BCG Final Round Decision - Down-leveled to consultant from project leader. I am a Senior Manager at PwC and recently interviewed for Digital BCG. I am 28 years old and I rose very quickly within the firm. If I were to accept BCG offer, I would not only be taking a pay cut but also would be going in 2 levels lower than my current role. I do value the prestige BCG has but not sure if Digital BCG is the same as traditional BCG. Thoughts?
Boston Consulting Group
I am a principal at another firm and was offered PL2 at BCG. While BCG was attractive for some reasons, overall I declined. BCG failed to provide a compelling reason for the downgrade, except “it’s the BCG way.” Not about actual capability. And the pay was short too.
It’s a hot market, find someone who values you appropriately.
Totally agree with P1 and M3 here.
To play devils advocate - the reason they do this is to set you up for success when you do get to manager (PL) levels. Lots of tension between lateral PLs/Principals and teams that feel they haven’t adapted to BCG culture/style - many of these hires don’t last long. Of course, if the pay cut is a no-go for you, then don’t take the offer
Agree with this - PL is the hardest role and it’s night ti have some runway. Also with the new comp you should be able to make $250K all-in as a consultant - which isn’t too shabby
I did this move when it was about pay neutral for me. Ask for tenure so you can get promoted to project leader more quickly. It is tough to take a step back but does set you up for success at the firm because you can build relationships that benefit you at PL+. Worth it if you want to stay in consulting for a while as the compensation trajectory is phenomenal
As a lateral PL without specific domain expertise, you will have a tough time working with good MDPs and staffing good teams, at least early on. Then you will have relatively lukewarm reviews and this trend is likely to continue until you leave. Wish it wasn’t this way but that’s the way the system is set up right now. If you want to stay in consulting me hen this is likely a good option but you have to be willing to sacrifice for 2 years
Three thing:
-If not S& could be big differences in work + talent level, tougher to adjust
-28 is young, may have come off with not enough maturity…honestly if you were 32 maybe they would think differently. Granted this is hypocritical as we have 26yo pls.
-The just promoted factor makes it tougher…at your firm thats valued but externally time in role is more important
I don’t think the lateral/cultural thing is as big of deal as some colleagues here allude to.
Simple question: why did you want to transfer to BCG at all? Our newer partners are pretty much this highest paid in the business, so if you want the long haul you’ll be fine. The reduction to C will definitely improve your chance of making partner. So if what you want is to be a BCG partner, this is a good path, as long as you and your family can absorb a year of reduced comp. Just make sure you’re getting a year of credit as C (be PL in a year).
If your goals are more short term then maybe walk away.
BCG doesn’t deal with transfers well. Don’t downgrade yourself to the market
To reach their own. This is my opinion and there’s no universal right next step. I suggest you don’t join
Need help. I made $220k base as Senior Manager at Deloitte two years ago (in M&A IT Strategy). I have an offer now from PwC for a Director role (also M&A IT) for $200k only. How do Deloitte vs. PwC salaries compare and is $200k for a Director in M&A at PwC a reasonable offer or should I counter? #Pwc
Digital BCG meaning DAS (our digital accelerator system) within BCG Classic, or Digital BCG meaning part of Platinion or Digital Ventures? They are very different things.
M2 Gamma has the same comp (at some levels actually better pay) and equity partner track as the traditional BCG side
If you are aiming for traditional strategy consulting, take the BCG offer, if you want to stay in tech consulting, stay with Big 4.
I was offered senior manager role at Big4. I was a senior associate at that time. Didn’t accept the role. Learning and compensation didn’t improve for me…
How far are you from a promotion at PwC? Maybe wait that out for the Director, but I take it you’re not happy at PwC to begin with hence you’re interviewing.
Would you consider another B4 if it came with the promotion? The reason I ask is everyone is hiring at the moment. I don’t know much about BCG Digital, but are they the tech arm of the firm?
Are you in S&? Can you just find groups doing that work at PwC?
Chief
Personally I’d stay. Only go if you know you want to stay in consulting 3+ years.
Life’s too short to go backwards. Keep rising at PwC and wait for the opportunity that gets you closer to where you want to be.
Rising Star
Are you that overhyped French dude in LA, op? You should be consultant level.
Pro
Lol I know who she is haha. She’s a serial firm hopper