Is it better to work in a Big 4 company or a smaller management consulting boutique? How do they compare in terms of salary, experiences and work hours?
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It depends. If the boutique is a firm considered an MC EB (e.g. Mars & Co, Marakon or Atlman Vilandrie), then the EB is probably worth it more depending on what experience you want. If the firm is just a small MC with no discernible brand name (e.g. Galt & Co, Clarkstone or The Poirier Group) then you need to understand what type of consulting they do. It is unlikely that a boutique offers the same type of MC services that MBBs/T2s do so that's the first step. It may be operations only, it could be supply chain or change management. All of these can be branded as "management consulting". If what the boutique does is of great interest to you and see yourself at that firm for 3-4 years then go with it. Otherwise the Big 4 may be the best choice s it gives you more variety in the projects and also better chances to lateral/exit to different industries at the 2-3 year mark
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