PwC/Ogilvy&Mather

Hi Everyone,

New to the website, and just seeking some input.

I have offers OgilvyRED and PwC. Really not sure what to do.

OgilvyRED:

Overview: Strategic consultancy of Ogilvy & Mather, which is one of the most prestigious ad agencies in the world. OgilvyRED does marketing and brand strategy work for clients such as Amex, IBM, Coke, etc. Launched in 2011, it was designed to be a “McKinsey meets marketing” shop. Instead of MBB creating brand/product launch strategy, and agencies such as Ogilvy doing the execution, consultancies within the agency like OgilvyRED would provide the strategy itself.

Pros: Tier 1 strategy work with big name clients, under a brand well respected in its space (marketing).

Cons: Start up atmosphere. No infrastructure. No performance reviews. No bonuses or salary raises. No trajectory forward. Partners don’t care about personal development, and treat consultants as executive assistances, asking them to do only menial work while they present and interact directly with clients. I know this is common, but they take it to a whole new level here.

PwC:

Overview: Offer in health industries advisory, working with pharma clients. 100% travel, and mostly implementation work.

Pros: Higher compensation. Good brand name in consulting/advisory. Strong talent management model.
Cons: Tier 2 implementation work. I would be confined to pharma moving forward in terms of exit opps.

MY GOAL: Tier 2 strategy shops (OW, AT Kearney, etc)

Do you think working at OgilvyRED for 1 year, and then trying for Tier 2 strategy could work? Would they respect OgilvyRED, even though there is no recognition as a consulting firm? Or is this just too risky, and I should go to PwC and focus on a career there.