OW vs. LEK
Considering these two options, and I'm leaning LEK, but given how highly everyone thinks of OW on this forum, wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything...
pay/location: both same city, OW may be slightly more, but not a deciding factor for me
WLB: I know LEK is a sweatshop and I didn't know too much about OW for WLB, but through the recruiting process, I also got major sweatshop vibes
culture: I felt more of a connection with my LEK interviewers than my OW interviewers. In fact, I had a difficult time connecting with practically all my OW interviewers, so I'm a bit worried about this. Would love extra input here.
projects: I'm interested in healthcare/LS and I know what LEK does in the space, but curious to hear more about healthcare work at OW (type and scope)
"prestige"/exit-opps: it seems like people think of OW very highly on this forum, curious about exit opps between the two, especially in life sciences space (startups, investing, big pharma, etc.)
If you are interested in LS & exiting to LS, LEK is a great move and a well respected name in the space - don't believe OW has a huge name in the space. Especially since you connected with the interviewers a lot more, and both places will work you hard, I think the choice is a lot clearer
Anecdotally know 3 Oliver Wyman people who have gone onto great exits: (1) UMM PE, (2) HSW MBA, (3) MM HF (although CO -> HF is highly rare and individual attended ivy UG fwiw).
LEK is great in Europe, but I know OW is seen as equal or slightly below MBB for financial services. Although if LS then probably LEK.
Healthcare at OW much more focused on payer/provider than life sciences. OW generally better buyside exits but LEK more buyside exits. I thought the culture at OW was phenomenal and still keep in touch with friends there, just went with them to Europe to party for a week and we haven't worked at OW in years. Hours are pretty good at OW, I maybe once or twice worked weekends and I did a ton of DDs, still went to the gym, saw friends, etc. I'm extremely biased but I also had offers at LEK and OW and am very glad I chose OW. I also had a great exit.
Quick edit / clarification: I'm not recommending one or the other, I'm just giving you my perspective which I've acknowledged is biased but the reflections are genuine / sincere and meant to be helpful to you.
Hey- current OW here. Agree with a lot of the above. I am having a really good time at the firm, find the work to be relatively interesting, and think I will have good exit options in the future. I would generally try to plug OW but the one thing that stood out to me is your interest in healthcare. I think this may be a deciding factor.
If you mean life sciences (e.g., biotech), LEK is the clear winner as they are a top name in the space and we do no work in the space.
If you mean hospital systems/insurance, OW healthcare is amazing. Incredible culture, top clients, and interesting projects. Don't think LEK does as much here (though not sure)
So if getting healthcare experience is v important to you, the choice will become obvious based on what you mean by healthcare.
If you, say, have a general interest in healthcare but still want the generalist experience, I would support the above comments and generally plug OW as I have had a really good time (not going to comment on LEK as I have no reference)
I may have spoken to soon. We bought Huron this week. Definitely makes things a bit more interesting. I think most of what I said stands but now it seems as if you would also have the opportunity to do the LS work to some degree. So now its more, OW as a generalist firm w/ some LS work or LEK with the focus on LS.
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