i have two offers out of undergrad: LEK and MasterCard advisors, their consulting service. I’m leaning towards MasterCard because I’m someone who doesn’t really like to grind long hours. However, I know LEK will set me up for an exit with nice WLB and pay. I’m unsure what MasterCard exits look like tho. What would you do? L.E.K. Consulting Mastercard
Chief
LEK
You will be working ~60 hours a week at LEK in a very fast paced environment. If you can’t handle working 9am - midnight three days a week and 9am - 6ish the other two days then I would not recommend.
Agreed
Please don’t come to MasterCard with that attitude.
I’m definitely leaning towards exits into tech
If WLB is important to you, don’t go into consulting, LEK or otherwise
You will regret not going to LEK. It’s not even close.
Mastercard has a lot of ex-MBB - less from Bain; I’ve not seen/met anyone from LEK though.
Chief
Search the bowl for some of the topics regarding LEK. They have an inconsistent reputation
Just so I understand…you have two options: (1). That “may” set you up for a nice WLB exit in the future; and, (2). An option with good WLB NOW. Seems like an obvious answer, not as hard as you’re making it.
😶🌫️
I would recommend someone out of undergrad to join just about any reputable consulting firm over Mastercard advisors
LEK would give you a broader range of exits and has a larger brand than MasterCard’s consulting service. You would also get exposure to a variety of industries and strategy work. I loved my time at LEK and won’t deny the hours could get long, but I never had to work Fridays after 4 and weekends were always protected so I still was able to travel, spend time with family/friends, and explore the city I was based in (Boston). Now that I’m in PE, I have way less time to enjoy life and honestly miss LEK at times. I still have lots of friends there that I stay in touch with and feel free to DM me if you want to discuss further.
Rising Star
LEK, not even a question, even if the comp was higher at MasterCard.
Please don’t be soft enough to trade 2 years of grinding that’s not even that bad, and lose an incredible career track, just because you don’t feel like you cant “grind”
As someone who previously worked at MC advisors, let me offer a slightly different perspective:
If you want to do “traditional”, “strategy” consulting. LEK is prob better. I agree that strategy consulting projects are not as diverse at MC.
If you want to do data analytics focused consulting (previously APT), MC can be a good choice, we’ve absorbed APT as one of the tracks now. I did a lot of T&L projects and really liked it.
If you want good WLB - def MC. I don’t know what’s wrong with the one person who criticized wanting WLB at 22, but I’ve enjoyed the WLB at MC and I don’t think it hurt me in my career progression - am working as a pm now which is an exit that many consultants strive for.
Just my two cents :)
thank you!
LEK Forsure - better pay progression, opens doors to far more exits. If you don’t know what you want now but want to keep your options open, LEK is the way.
100% LEK, not even a choice
LEK no question. Going to have to work hard no matter what. Going to have to pay your dues no matter what at some point in your career. Don’t go to Mcard… easy choice. I based my first career choice based on hours and regret it.
I was between these exact two companies when choosing my full time offer. Feel free to DM
I agree overall, though not in consulting LEK has good reputation. MC will be too niche in my opinion and not as well regarded.
LEK. You will find that LEK’s reputation is inconsistent because most associates are target school kids who love to complain because deep down they are unhappy their friends are in MBB/IB.