T2 Consulting Exits
The best thread I could find on this topic was from 2010 and it seems much has changed since then including what "T2" entails. Title explains it pretty well. I've heard it's pretty common for MBB to exit to PE and even sometimes HF/VC outside of the regular F500 corp jobs. Is this possible for consultants from T2 shops? I know some T2's specialize in PE work so I would think that would help with exits but is it possible for T2's to get to the same places as MBB? What T2's have the best exits overall? Is B-School the only option for T2's to break into the buyside?
interested to hear.
Would be interested to hear from Europe perspective as well. Thanks!
T2's exits are... unemployment
Since T2 Consulting firms tend to specialize, the 'typical' exit opps tend to vary by the firm. For instance, consultants at EYP and LEK usually end up working on a ton of PE DD projects; you'll see many of them exit into PE (especially middle market) or GE roles. I've also met several who joined growth companies in strategy roles (e.g. Uber).
That's not to say that your T2's specialty determines what is available for you. i.e. It might be less common for someone at Kearney to go into VC/PE, but I've definitely seen it happen in my network (I don't believe they focus relatively as much in PE DD but could be wrong). You can also see for yourself on Linkedin. I have limited data on Accenture and OW. Source: Older Sibling in T2 -> Growth Equity
If you are pre-MBA and are in a DD-heavy firm or working a lot in the PE practice, you can exit to PE, even if you are at a T2. The exit will not be a big-cap PE fund like KKR or Blackstone, but mid-market PE and VC are a reality. I have seen it with my own eyes.
However, if you are at a T2 doing nothing related to PE or VC work, then it will be a tough transition. Getting into PE/VC is hard from any firm. There are tons of people leaving MBB's all the time and most go into industry, not PE/VC.
Bump
Bump
Consulting to PE big-cap is not common. Regardless of the firm. MBB might have a slight edge, but odds are still not in your favour.
I found a lot of people overestimate the differences in exit opps between Tier 2 and MBB, when these firms directly compete for the same clients and engagements
bump
PE exits are not nearly as common as you think from consulting. The big cap funds is a rarity, even from McK or Bain (BCG doesn't place as well in PE). MM or LMM is more common (or operations teams at PEs). The most common exit regardless of MBB or T2 is the standard tech / F500 corporate strategy gig. The exit opps across firms are fairly similar as the work you do at these firms is fairly similar. The real difference is on the far right of the distribution where - if you're a top performer with the appropriate background and experience - MBB can open additional doors that are otherwise closed, like big cap PE, VC, niche social / government opportunities, etc.
I'll say it once I'll say it again, OW has really good exits... look at the other forum posts about OW before you @ me
At a large cap and haven't seen a lot of T2 beyond mid market across the well-known funds. There are always a few super stars though, seen some from Roland Berger, Parthenon-EY, OC&C and maybe LEK off the top of my head. Sure I've missed the odd one here or there but vast majority is MBB it seems. Not aware of any OW but sure there must be a few at least. This is for Europe.
OW NA seems to be exiting pretty heavy into big tech these days. Have seen quite a few leaving to brand names in the past few years, with relatively less going to the FS/PE route
Do you think its higher proportionally because OW has the rep of being more "quanty" or is it just in line with the general exodus towards tech?
If I work at a T2 firm can I get into VC or internal strategy at a corporate?
people have done it. do your thing and work hard.
what would i have to do to make it into VC? i would like to ideally avoid having to work hard career wise like I did at university to get into consulting (doing things which will make my app best for consulting) and just chill. But Im guessing Im going to have to do extra things in order to get into VC - what would those things be? would it be a good idea to create my own business on the side?
Internal strategy at corporate is one of the most common exits for any type of consulting...
For VC, see Menlo Ventures and new Sequoia Growth hires
ah great! out of curiosity what are the possible exits from strat consulting?
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