Graduating senior. Have choices between MBB and SWE at FAANG. Not sure what to do. Long term I’d love to be in a small startup or a leader in a tech company. Not sure which path is better for that. Any thoughts?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

MBB. Pessimistically speaking, if you're not good at either you'll be better off having MBB on your resume.

I also make the assumption if you were really passionate about coding this wouldn't be a question. They're quite different jobs.

likehelpful

100% agree

SWE

like

I think this group is going to overweight consulting skills, because ya know, consultants.

I’ll split it into the following, if you want to have a tech career and actually get tons of credibility, go be a SWE and actually build something. It’ll teach you the foundations of tech, and product at a ground zero level, engineers will respect you and listen to you, and you can downshift towards more businessy things like product or other stuff over time.

If you want a business focus and career, mbb wins, it is the best generalist business education you can get and a phenomenal credential to land a bunch of jobs. It is nowhere close to being a SWE and it is much much more high level.

The real real question I’d ask you is do you enjoy coding and building things, and if the answer is yes that it makes you happy, go be a dev. Mbb is all business and you won’t build anything other than models full of assumptions and slides.

like

Thanks! This is helpful. I think it boils down to the fact that while I have eventual business goals, I don’t think I would be happy somewhere where I didn’t code.

SWE

like

MBB

like

Mbb. You can always make the switch back to swe at faang but not the other way around

like

As someone switching back and forth between consulting/MBB and tech a few times I would disagree (will be joining your fine firm in a few weeks) of course as an Associate though while the people who joined after school and stayed on are now EMs/Associate Partners, so maybe not a fast track in your career, but changing into MBB not that hard if you have/are willing to get 1) right educational/professional profile 2) referrals 3) good labor market 4) plenty of case prep.

I would do SWE. The role you ultimately want requires technically skills and MBB consulting roles are not technical roles (in the sense you’re thinking of with SWE). If you feel like you need to you can always go to business school later. Successful SWE—>PM—> director or SWE—>PM—>B school feels more realistic than MBB business consultant trying to get onto as many tech cases as possible to build credibility.

This is not to say people at MBB don’t go become tech directors, they do. I’m just saying this having seen some of my colleagues try to get tech jobs and not being considered bc they don’t have technical backgrounds. Of course, this is anecdotal evidence :)

like

Unrelated, but could I DM you about how you got the roles?

Sure

Not aware enough to give you an educated answer but are you trying to be both a consultant and a SWE in your career? Or just one or the other before being a leader at a tech company?

Gotcha, I think both routes are good. Probably from my limited experience (2 years out of school) that going the SWE route is more lucrative with better WLB and an easier transition to product manager. I think product managers can easily be a director of product if they’re good and work hard. Again, not an expert but just my thoughts.

I would also say that you should know if you’re willing to put in the hours for MBB. 60 hour weeks are more of the norm and also working more than that is common. I don’t work at an MBB firm but have a friend that does. Also, I think SWEs probably get paid more but check levels.fyi

like

What is SWE?

Software engineer

Could you get an internship in either place under your belt? I think the best move is choosing the role you enjoy more and where you will be able to perform. If you get an internship in one and then switch to the other, transitioning back to the first will be easier. Plus you get to try out both.

Sadly it’s too late, although I did have a swe internship at a smaller company.

Related Posts

I am looking to make a career change to HR. I currently make 75K as a sales and development coach. I had a recent offer for a state government position in a talent acquisition role but I’d be taking a $25K pay cut. I am extremely over qualified for the position but it could possibly be a stepping stone and gives me the time to acquire SHRM certifications and possibly start taking classes to get my MBA. My question is those currently in an HR role, would this move make sense to you?

like

Hi All, just sharing what on mind to vent it out from my system. Maybe with this I could gain some insights and inspiration.
I have been working as a data scientist since 2018 & have been the bread winner. I have neither been under a proper mentor nor with a team of peers from my field to help me out. I was alone and confused. I have never really got the chance to prove myself which makes me all the more depressed. I'm not sure what to do with my future, indecisive and low on confidence.

like

Anyone else here looking to make a switch into healthcare (physician, nurse, etc)?

like

Any book recs on how to improve soft skills (ex. Communication, leadership, etc)? Doesn’t beat real life practice of course but would be a good starting point. Thanks!

like

A relative of mine passed out in CSE in 2012 with 80% but never worked before. She is looking to start her career now... Can anyone guide or suggest how to go about it ... Since most openings are freshly out of college graduates only.
Highly appreciate your time.

like

Do you always need an MBA to get into MBB?

likefunny

What made you realize that science was the right path for you?

like

What inspired you to pursue a career in your particular field?

like

Thinking about my next career move, looking for a 6 figure base salary and good company.

I have a Mech Eng bachelors, about to graduate with my MBA, 6 YOE in manufacturing environments with a focus on design and product management. Open to any thoughts or suggestions.

like

How many of you have worried about finding a job outside of education since everyone is leaving?

like

Late stage analyst 1 at a mid-market heavy TMT focused M&A boutique in London. Keen to increase exit opps and realise it may be worth trying to lateral to a BB / name brand. Any opinions / advice on achievability? If low, what’s the best move here.

like

When did you know you were ready for a senior leadership or an executive role?

like

Trying to pivot to Tech strategy from tech implementation consulting at startup boutique. I have just under 2 YOE, has anyone made this transition?

Thinking of getting a masters at a top uni to better my profile. Happy to expand more if needed.

Any recommendations, guidance on how to proceed?

like

Hello Folks,
Is it advisable for a person working in networking domain (YOE - 7.5) to move to information security?

like

I am currently working with fiitjee ltd kolkata as marketing manager. I have done BE in computer sc. And MBA in marketing and operations. I have total 8 years of experience. I want to switch from education industry to IT. I need help.

I have an MHA and 4 years of management experience. I’m currently a manager, but seeking a director level position. Any advice for trying to temper my expectations? I feel like all director level positions have 5 years in the posting, but a lot of my peers with the same experience are already in director level positions. Are they just lucky? Am I jumping the gun? Do I just need to stick it out?

Hello everyone,

I am working in production support right now. And I don't want to work in support anymore.
I want to be Java full stack developer. But I don't know what all technologies are involved in java full stack.
Could you please tell me which technologies I should prepare to be a "Java full stack developer"?

Thank you in advance.

Anyone got the skinny on Alix consulting?

Got pinged by a recruiter for an MD role in digital transformation

He claims they compete with MBB and Alvarez.

Thoughts?

like

Dear Partners-
Have any of you switched firms to make P? Worth it? Tips? Have always planned to make at my firm, but my firm isn’t keeping up their end of the deal, so I’m job hunting....

like

I need everyone’s help😭 Money aside, how did you finalize which idea to pursue? I’m struggling to narrow it down from 4. Focusing is not an issue for me once I’m locked in, but I’m struggling to get there because I haven’t finalized which idea to focus on. Open to any recommendations please (books, personal stories, etc).

like

More Posts

Any Hilton recs in Charleston?

Trying to fill 2-3 days somewhere on the west coast (will be coming from Seattle before coming back to the Midwest). Was thinking San Diego maybe - what is there to do in San Diego? Would it be fun solo? Any other places I should go instead? Basically have a full week off after 4th of July, thought I would just chill at home but now realizing I probably want to spend at least some of that time going somewhere.

likehelpful

Anyone done the billing superbadge? Need some help with step 13

like

Any audit senior 3 and 1st year managers here? What positions are audit senior 3 and 1st year managers leaving big4 for?

like

What’s the vibe in the Permian? Any worries of pipeline constraint risk?

What kind of ratings are you supposed to give your counselee in LEAD feedback? Should be give one less than gold standard to everyone

like

I’m currently struggling with my friend group. I’m a transplant to my current city and ended up making friends with my coworkers (who were also transplants). Now I’m regretting this as I don’t feel like the friendship is deep and things seem competitive. I feel like I have no friends and my real friends (from HS and College) are in a different state and have their own lives. Any advice on dealing with having no real friends where you live?

like

Recently found out a hiring manager was bragging to a bunch of people at the company about getting me to accept an offer for a must cheaper rate than he expected. He was let go soon after. Justice? Not sure..

likeuplifting

Great way to spend a Friday night!

Post Photo
like

Is it common for HOA to ask you to prove your car registration is up to date?

like

Hi guys,

How if Capgemini Invent? Is it a different company or SL? How are the projects and opportunities?

like

What’s the best sign off party/event for a big-ish team with a large budget (about $150-$200 per person limit)?

like

“I get such a rush when I’m eating a taco."

likefunny

Just to be 100% clear, this entire platform is anonymous, right?

likefunny

I have received an offer with a 6 month probationary period, during which time I can be terminated with 1 weeks’ notice. Are these normal terms? I just want to be sure and have very little familiarity/context.

like

Want to join new company after h1b transfer completed. Need to give 2 weeks notice to current employer. Can I work for current employer for those 2 weeks notice period after h1b transferred to new employer?when does the current employer get notified of h1b transfer, in case that happens?

like

Iam Sardar Bhaginder Singh from Hyderabad having the experience of 7 Yrs. 4 Years 5 months’ Experience as Security Investigation Manager at Delhivery Pvt Ltd and 2 Years 7 months of experience as Security Loss prevention and Investigation Manager at Udaan Hiveloop Technology Pvt Ltd.

Due to closing of udaan sites company has layoff many employee recently i am in that one employee, and iam looking for the job Security loss prevention

like

I don't know if this is a recent change but I’m seeing postings for junior copywriter/community manager roles. Have these roles always been attached or posted at a junior level? Is this merged role worth considering as someone young in the industry with more traditional intern and freelance copy experience.

like

Currently 1 YOE tech consulting at Deloitte looking to make a hop to more strategy type roles and came across the strategy analyst development program- 1. is this only for fresh undergrads from specific schools or would I be able to apply? 2. What’s the compensation at this level? (worried I might have to take a pay cut). Also would appreciate any remarks regarding the program in general. Thanks!

like

Is Account executive the goal once you become a BDR? What are the other paths that other people have taken?

like

Additional Posts in All Things MBB

What is the drug culture like at your office? I assume people don’t openly talk about what they do in their free time if illicit, but they may do so quietly or you can otherwise tell.
Do you get the impression many people do them? If so, soft drugs (ex - weed)? Hard drugs? Non-prescribed study drugs? Frequency? At work-sponsored social functions? To an extent that it’s noticeable/problematic?

likefunny

What do you wish were different about your firm?

like

What is fastest way to improve both structured communication and thinking? Any helpful books or drills?
It’s the one consistent feedback I get while casing , “to be more structured” I’m there for math ability , business logic , creativity.

like

Any idea if these comp increases will make it to Canada?

like

What’s the standard RTO (return to office) plan for MBB as of now?

like

Do you always need an MBA to get into MBB?

likefunny

What are the Top MBAs outside of M7 to land an MBB role?

like

At MBB, level for level, do implementation practitioners make the same as generalists?

like

Do MBB pay a referral bonus if your referral gets hired?

like

Bain 🐠, have experienced hire interview coming up with view of coming into PE group. What types of cases should I concentrate on? Valuation? Profitability? Market sizing? Coming in as 2nd year Consultant

like

Bain & Company Hey! Got dinged at BCG and Mck and then hadn't heard back from Bain, but just found out I made it to final rounds. I haven't been prepping for over a week as it'd be two since my first round at Bain.

Help! Whats different or similar about Bain final rounds? I'm applying to Texas offices for an experienced AC role. I also may have to have an accelerated final round as I'm leaving the country for most of April. Bain & Company

like

Bain & Company What is the timeline for experienced hiring for Bain & Company ? Interested in making a move from Parthenon, but not sure if I should be targeting a specific window. If anyone is willing to chat, please let me know!

like

Boston Consulting Group Does a referral make a difference in thr current climate? Should I just go ahead and apply or do I NEED a referral to get an interview (assume strong profile, previously interviewed with the firm)

like

I’m exhausted from interviewing and caseing 🥵

like

Could someone please comment on first year EM salary at McK? Both base + bonus? I have an offer and wondering if it is at the level of those hired to EM from within.

like

Know this is a long shot, but if I’m counseled out of one MBB, what are the chances I could get an equivalent job at another? And if not another MBB, thinking that a T2 or B4 could be possible? I’m not even sure I want to stay in consulting, but also feel like I didn’t get a fair shot at it

like

Anyone knows when the BCG experienced hire recruiting will restart again after the freeze?

like

McK/Bain fish, do you guys get free leatherbound notebooks?

likefunny

Boston Consulting Group BCG interview coming up. What are compelling reasons for answering reason looking to move when coming from competitor?

like

McKinsey & Company Would anyone at McKinsey & Company be willing to chat for a referral for an analyst position?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal