MBB vs Startup

MBB +:

-They hire more young people vs PE for example -Good salaries, bonus, increase of salary -Option of a paid MBA, internship in another company, volunteer projects, etc -International mobility/change of office, part time work/other perks -If performance is good, good security -Very high salaries at partner level -Interesting people and work -Option to move to PE -Travelling, etc, not always same office and same work

MBB - :

-Need to come from top uni, hard selection process -Up or out, pressure about performance -Maybe too much travelling/no option to choose project -More hours after promotion, really bad -Variability of hours/salary/etc depending on project/office

Startup +:

-No boss -Big percentage of equity -Build sth useful for society, sth that you like to work on -You can make a lot of money

Startup -:

-Initially it's all about rising money -Takes a lot of effort, time, stress, risk -Investors could be your boss, they got priority to recover investments if startup fails -At the same level of risk, founder has much more equity than other employees -If startup fails exit opportunities worse than MBB -If startup successful and they sell it, and get X million euros, the impact this could have on someone's life is worrying. Becoming a Business Angel just because there is nothing else to do with so much money after buying a few houses doesn't appeal to me. -If the startup is successful and founder continues like Mark Z., the impact on someone's privacy and freedom is worrying (I don't see Mark doing backpacking very often). If finally he/she decides to take X millions or billions and leave, we go to the previous point.

In conclusion, for me the best option is MBB making sure you promote and that you fit the hours, travel, etc, to your lifestyle. Then you can always leave later to PE at a senior position.

Would you rather choose MBB or Startup?

Thanks!