Hello WSO,
Long time lurker here and finally finished my MBA recruiting. I've secured few offers and narrowed down to two. (I wanted to focus more on strategy which helped me filter out option from Accenture - specialized strat, etc) I've read through all the comparison threads from before, but due to KPMG Strat group being new and rapidly changing, I've felt that those may be outdated.
I have broken out my thoughts as follows(in no particular order) and would appreciate any comments. Hopefully, it will also be useful in the future for those who are in a similar position as I am.
Exit Opportunity
Mars & co have well-established exits here.
Due to how KPMG Strat group is so new, it seems less certain. However, the group is growing rapidly and their recent increase in comp suggest they are serious about their future growth. I would welcome any thoughts on this.
Fit
Both KPMG and Mars seemed to have very bright people. Mars seemed slightly more methodical and analytical, but KPMG is spending on newer, interesting tools with data scientist and such. KPMG is focusing more on cutting-edge techs and analysis methods.
KPMG also seemed to have better work-life balance.
Both group focus on strategies only. KPMG has a separate group for execution and implementation.
Compensation
This year, KPMG Strat really seemed to bump up their compensation. All in, KPMG Strat will offer 20%+ more than Mars. Plus much better benefit.
Brand
At least in Vault top 50 consulting ranking, KPMG has gone from ranking 16 to 12 this year. or ranked #7 in strategy http://www.vault.com/company-rankings/consulting/…
However, Mars & co is better regarded here it seems...
Would take KPMG strategy over Mars and Co for sure. While the KPMG Strategy team is new seems like they hired in lots of partners and mid level consultants from other top firms in order to build up a strong strategy practice organically rather than through an acquisition (i.e. Monitor, Strategy&, and Parthenon) which haven’t always worked out well post integration.
I think there is definitely more of an upside with KPMG strategy since it’s a brand on the rise and it seems like the execs are really investing heavily into making it a legit contender to the MBBs and elite boutiques such as AT Kearney OW and LEK. Mars will likely remain in a similar spot.
Exit wise I think the KPMG name may go further in industry recruiting. Much of it is going to be based on your project experience, but I imagine the two firms do similar types of strategy work with KPMG doing more Strategic /commercial Due Diligences for PE clients. I think the implementation and other crappy consulting work is done by KPMGs Management Consulting arm which is completely separated from Strategy.
Do you mind sharing the salaries offered? Curious how they compete with other Big4 and MBB.
Don't know about the brand on the rise and all of that. They just pulled the trigger and are stopped all non-audit services for FTSE 350 companies alltogether. Just goes to show that firms like Deloitte and KMPG are really still audit firms at heart, regardless of how they market themselves.
Good to know, LDNPE18.
The brand thing was mostly from Vault rating and what I've seen personally.
Idk how well represented and exhaustive their surveys are, but they put KPMG Strategy at top 7 for strat and 12 overall.
Hi Guest1655,
Thank you for the comment. I can confirm that the partners and managers are from other top firms. Projects sound interesting and pure strategy or due diligence.
I can send more information on the offer, but Management Consulted is pretty good for KPMG. The website overestimated offers from other firms.
Unless you have a particular reason for joining Mars, go with KPMG. More ubiquitous brand and more compensation. I have not heard good things about Mars & Co culture; online reviews seem to reflect that.
Doesn't Mars & Co. not offer a Partner track? If you decide to stay for the long-haul that would be a HUGE issue.
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