MBB vs Big 4 Discussions

Thoughts on boutique consulting firms vs. big 4, MBB, etc? I have only worked boutique since graduating (now 25yo.) and wondering if it is way better for my career to make the switch? My life dream isn’t to make partner or have a certain company/label on my resume, but I would like to make 300k and just wondering if this is possible with smaller firms. Would love to hear about experiences or advice. Thanks!!

All I’ve ever known is Deloitte. Hesitant to leave because of my established network, but I have opportunities at two other Big 4 (similar to current role & pay).

Is it only worth leaving if it’s upward? Would MBB be more reason to leave?

I am still able to learn and grow considerably from where I currently am, but the culture and bureaucracy of Deloitte have been wearing on me a bit.

Hi! I am a clinical researcher looking to pivot into consulting. I have 3 YoE within the research field. Would love for a referral at MBB+Big 4 companies! I would love to chat more and share my resume. Thanks in advance! I am open to relocating within the US (and also open to positions in London and Canada)

Alright, fishies, let’s try this again. Name drop boutique firms that have offices in San Francisco Bay Area. Big 4 is not my future (as many many MANY of you have repeatedly said I’m not good enough for). So, I’m taking the hint and crossing MBB and Big 4 off my list but still hoping a smaller firm will consider me.

want to interview at MBB again. Last year i had started the process but had to stop the process due to severe family emergency. What followed was depression and im doing fairly better now. I am Leaving Big 4 to join a tech focused Bank. But i feel like I should reach out to recruiter and start the process again. Just not sure if it’s the right move since im joining a new company. Feel it’ll look bad trying to join MBB after starting at a new bank. What to do?

How much harder is it to get a MBB consulting internship over a big 4 consulting internship? I interned in audit but want to try consulting before I sign my life to audit.

In what way is MBB different/superior to Big4 when it comes to undertaking an engagement? Can someone who has made the switch from big 4 to MBB offer some perspective?

How would a transition from industry to consulting look like for me? I am 2 years out of undergrad (T30) and have worked at a small consulting firm doing market strategy consulting for many of the major pharmaceutical companies since graduation. Long term, I see myself more in strategy/ management consulting due to the higher pay and earnings potential. I’m currently 25, how easily could I move into MBB, tier 2, or the big four consulting, and what would this transition look like?

I feel like “MBB has much worse WLB than Big 4” is kind of a myth. Everybody I know at BCG works around 55 hours a week, I’ve been hitting 50 pretty regularly and have good reviews. Perhaps it’s not the norm across offices / practices, and there’s definitely tough weeks, but seems to be the general consensus.

Hi fishies, new here and trying to get into consulting from industry. Do the Big 4 also do case interviews or is it only MBB?

Stay at Big 4 or move to MBB? Partners I need your advice please: from your perspective how would you judge me? I’m the “star” Director in the team and Partnership admission is in 12-18 months. I’ve been offered Partner at an MBB and need advice on 1. Should I move considering the relationships and goodwill I have developed? 2. What would my Partners think if I presented them with the MBB offer? 3. Will they try and keep me? 4. Is this the right career move now? 5.Will this damage relationships?

Hi Folks,

I currently work at a big 4 firm as Management Consultant (largely Oil and Energy SL) and have around 1.5 YOE. How long should I wait to apply into MBBK? C CTC: 15LPA

I did my MBA from a non-target college (new IIM). Is it possible to get a Consultant role in MBB now or should I get more experience in here?

Would really love to get into MBB. Anyone over there willing to connect and realistically assess my chances of success, and possibly offer tips? Currently in the ERP consulting space at one of the Big 4

Recruiting question: I have a connection who has great internships related to M&A and consulting at big 4 and MBB and graduating with a masters in finance at a very well known (top 25 school) who is VERY interested in FDD. The only potential issue is that they are an international student. What are their chances at finding employment in M&A as a new associate? If anyone can offer insight and guidance that would be much appreciated! What can I do to help them?

Apart from the MBB and big 4, what are other consulting firms one can apply to in Canada ?

Is it impossible to move from big 4 to MBB at the same level? Do I have to lose band if I switch?

How do MBB interviews differ from big 4? What are the big differences? Specifically asking for US.

Feeling strong growth in my current role (several promotions < 2y) but can't help but wonder what's out there. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the job - people are great, wlb is above average for the industry, and there's a strong path to AP relatively soon as compared to big 4.

Is it weird to think about exploring? Believe it or not, for what I do, MBB comp below AP isn't really THAT much better, but MBA sponsorship is attractive.

I don't want to go to industry, pace is too slow...

Hi there! For those who lateral’d from big 4 to MBB, what’s your personal reason? And what’s the narrative that you shared during an interview?

Hi there! I’m a recent MSc grad with 2YOE in clinical research/life sciences looking to move into a consulting or strategy role as an associate (missed campus recruiting). Would love any tips on landing a job here or any referrals (MBB, Big 4, boutiques).
Much thanks!

What is the best way to make the move to MBB working in Salesforce practice at IBM (currently implementation based). Currently a Band 6 Associate Consultant. I could stay and get promoted to senior consultant and then try to either make the jump to MBB or M7 MBA program. I could also leave IBM for a another brand name (Big 4) at a promoted level and then make the jump to MBB. Thoughts?

MBB peeps - what is your experience working with people that came from Big 4/Accenture (excluding those who came from strategy arms of B4)?

I am disappointed in the talent we have here at PwC and A) am looking to switch B) nervous that we don’t have a good reputation based on who I’ve worked with here

Say 2YOE in risk at big 4. Want to switch to MBB. Should I apply for business analyst or senior business analyst or if I apply for business analyst, would they bump me up

I have a return offer from a big 4! Thoroughly enjoyed the experience as an intern and have no complaints. Would love to go back.

However, a bit confused if I should try and recruit with MBB’s or if I should accept the big 4 offer already and take the sign on bonus?

Would it be a blunder to NOT try recruiting with MBB’s ? Besides the monetary aspect, what are the other things I’d have to think about?

What is the path to 500k annual comp here in the Toronto market? other than partner at MBB or equity partner at Big 4

Has anyone here gone from a big 4 or MBB to Private Equity / Venture Capital (or know someone who has)? With or without an MBA, curious to see hear someone’s path.

Is it worth making the time/money investment to make the switch from big 4 FDD to MBB. This would require getting into and paying for a top MBA program and my net worth would be way negative after that. Are the MBB financial returns worth it? Im 26 years old for reference

What is the best consulting firm (MBB, Big4, etc?) and discipline (tech, strat, etc. ?) to exit from to break into product management? How many YOE is expected before I even try to apply for APM or PM roles?

I’m a new grad and starting at EY as a tech consultant soon, and want to align myself in positions which will best help me break into product management. I’m basically looking for a roadmap of an ideal career where I can end at PM asap, with the starting point being big 4 tech consulting.

Hi all, currently work in Assurance at a Big 4, just under 2 years with a year recruitment experience beforehand. Have a Masters degree in Business and Finance. Currently in the middle set of exams but realised Audit isn’t for me, would like to move to consulting. Looking at MBB Consultancy positions, any advice on the move in terms of entry level and how my experience could help my application?

I’m a MBA graduating next year. I have experience in the software industry as a Product Manager and recently interned at Amazon as a PM-T. I got a return offer but I also had offers in strategy consulting (Big 4 and MBB). I’m unsure if I should re-recruit for strategy consulting or just take my blessed PM-T offer. Long term I would like to be an executive in the software industry. We get a lot of koolaid about how consulting prepares you for strategic management. What should I consider?

How does moving from big 4 to MBB work? I wasn’t able to apply to MBB out of college because I’m from a non target school. Will my college still prevent me from being hired, or do I have a chance now having worked for PwC for 3 years?

Is it possible for folks from Big 4 to switch to MBB or Tier 2 firms such as OW/LEK/ATK after a year of consulting experience under the belt?

Do MBB firms even look at Big4 resumes at the lower levels? What else would one need apart from networking and adequately case prepping?

Currently I am doing a lot of implementation work and would love to do some strategy work too.