Difference in Personalities Between IB and Consulting?
Title asks the question.
I want to know how stark the difference is between the two, or if are they similar types of individuals.
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, the personalities in Investment Banking (IB) and Sales & Trading (S&T) can be quite different, and this could extend to consulting as well.
In IB, individuals tend to be highly polished, relatively risk-averse, and have a high EQ. They are able to express problematic developments in a way that soothes or mitigates the angst of clients.
On the other hand, in S&T, the type of personality can vary greatly depending on the specific role. For example, the personality working in spot FX is likely to be different from cash equities, which is likely to be different from credit derivatives, etc.
As for consulting, the context doesn't provide specific information on the personalities typically found in this field. However, it's important to note that consulting roles can be quite diverse, ranging from strategy, HR, IT, operations, M&A, etc.
Remember, these are general observations and personalities can vary greatly within each field. It's also worth noting that one division is not necessarily better than the other just because of the distinct personalities each attracts. The differences are what make people good at their specific roles.
Hope this helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Sources: IB vs S&T personality?, Why Consulting - Answering the Interview Question
The question was IB vs consulting. Nowhere was sales and trading mentioned. Bad bot.
I've worked with McKinsey and BCG consultants on a couple of projects. Dunno, the best way I can describe it is that the management consultants have been more pleasant to work with, and be around. Personality wise they've just seen more "ironed out" and polished - rarely do you meet awkward, brash, cocky, abrasive consultants. I'm always left with the impression that they're very socially intelligent, cool headed, but also kind of nerds at their core when it comes to the actual work. (EDIT: By "nerds", I'm not saying that in a bad way - just that many consultants seem to be very enthusiastic and energetic about the seemingly mundane work/tasks. I've rarely seen analysts in finance get fired up over reading reports, but have worked with a bunch of consultants that get very passionate and enthusiastic when talking strategy)
With that said, I do not know how they're behind the scenes, when the clients are out of sight.
Bankers are mostly shit heads
Consultants are mostly full of shit
Either are fine in person once you can get them off of work. I do think a lot of bankers/finance types curate a personality that isn't truly theirs but what they believe is part of the profession that can be incredibly annoying to be around but usually they age out of that into their late 20s and 30s. It's like being the nerd who never got as much ass as the 'cool kids' in high school and college, but now has a job with 'importance', respect, and a lot of money so it creates this coping mechanism of an ego trip that you know when you see it. But if you're a male that is what early adulthood is all about and it isnt unique to just finance professionals, they all manifest themselves differently
A lot of current and former consultants I have worked with or known in personal life fit the consultant stereotype. They are 'bookish' , but only the kind of crap that is very surface level (think the best seller rack at the airport book store, or anything by Malcolm Gladwell), and are 'smart' but not specialized in any way - just headlines from the WSJ, at least when younger, so are mostly intellectually useless outside their pedigree. It's their job, but working with them can be exhausting as most of their time is spent with work politics or talking up the value of their contributions rather than actually delivering anything of value. That said, there isnt a 'consultant lifestyle' ethos that is portrayed (outside of traveling for work and expensing absurd dinners) to nearly the same degree of banking so you dont have soul searching 23 year olds playing pretend Gordon Gekko
Above are just my experiences, again mostly with youger professionals. Also not a critique or take down of either, its fun to stereotype basically any profession
My understanding from years of perusing this forum + professional experience:
Bonus:
If you think Andrew Tate's an alpha, you're a beta
It's called a shitpost you dumpy twat, touch grass
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