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I've been at Alix for many years, I came after a long-ish stint at an MBB, and I always actively discouraged young talent without a solid consulting background from joining Alix. It's not just the lack of training, but many of my peers (directors) and most MDs just are not used to working with junior people, don't know how to set expectations, and there is no culture of developing talent internally in general. I've seen too many VPs receive negative feedback in situations where, in my opinion, the blame was entirely in the more senior folks. I've been very vocal about this internally, but nobody in the senior-senior team considers this half a priority.
Don't ever go by titles. I know some people who are Global Head of something but they are ICs at 4-5 levels below CEO.
Gonna defend Alix a bit here as an SVP who came from another firm and started with EI as a VP. The lack of formal training is definitely an issue for developing young talent. We keep talking about it but the “when it really matters” priority with our clients trumps any scheduled training you try to set up.
That being said, the smaller team structure and opportunity to work directly with Ds and MDs who are industry/ practice experts is training in itself. There is also immediate exposure to the executive teams in every client engagement. You do get to take ownership of work streams from the start and your career projection is left in your own hands (lack of formal support/ structure can be good and bad), so we look for the types of people that want that added responsibility and want to be judged off merit and not necessarily tied to a hiring class.
As for exit opportunities. McK has the broader brand recognition for sure but within the industry people recognize AP. Therefore McK likely easier to move if you pursue a change but at AP we are constantly getting recruited for industry leadership positions and a ton of PE opportunities.
Either way two great options and best of luck!
Congrats!! I’m a VP in EI at Alix and really enjoy it but I’d say McKinsey. Reasons:
1) More development resources for newer consultants (assuming you’re coming out of Sloan?), AP is getting better but can’t hold a candle to McK for juniors
2) Brand.
3) You could do a stint at McK, then always apply to AP and likely come in at a higher level.
My opinions alone. Congrats again!
Agreed, McK is the gold standard in our industry. Even if it's a lower-tiered position, you are still getting the best of both worlds with the connections and learning experiences + exit opps.
+3 for McK. Only exit ops here seem to be to other consulting firms, so if you want to be anything but a career consultant, go elsewhere. Also, our training & development is basically just “sink or swim,” but we like to call it “self-driven,” so we can avoid responsibility when people are struggling.
It’s not even a joke. They talk as if Alix is the most entrepreneurial firm there is, but the reality is there is no mechanism to develop young talent.
+1 to what AP1 said. Was a VP and realized there are better places to be for my learning and exit opps, so I left Alix.
McK makes more sense. Even though I love working at Alix much more than I did at BCG.
The up or out culture is the key differentiator for me.
Not OP, but thanks everyone for your insight! I received an offer from McKinsey and was curious about others' experiences. I'm glad to know that McK is a great option for juniors; I was slightly worried. It's great to know that even associates at Alix recommend McKinsey. Thanks for sharing, all.
McKinsey.
Mentor
The McKinsey brand is worth more than experience IMHO.
Look at TC and go from there. Work your year or two then job hop to make more money. Great start tho, enjoy the ride!
McK for sure. Congratulations! Interviewed there and support AP1 on the brand aspect. Go for a bigger name ALWAYS. The smaller guys will come to you and pay you more + bigger title. Even if it’s just for one year. Hope you enjoy McK.
McK for sure. The level of exposure you would get is gonna be tremendous! All the very best!