“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
from people i've spoken with pretty much on the same tier. I'd choose based on fit.
Thanks for the quick reply! The main thing I was worried about is that OW is known for FS and I'm just not sure how their non-FS practices compare.
I'd say OW FS is above Big 4 strategy groups (S&O, S&, Parthenon) in terms of recognition. I would assume other coverage groups to be about the same on average, although top groups at Big 4 companies can be really good in some specializations depending on location.
Agreed with the above. Same tier, OW is typically ranked higher, especially FS. Same tier means same 'level' of exit options for both, and 99% of the world would consider the 'prestige' pretty much the same (the other 1% are usually the same 22 year olds who argue over the relative rankings of Harvard, Yale and Princeton every year). I'd talk to a lot of people at both firms about the type of work they're doing. All else being equal, I'd say the majority of people would take OW. But your assigned specializations at each firm might play a big factor. Understand what type of work each firm is usually contracted for in the practice areas you're assigned and what your role usually would be.
For example, in FS (the only OW practice I'm at all familiar with), a lot of work is focused on risk or compliance. They are a global leader there. If you are more interested in digital strategy, you might rank a different firm higher. You should understand this dynamic for your designated practice area. I'd make sure you're comfortable with these factors for one or both firms and then pick based on fit, as suggested above.
Also, OW doesn't really value MBA's, but they do sponsor selectively. I don't know their % of sponsorship vs Strategy&, you might want to ask around.
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