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Would say the same, honestly, but I'm perhaps operating with the same bias as you. Ex-MBB - now in tech.
Try cross-posting on Blind as well to get more inputs - my sense is the crowd there is more tech-heavy.
In general, I feel like you can always do an MBA a couple of years down the line and pivot to consulting / strat if you want. Solid engineering experience under your belt will give you depth, and help transition to product management also if that's interesting.
The reverse jump from strat / consulting to more technical / engineering roles is harder in my opinion. Age may add further complexity (i.e trying to pivot to tech after consulting at 28 vs doing the opposite through an MBA).
Overall, good problem to have. All the best to you and your family!
I hear you. I'm not saying it's easy - just that if you want to make that jump later in life, it's very doable through a top MBA. And from my experience, MBB won't care about how technical someone's workex is - they want aptitude + pedigree. The business knowledge can come from the MBA. Still very competitive, but doable.
Check the salary progression of a SWE at FAANG vs MBB. If he cares about money, it’s SWE 100 out of 100 times, easiest choice ever
Ok I’m 2 weeks late to this but…I’m in t1 consulting pulling in decent money. My brother just graduated Stanford and is going to Coinbase with 320k TC (160k base). Many of my SWE friends make upwards of 400-500k TC working 30 hours or less a week. It’s no competition, SWE is the way to go. Do not listen to MBB, times have changed.
One idea: Split the difference and go for BCG GAMMA AI SWE, that way he can continue developing coding skills, have “engineer” in his title, build real products for major companies, but also get exposure to different industries and businesses and develop “soft skills” which are often ignored at tech companies where you are only valued for your code. Within BCG he can move into a less technical role if he wants, or stay on a technical track.
FAANG, and I say this only because if he wants the MBB life he can always do an MBA later in life, but tech is a young man's game, and it's a skill that's use it or lose it. Both are great choices, but I'd say unless he wants to end up at PE or a HF I don't see a way MBB straight out of school wins out.
There are pros/cons to both.
MBB/Consulting gets you exposure to all kinds of industries and understanding how businesses work. Sure less upfront perks that FAANG may offer and LTI/RSU grants won’t be there, but when you’re mid-level to senior-level MBB, you literally can go into industry as a highly paid individual contributor or management/low executive. If he’s an extrovert, MBB/Consulting may be the best to go.
FAANG will give you instant brand recognition across all tech companies and immediate higher pay often at the 75th to 90th %ile if pay. However, if he craves strategic work and not being churned out for coding, etc., then this may not be the best way to go. If he’s a bit more of an introvert, then FAANG is also a good way to go.
Rising Star
FAANG
Shape rotator > wordcels
MBB for 2 years to get a lot of exposure and experience —> FAANG at manager or above level.
Is it still even FAANG? Thought it was GANA now? Google, Apple, Netflix, Amazon
Chief
When has anyone ever used that. Pls. If anything, Amazon is the odd one out.
So I’m heading to a FAANG technical role after consulting. I think the soft skills you’ll gain and c-suite exposure at MBB are great. If he would like to get a taste of it, he could start at MBB and if within the year he is unsatisfied with the work, he could take on the FAANG offer since offers usually remain valid for a year (meaning he wouldn’t have to leetcode intensively and go through the interviews again).
Chief
My advice would be not to pick one with the intention of switching to the other. Is he trying to max hourly salary and sees himself in a technical role long-term? Or does he want to influence huge decisions, possibly with an aspiration to be the guy making those decisions eventually? For most, this is a clear decision, one way or the other.
Rising Star
Join a FAANG and have a life
Bruh.. why is this even a question?!
Listen and listen closely- if he already doesn’t like software engineering, he should do consulting. Why wait to do something when the alternative is something you hate? That’s like saving sex for old age!
OPs bro is still in college