BB IB (2 yrs) -> UMM PE (2-3 years) -> MBB consulting?
Is UMM PE -> MBB consulting ever an option? Has it ever been done before and how much credit would you receive for your 5 YOE in IB/PE?
Have been thinking of different exit options post-PE that strike a good balance between comp, WLB, and path to promotion. Thought that MBB would likely offer much better WLB than UMM PE with better promotion chances, though with steep pay cut. Wondering how MBB compares to other PE exit options such as corp dev.
Given how McK and other firms work - 95% you'd have to join as an Associate / Consultant (pre-manager) level. Not a bad gig...but it's ~2+ years to get to manager...which can still be a grind
Not OP, but I'm partially hijacking the thread as also interested in the move. What do you think would be required to come in at a higher level? I'm currently in London PE (and was doing IB at a BB before), but would like to move back to my hometown, which has limited PE presence but large MBB offices. The issue is that I just hit 6 years of experience and should make it to VP at the end of 2025, so I can't stomach the idea of doing more associate years.
Not sure I'd even want to come in at the manager level as I realise the work isn't easy and I've never been a consultant before, but I'm just wondering what options are there (e.g. perhaps come in as an associate, but on the premise that you're promoted in e.g. 6 months if no real issues with work?). Would really welcome any views. Thank you so much
Honestly biggest thing is that you almost certainly have to join as an associate.
Consulting toolkit is a bit weird - and while some skills translate over - being able to jump in as a manager / junior partner isn’t really possible (or very rare)
MBB is typically quite large as well - and so recruiting function is very standardized…not as easy as reaching out to a MD in the group.
Certainly could be possible - would recommend reaching out to a partner in the industries you know best given you’ve seen them from a unique angle in IB
You would never come in as an engagement manager anyway. I've seen people starting out with ~10 YOE industry experience and the highest they got was "Senior Associate" (Europe - I'm not sure how that translates to US as every region has different titles for roles, EM/AP/Partner is the same).
The only case they give out to hire EMs is when they takeover a project manager from a different big name firm (e.g., Bain/BCG or some T2s).
The reason is simple that you have zero clue how consulting works. You are a very capable professional with your background and likely would get EM promote soon but if you are really serious about becoming a consultant you need at least ~1 year to ramp-up, learn the ropes, internal norms etc. No way you start out and run your own engagements.
It would be easier for you to go back to IB given your profile but assume you have considered that
This is insanely dumb, could not be a worse idea.
Idk if you’ve been following but consulting is getting HAMMERED. These firms that never really “fired” and had started to chill on the up or out in 2021 are now firing analysts, managers, and even some partners left right and center.
What does this mean for you? Two things really:
1. MBB is not some easy shit to get promoted at, and gets especially more difficult after the manager level to become non equity partner and then equity partner. You also have to have the right program at the right time and there are many ppl who dedicated themselves to this and really “bought the koolaid” but then get canned.
2. Realistically you’re not getting hired lol. Laterals into MBB was only really a concept during COVID when they were foaming at the mouth for talent. It’s not in the MBB DNA to take a mid stage career professional and meld into their image, but also, again, they’re firing like crazy rn so there’s no need for them to do this
Y u hating bra
Let me add a few cents here coming from a MBB
There are so many nuances to this but personally I wouldn't do it. Like everybody I know is trying to get the heck out of MBB.
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