MBB or BB out of undergrad? - Life Sciences

Title. I am currently studying biophysics/econ, and have significant independent/academic research in drug dev (I have discovered drug targets, given conference keynotes on market viability, etc); on the econ side, I don't have much, but I'm an underclassman still and want to gain more experience.

I was premed. Hence the heavy research focus; I still might get an MD or PhD, but for personal reasons, I don't think that being a clinician is right for me, and I've always been much happier actually getting drugs from Bench to Bedside. Regardless, I want to work for a few years out of undergrad, as I can still go to grad school after 2-3 years. However, I don't know whether targeting IB or Consulting is the move.

IB:
Pros: Higher Comp, immediate specialization in healthcare
Cons: WLB (Marginal Diff), More repetitive/less creative work at the Junior level, less business focus

Consulting:

Pros: Travel, more business focus, better exit opportunities (Client, PE, etc.), more creative work at the Junior level
Cons: Less Comp, Will become somewhat of a generalist for the first year or so

IB or Consulting

IB
22% (4 votes)
Consulting
78% (14 votes)
Total votes: 18
1 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Inventore animi velit itaque et quidem qui id ut. Earum consequatur enim ab modi reprehenderit aut accusamus. Enim consequatur voluptatibus sit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.5%
  • Oliver Wyman 98.0%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.5%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.0%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.5%
  • Oliver Wyman 98.0%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (111) $232
  • Manager (167) $172
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (115) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (634) $122
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (162) $121
  • 1st Year Associate (575) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (390) $104
  • Associate Consultant (175) $100
  • 1st Year Analyst (1151) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (205) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (625) $67
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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”