Where should I exit to?
M7 MBA and ~9 YOE total (worked on ops type role pre-MBA).
Currently EM level at MBB. US-based. Reviews are strong and have safe path to stay at the firm if I want to... but also super tired and starting to look around at exit ops.
I've made a little headway with corp strat, startup, and PE ops (at portco level; not fund) roles. Mostly just taking headhunter calls but haven't actively started searching in earnest.
As I start the search process, what else should I be looking at? Is a strat role in a pe porrco a worthwhile gig, or is it dead end?
Appreciate any thoughts!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
Corporate Strategy: This is a natural exit for someone at your level in MBB. Many MBB consultants transition into corporate strategy roles at Fortune 500 companies or high-growth industries like tech. These roles often lead to senior leadership positions (e.g., CFO, COO, or even CEO tracks) within the same company. However, keep in mind that corporate strategy roles can sometimes have limited upward mobility due to small team sizes and budget constraints.
Private Equity Portfolio Company (PE Portco) Strategy/Ops: A strategy role at a PE portfolio company can be a solid move, especially if you’re looking for operational exposure and a chance to make a tangible impact. While it’s not a "dead end," the trajectory depends on the company and industry. Many who take these roles either grow within the portfolio company or leverage the experience to transition into other senior operational roles, startups, or even back into consulting. It’s worth noting that these roles can sometimes lack the prestige or optionality of other exits, so choose carefully based on the company and growth potential.
Startups: Startups are increasingly popular among MBB alumni. These roles can range from strategy and operations to leadership positions at fast-growing companies. They offer high-impact opportunities but come with higher risk and potentially lower initial compensation compared to corporate roles. However, they can be rewarding if you’re looking for a dynamic environment and equity upside.
Private Equity or Venture Capital: While direct investment roles in PE/VC are less common without prior IB or PE experience, operational roles within these firms or their portfolio companies are viable. These roles can provide exposure to deal-making and strategic decision-making, which could be leveraged for future opportunities.
Other Options:
Key Considerations:
In summary, a strategy role at a PE portco can be worthwhile if the company has strong growth potential and aligns with your long-term goals. However, don’t limit yourself—explore corporate strategy, startups, and other leadership roles to find the best fit for your skills and aspirations.
Sources: Q&A: Corporate Strategy Manager at F100 Entertainment Company (came from Non-MBB Management Consulting), Exit opps for corporate strategy, Q&A: Former Strategy& associate, Q&A: Corporate Strategy, M7 Chances for Non-Traditional Background
Well, you would hypothetically know better than this forum... right?
Probably corp strat for lifestyle and benefits? Not sure about job security there atm; I feel like I keep seeing bad headlines.
You could look into entreprenuership, potentially. Not even a moonshot, necessarily. You could do some "entreprenuership through acquisition."
I've always thought it'd be fun to retire by either joining the military/academia/clergy... something bigger than self, yk?
The more I read and the more I learn, the more I become increasingly aware that I really don't know much of what is truly out there.
So still helpful to seek advice from the collective. I always hear of these great exits... but don't often see so many nowadays and am unsure how to source them. Maybe someone here knows how I can approach this more deliberately than just casting a wide net through networking and linkedin searching...
The only alternative I see right now is waiting for the recruiters to call me. I know some people who've taken that path, and now we call them partners
spent 3y in IB and left to strategic finance once got promoted to assoc - honestly never looked back. The work is so much more interesting. Comp is definitely not as high as IB but you still get pretty well paid cause these teams hire from IB / consulting so they would know what people are trading off. I wrote a lot about my experience in my substack "off track, by design" so some insights there, but generally as long as you are prepared for a pay cut with more interesting work better life that could be a win win.
You could also consider IR - but in smaller start ups / scale ups you ll end up doing a lot of corp strategy too probably.
Lol crazy how consulting is such low paying compared to IB
How tf is this relevant
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