Stucked between 2 job offers - Strategy vs Tech/Ops consulting firm

Hi, I'm currently a final year undergraduate and over the summer, I did an internship with the EY side of Parthenon-EY and got a return offer to go back when I graduate. Why I specifically mentioned EY side is because, as a result of the merger, the work the practice I interned with sells their work under the Parthenon-EY brand but is really under EY. Parthenon on the other hand, remains the same with separate recruiting and compensation package.

I know the generally consensus for consulting is to do strategy as far as possible and the partner told me the same, he said I could venture out to do implementation if I decide that strategy is not for me.

A quick breakdown of the work I'll be doing - at EY I'll mostly be doing due diligence for PE and growth strategy. I also have an offer from a boutique firm where I will be implementing tech solutions for banks and etc.

Of course, both companies are growing and the partners from both companies have great credentials (think BCG, McKinsey, Bain).

So my dilemma now is which offer should I take? The boutique firm is offering me almost twice the salary that EY is offering me and that is very very hard to turn down considering my financial obligations.

That and, Big4 companies from where I will work, pay the same across all service lines - so you can be doing advisory or audit, you will be paid the same and this amount is at least 20% below market rate for fresh graduates and almost 40% to 50% below what most consulting firms pay here.

They also have a long history of great training programs and I heard alot of good things about their culture (I know people who have worked or are working there).

I did come up with a whole truck load of criterion that I would consider for a first job but ultimately, pay would be the biggest factor.

I'm really struck between the 2 and hope you guys can offer your advice and perspectives! Thanks!!

3 Comments
 
"opsdude1"

What's your risk tolerance. PE DD straight out of undergrad can be an express ticket into private equity, which will play a boatload of money. Likewise, growth strategy experience will open a lot more doors to the c-suite in a decade or so if you stick to it. Or...you could burn out in a year or two, and just be at a lower salary band.

What do you mean risk tolerance? Career-wise, right now I'm hoping to be able to stay in consulting make it to the partner level and perhaps get into b-school along the way. The main reason why I chose consulting is because of personal interest in the industry and the fast-track career path. From what you're saying about growth strategies - after 10 years, it'll be easier for me to enter the C-suite level?

 

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