“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.”
Personally, I'd stay at your current firm. You have an established network that clearly values you if you are likely to make Principal in a year.
I'd say the differences between the tier you're currently at and MBB are marginal in terms of pay and exit opps. Is the MBB offering anything else you currently don't have at your current firm? Certain cases/subject matter, certain geographies?
I'd pose this question on r/consulting or fishbowl as well. You can get a lot of good responses.
I am a project manager at an MBB.
What is your goal? What is your time horizon for consulting?
If you are leaving in 1 year: Stay at your current job. Nobody will appreciate you leaving after a few months as an MBB project manager, even worse it looks like you couldn't hack it.
If you want a bit more experience, but are leaving in ~2 years: Jump to the MBB! You will get a better brand name, a more challenging experience, probably some personal growth. You'll also get a second alumni network.
If you like the job, and might want to stay long-term to partner, then you should really consider your commercial platform at your current job and at MBB. In general, Tier-2 consulting firms have been doing less well in recent years. Do you think your firm will be strong in the timeframe you would become a partner? If so, I would take an established network and clear sponsors at a Tier-2 versus just starting out at an MBB, especially if you don't have a clear platform there.
Thanks a lot for your views, Grayhairs and anonymouse393.
Specific advantages of the MBB would be:
On the other hand, my current internal network is indeed strong. That would be my main reason to stay.
I definitely want to continue with consulting for the next ~3 years and prove myself in a Principal role. Difficult to really plan further.
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