper university was tongue-in-cheek.

  2. I'm surprised to learn that you were at McK given how fundamentally wrong your view of the structure is. Everyone gets pushed around, that's the nature of client service. Even the senior directors still answer to clients. Also, each position lasts only ~2 years or so, so it's not like you'd get to stay in your "perfect" position very long anyway. I'd also be surprised if you got hired back given that you apparently quit or got fired already.

Again, pretty surprising to be asking such dumb questions given that you supposedly already worked at McK.

 

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