Related Posts
More Posts
Additional Posts in Consulting Exit Opportunities
Which FAANG companies have non-tech PM roles?
Google or Facebook? 🤷♂️
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
I would agree. It will be fine.
You are going to impact your career if you leave Bain, full stop.
It’s not just a an image and reputation issue, it sets you up to not to build the core of what it takes to get through rough spots
2 years at Bain will at this point dramatically change your career trajectory.
Come to Deloitte Digital we’re much more chill. Happy to refer you.
Enthusiast
Should be fine, especially if you’re exiting consulting
Just 7mo at Bain ? I’d stick it out a bit more unless you have a strong reason for the move. Just so you can justify why you moved to Bain and stayed there enough to fulfill that purpose. Also don’t want it to look like couldn’t survive in a T1 firm.
I agree, stick it out to one year and then take a leave of absence . During that time, look for another job. I know its hard to think about but you will be glad you stuck it out.
You may be perceived as quitting MBB because it was too challenging
In my experience no one cares about this, as long as he tells his story right. Even better if he interviews before quitting. If you're really worried just screenshot your positive performance reviews.
Refer me to Bain first?
OP, don't let peer pressure/other people's bias drive your life. Ultimately, what should matter is your end goal. It appears you're confident that consulting isn't it. So if your goal is to end up in industry, it doesn't matter if you can find the right exit now.
If you adjust your perspective and start your search now, few things will happen:
- By the time you land a gig you want, you'll have probably already surpassed a year
- Likely to take more risk on project types due to not worrying about future life as a consultant, probably making your experience more enjoyable, relative to feeling burnout
- The above probably allows you to pick up a few more skills that could be useful someday and allows you to ensure you gave the opportunity a fair chance
- Confidence will improve knowing you made it there, are doing well, will continue to do well if the alignment was there. That's what will allow you to live with the decision regardless of how your corporate career goes.
TL;DR: Your reasoning is logical, and spending ~5 yrs in T2/T1, albeit skewed to T2, will not diminish your competence or stamina. For those that will be biased even after your explanation; they probably aren't the folks you want to work with or be around.
Not all consulting firms are created equal. I work for a boutique mgmt consulting firm (<150 people, big name clients), and I’ve never been happier. For reference, I used to work at EY for many years.
@SC1, not too worried. Our firm’s been around for a long time & they have declined every acquisition offer from every major consulting firm in the past :)
Consulting was done with me 2 years ago when I was "laid-off". Best thing that happened to me because otherwise, I don't think I would have left on my own.
Glad you landed on your feet!
I hire that kind of profile all the time. Just tells me you’re a smart person in the wrong role
Rule of thumb: It only looks bad if you have a bad exit😉
I think you can tell the story fine… all about how you communicate things. I think people get caught up with MBB being a better experience when in reality all consulting isn’t that much fun. I think recruiters can understand that it was more of the same and 5 years is still a long time in consulting regardless of tier 2 or tier 1
Enthusiast
FUQ: Will I get considered for roles which traditionally go to MBB or will they still look at my profile with a Big4 lens?
Coach
EYP isn’t big4 so I don’t know why they would put you in that bucket
Do what’s best for your mental health tbh. Your background is impressive regardless
Enthusiast
Thank you all for the extremely supportive answers. Starting to look out now, will most likely be 10-11 months in tenure by the time I find something.
OP - can you refer me to Bain before you leave ?
Can you make it until the year mark to get the transition benefit? Assuming Bain has transition and you become eligible after a year
Eligibility takes 2 years at Bain, sadly
There is nothing wrong with knowing that your current role is not the right fit for you. I feel if you are honest and authentic about it, they can’t fault you. DM if you find a role of interest at Indeed
If you are exiting the consulting world I don’t see how it would look bad. If anything you can say that you thought things would be different at Bain but consulting is consulting and you want to try something else
In my experience, with that pedigree you'll be completely fine as long as you're not trying to make a major step up into your next role.
"I wasn't enjoying consulting, I thought a new firm would be a revitalizing change of pace, but it turns out consulting just isn't for me and I'm looking for something more [describe the role you're applying for.]" seems like a perfectly compelling story to me.
People are constantly leaving consulting after short stints. It's expected, that's part of the consulting talent strategy, and most people are just thrilled to have someone with the skilset to succeed at EYP and Bain.