Has anybody heard of Mars & Co. consulting? I've read that it is an elite boutique, but also that its reputation may have declined recently. I'm in the midst of interviewing there, so I thought it prudent to ask.

Also, any thoughts on their culture?

How does it compare to firms like LEK, OW, Strategy&, Kearney, etc.?

Thanks!

likefunny
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I think Lindt > Ghiradelli > Hershey > Mars

likefunny

You literally nailed this

I worked there for 5 years:
- it’s a very very good firm to start your career and you will learn a lot!
- their scale is limited due to the 1 client per industry strategy but projects are highly strategic with direct exposure to C-Suite.
- culture at Analyst/Consultant level is awesome (I made some of my best friends there) and people are super sharp!
- leadership is terrible as well as HR (lack of communication, transparency, …) and they will treat you as a commodity
- salaries are low compared to Market and they sometimes make adjustments but it’s once per decade
- no Bonuses before Consultant level and very low 401K Match

likehelpful

I hear it's a pretty sweet gig

likefunny

Where have you heard that from, if you don't mind my asking?

Their website lists projects from literally decades ago as case studies. That's not a good sign

Also, they say they only work with one client per industry in order to avoid conflicts of interest. There are a lot of reasons that's ridiculous, but one inherent consequence is that growth opportunities will be limited

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So Dominique Mars is a bit of a weirdo but also was apparently a BCG rising star in the 70s, and when they shot down his idea of only serving one client per industry he went and started his own firm, which he still owns 100%, with no partnership structure. I know there was a generation of French CEOs that liked to listen to him and he was able to make a good living without ever really growing beyond a really small boutique built around his reputation, but the moment he retires that shop will disappear in 6 months.

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They just made Mike Turner COO so MAYBE something’s cooking but I wouldn’t have much hopes! It is sad because a lot of employees are super nice and sharp.

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I feel like all of these boutique strategy firms are either limited in project type (e.g. strategic more market research or DD) or client variety. it's more of a function of headcount and just not having the scale of larger companies. this means very limited brand recognition and probably more limited exit opps. just make sure they pay well to make up for those limitations.

larger strategy firms have the scale to not only do strategy work but also larger scale transformations which are pretty diverse in nature and offer broader learning opportunities.

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Feel free to DM any specific questions

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I would! But I haven't got enough likes haha

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More M&Ms jokes in the chat

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