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You are a ⭐️
Thank you!
Considering that MBBs typically bump down 1 level those coming from B4/Accenture, an upward move, as you suggest is a no brainer. It will not harm your client relationships, if that’s what you mean.
Honestly I don’t see why your current company’s leadership would be mad at you, since it’s a very good move. If they take it personally, then you should not be working with these people.
It’s all about keeping an open door, right?
For that it is always better to justify your decision based on a personal / family matter than stating the raw truth…
Subject Expert
Keep in mind junior equity partner at MBB is up or out, while B4 is not. Totally different dynamics.
This is really helpful. THank you so much for sharing your insight.
Mentor
A lot can happen in 18 months so assuming your admission is a slam dunk is a bad policy.
I’ve never seen a Director/SM in B4 go to MBB as an equity partner, actually the opposite, they will bring someone in and down level them. Partners at BCG are not equity partners, MDPs are, so make sure it is for MDP.
1. This depends on how much you value your network and support structure within your B4
2. You may be considered a flight risk. Remember there are a small number of slots with 5-10 directors/SMs jockeying for the slot, one mistake can reshuffle the cards at any moment.
3. Maybe, but now the “18 months” could become 18 months in perpetuity. They won’t tell you that but it’s the hard truth.
4. Only you can answer this question given your personal circumstances. MBB equity partners are up or out. Equity partners operationally run cases.
5. Yes
Mentor
I’m a B4 partner and have many peers in MBB. B4 fits me better. I have a lot of respect for what MBB equity partners do.
Without knowing the details of you, I would take the MBB equity partner offer if it is extended, from there your exit options will be great. B4 P/P process, if you’re 18 months out, no matter how good you are, could become a toss up because of circumstances out of your control. Go with the sure thing.
Wanted to add that I’m in an extremely high growth area with unique experience and very large billings with strong industry connections which is why I have the offer to jump up a grade. I also have another offer for Partner from another Big 4 but clearly the MBB one is the most exciting for me.
Edit: to clarify both offers are for equity Partnership.
Thank you!
1. Yes. 2. They’ll likely take it personal. If they see your new role as a competitor (likely), they’ll likely ask you to leave the building and will deactivate your key card (not kidding), while negotiations are ongoing. 3. Yes. 4. Yes. 5. (Most likely) Yes
Do it
For internal candidates, there is nothing called 12-18 months at any of the Big 4. Either you are up for the 2023 class or 2024 class. I would think if you dont know in the next couple months if you are in for 2023 class, then you are in 2024 class. Agree with P2, there is never a guarantee until you make a partner. If your skills are unique and in high demand as you have noted, then you should be confident about yourself in being successful at MBB. The partners at MBB are running the day to day engagements but its great for your resume. They may not in true sense be like B4 partners but their salaries may be comparable to many Big 4 partners.
Partner here.
Thanks for your insightful response. Answering a few of the points you raised
1. We now do admitted to Partner in 6 month cycles (not sure if this will continue) so I’m waiting to find out which 6 month cycle I am being put forward for
2. Agree - I have seen other Directors who’ve been highly successful and not make it to Partner or have their admission period extended, which is quite scary and makes me think when an offer is on the table to jump for it
3. Agree I should be confident based on the fact pattern I have that I will be successful in the new firm
Do you mind expanding on your last point around may not be like Big 4 partners but salaries are comparable?
Partner at MBB is likely a non-equity role and is not the same as Partner at Big 4. So it is a lateral.
It is an equity role - I should have clarified this.
Interesting situation as most others have mentioned. I am sure you are a high performing individual but if you are 12 - 18 months before officially up at B4 then may be you are in the role for 3-4 years? Haven’t heard any other case where MBB make direct equity partner admissions with the tenure. Even when hiring more senior folks MBB do the reverse - lateral or down 1 - they have their own pipeline too. Again, sure you are a super star and may be the market has changed :)
A few thoughts / perhaps hard questions to ask (not rhetorical)
1. If you are joining as an equity P, what is the sales target? Given the upcoming Econ slow down, is it realistic for you?
2. Understand you have large billing but if you cut over how confident are you that those contracts would follow? In that the client would fire the entire project team from your current B4 just because you moved? You might be the lead Director, but wouldn’t the client P hold the contract signing authority? Wouldn’t your current b4 do their best to protect them, knowing you will be poaching?
3. Building new network aside, Do you have a non compete that will prevent you from actively achieving that target? Depends on where you live, you might want to check with a lawyer
Again, confidence, smarts, hard work aside, those are the practical details to think through ( and may be share what you hear if possible ) Best of luck!
- equity p equivalent
In the scenario where you go to MBB and get ousted after 2 years, how would be your job outlook then?
ZS 1, as far as I see it I could scale to a senior leadership position in the Big 4 I am at but I have no idea what my pathway will be if I move to MBB…
Based on info provided, to me it seems like taking the offer is the logical choice mainly due to 2 things:
- you having a niche expertise in a high growth area with connections is great but 10 yrs from now, the landscape might be very different so this may not mean you will still be in high demand by your current firm
- if you became a star director at b4 then you likely have what it takes to be successful at mbb too
I think they will try to keep you from what you’ve said. Having the frank conversation with your mentors about the situation should also give you more info. My guess is they’ll give you a lot more money now and a retention bonus if you stay. This will 1. Signal their intention to make you a partner, 2. Make up the difference in comp. Then it’ll come down to whether 1. You like your firm, 2. Want to stay in consulting long term.