Niche consulting to MBB consulting?

Hi WSO fam! I'm currently a senior at a non-target school. I recently received a full-time offer from a very niche consulting firm (which consults in the executive compensation space). I was wondering if starting out in a niche consulting area out of school is a good decision or not. Is it possible to switch from this niche area to strategy consulting at bigger firms (like MBB in the future)?

Any advice would be appreciated!

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I'd never bet on transferring to other firms as a big factor -- the possibility for that is largely determined by macro type trends that you don't have control over. Personally, I wouldn't think that there's going to be a ton of lateral hiring the next couple years given how many firms overhired and the work slowdown that's occurred at many firms

In terms of whether or not it'd be a good idea, it depends on your goals and the other opportunities you have available. It won't be relevant experience for the broad types of strategy roles that consultants usually want. As somebody who personally isn't interested in exec comp or HR type work I would not choose it if I had other decent options available

 

Aliquam et beatae est ea voluptatem possimus. Neque accusantium similique voluptatem qui dignissimos est. Qui nisi vel voluptatibus magni exercitationem aperiam. Consequatur sunt tempora et eaque omnis.

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 (170) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (355) $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 (632) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”