Trying to figure out the move here. Around 1 year post-MBA as a project lead at a healthcare boutique. I have an offer from LEK that would be a step down, but +40-50k total comp. However, I think I can only make a move from one firm to another once, and I'm trying to maximize for exit opps and LEK exit opps would not be substantially better than my current firm, plus it would set me back in terms of progression timeline. Do I take the new role, or wait it out and shoot my shot for MBB later?

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Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Boutique-> LEK -> Private Equity or MBB

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How is 80k setting you back in your timeline? My gut tells me you’re title is inflated

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100% agree, but LEK and my firm are similar formats--you start out first with one project, then get promoted and lead two projects simultaneously. I would have to wait to get back to that at LEK until I move up unfortunately. I'm essentially coming in at the immediate post MBA level, which is where I came in at my current firm and have since been promoted to the level above that.

Would you stick it out at LEK for a promotion? If not, would exit opps differ if you were promoted at your current firm vs not promoted after lateralling at LEK? You'll probably make that $ up after a promotion at your current firm without losing a year and improved exit opps.

Unfortunately, I don't think my current firm will actually keep up salary-wise. When I got the promotion to engagement manager I only got a 2% raise, and I was already significantly behind MBB+big4 salaries. I definitely would want to stick it out to manager at LEK, if the stars align. If I left before that happened, the exit opps would probably be slightly worse than my current opps, but if I do make manager at LEK they would be slightly better. But I have no way of knowing if I'll actually do well at LEK, unfortunately it's a black box! I'm probably 2 to 4 years away from another promotion at my current firm, so I would probably be exiting before I hit that point.

40k seems substantial and LEK is a pretty good shop. I’d go there and just delay your exit by a few years. You seem to be pretty well known at the old firm and you can always boomerang if LEK doesn’t work out

1) How do you know that LEK exit opps would "not be substantially better" than your boutique firm? Evidence? Most healthcare exits are very familiar with LEK -- can you say the same for a boutique?

2) Why is "leading two projects" more important than "leading one"? Is that going to change how hiring managers view your resume? Also, EMs at LEK are staffed on multiple projects because while they provide significant guidance to the team, it's not 50/50 staffing -- a significant chunk of their time is spent on BD work / selling to prepare them for the Principal level. Is that what you're doing right now?

3) What are you making as an EM at your boutique firm? EMs at LEK make close to 400k. Have you accounted for any widening pay disparities as you move up the ladder at each firm?

My take: reading your post and comments, it sounds like you are resistant to the idea of being "demoted", even though this will be a step up in every other aspect (pay, growth opportunities, exit). I get it, but I would advise you not to let an opportunity go just because of leveling. I lateralled to a role 1 level below and was promoted in the next cycle immediately.

You should also consider that MBB will also likely hire you at your level - 1 if you are coming from a boutique, it's just what it is.

Mmm wanna talk to us about it?

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