Tier 1 from scratch or Tier 2 with connections?

In a couple of months, I'll start my 2nd internship at a respectable Tier 2 Consulting Firm (think Deloitte S&O, Booz & Co). I've been building connections here for about 3 years, and I know a good # of Partners/Directors for a junior at a non-target school. I haven't met many Partners at any MBB firm. Thinking to the future, would it be better for me to go for an MBB for FT or stay put and hopefully be a "superstar" at a Tier 2? Would exit opportunities, such as B-school, be that different?

Thanks

3 Comments
 
Best Response

Depends, do you want to get experience and leave, move up the ladder or max your earnings before bschool. For the first, MBB. For the second, consider staying (I would get an MBB offer and make it clear to your bosses you stayed because you value the career progression). If you want to max income before bschool or something, 2 years at your tier 2 and get them to give you raises/bonuses, then lateral to the MBB as a senior analyst and they will almost always match/exceed your prior salary.

 

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