What are the pros and cons of leaving a Big 4 firm for a boutique specialty-focused firm (e.g., Chartis)? If I am a high performer at my firm, am I making a mistake going to a smaller firm? Will I be significantly limiting my exit opportunities from consulting longer term?

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

You’ll most likely find you are not a high performer at a smaller firm

likeuplifting

Well I’m actually a specialist moving to a specialist firm though. I’ve only done PE work within 1 specific industry, and the firm I could potentially be moving to only does work within that 1 industry and would be hiring me for their PE practice. So I’m not as concerned that this will be an issue, as it’s the exact work I’ve done my entire time as a consultant.

For me, WLB and being part of a flat organization were worth the move. That said, I most likely would have made more money if I stayed at the B4, but reached a point in life that the stress and grind wasn't worth it.

likehelpful

Big 4 firms aren’t all the rage anymore, they are losing deals to smaller more nimble firms. I’ve done both and it comes down to the role and compensation.

funnylike

Yea totally they went from 60 Billion to 59.6 Billion 🤣

like

Probably start with what you expect to get at a smaller from that you are not getting at B4 as a high performer

like

Let me guess, you also work at Deloitte hahaha

funnylike

Context is everything lol

like

You’re junior in your career, I personally wouldn’t go to a smaller firm voluntarily unless you don’t have a job.

Btw, smaller firms are also going to be impacted by market conditions.

like

How much more senior would you recommend? I’m at the engagement manager level, 3 years post MBA, so not all that junior (my title for this posting is old—not a consultant)

Size does matter

I left from Deloitte to go to a boutique - lateral move at the Consultant level. Best decision I ever made, but it's because the culture of the firm was so strong. Was able to build a network quickly (because size was so small), and had ready access to highest levels of leadership.

If comp is good and culture / team seem solid, I say go for it every time.

Related Posts

I moved to the Netherlands 3 months ago on a spouse visa. Was working with EY-P earlier. I have been applying to jobs and giving interviews but for some reason things are not working out. I get a different reason everytime (after going through the whole process). This has never happened earlier in life and now I don't know what else to do. I have worked as a strategy consultant (& a researcher). Should I change lines? Where else can I try?
I can't apply to boutique firms since Dutch is mandatory

like

My professional life at the moment is far from ideal. I’ve been on quarantine (long story, but a good one) for the last seven years. Royalties from my books don’t pay the bills. My entrepreneurial pursuits remain hampered. For the interim, I’ve been looking for a remote opportunity where I can leverage my skills in marketing, sales, social media, and elsewhere for a decent sum. I have a social media presence which, in recent years, reached millions. There has to be something exciting I can do.

like

Anyone here used Mynd or Ziprent property (or similar )property management companies? What has your experience been like? Would you recommend?

like

Just me here hoping that slack never adds the “read” notification on messages.

likefunnysmart

Recently relocated to USA. Looking for a job in Private equity Accounting in California as Fund Accountant Manager. Any leads and also, how much salary should I expect?

Need to travel to Canada for some urgent work, can I do the mandatory quarantine at a friends place? He’s got an empty apartment. TIA

like

EY India openings for AI/ ML

Post Photo
like

what is the official notice period in VMware India? 😑

like

If you join amazon in Oct. Will you be eligible for hike in the next cycle

like

Accepted a role with 80k of equity at a late stage start up with 4 year vest. If they IPO, do I wait for 4 years to get all?

like

Is senior software engineer a good position offered at persistent system for 3.2 years of experience in Webmethods development?

like

Hello! Currently work in Data Center Sales at Dell and I’m looking for a job referral. Looking into Solutions/Systems Engineering positions for pre/post sales. My experience is in IT and I would like to know if anyone has leads on these roles (ServiceNow, Nutanix, VMware, etc.) to name a few. Open to conversation and sending over resume information.

Thank you!

like

What’s making those of you who want to go back to India want to go? I hear the work culture and bureaucracy there are the main reasons people come to the US.

like

Best books you read this year that aren’t about sales, marketing or prospecting?

like

Between AbsolutData and RenewPower, which company should one join?
Given both are hiring for Data Scientist position and offering similar package

like
like

What is caregiver leave in bny ? How to opt for caregiver leave? Any medical proof required for the same?

like

I’m new to the immigration practice, and recently submitted an I-129 for 15 H-2B landscape workers. I knew the deadline would be close, but I convinced the client that we could take the chance. The cap count was reached after we submitted, so no approval. Is there any other avenue to bring over those workers or is he screwed?

Additional Posts in Consulting

Working at Deloitte soon! I read the benefits but I’m still a student and don’t really understand what benefits are good and just mediocre. Is the benefits and rewards at Deloitte ACTUALLY good? Any tips to maximize on the benefits? Advice for a new grad hire plz 😭

like

Maybe this is a dumb question, but thoughts on IBM right now? Got a call today from a recruiter for SAP OCM position (managing consultant ). Said they’re hiring a bunch but then I see layoffs. Huh?

likehelpful

Anyone in EY know what their unlimited PTO policy is like? Biggest attraction to me as I’m about to receive an offer from there soon.

funnylike

What is the definition of a “staff aug” project? I think I’m on one but wanted to confirm…

like

So I’ve been studying for the AWS cloud practitioner certification for a month now and completed all cloud quest levels but still not feeling 100% confident. Has anyone tried the exam question dumps ? There are so many websites but not sure which one is the most reliable one as all of them you would have to purchase such as pass-guaranteed, certwizard, etc.. any recommendations is greatly appreciated

like

Top consulting firms for building mobile apps - IOS or Android?

like

Best consulting firms without the massive ego?

like

Finally found THE one, after over a year of searching and trying out at least 5 different ones!

A nice comfortable office chair.

https://ergochair.co/collections/chairs/products/ergonomics-mesh-chair-w-adjustable-headrest-and-armrest?variant=32511617597491

My criteria: mesh seat and back, arms, headrest

I tried cheap ones from Amazon. Expensive, second hand gaming chairs. Tried HM Aeron (second hand) and while I didn't like the bulk and the general design, I was sold on the mesh seating. I wanted to get the ErgoChair 2 from autonomous, but it doesn't have mesh seat.

AMA.

likefunnyuplifting

Happy fly day from DCA 🙃🙃🙃

Post Photo
likefunny

What qualities/skills (hard & soft) do ugrad hires that are “rockstars” or those on the fast track to promotions posses that make them so valued?

like

Deloitte people. I confirm layoffs of 4 ranked individuals and this year it's been hard rankings. Many 3s forced into 4. I was on the calls. Beware. Not trying to scare. Sharing facts.

like

Who on this bowl feels an obligation to support their parents if they retire early and run out of money? This is causing some strife with my SO. My parents have planned very well and would never dream of putting me in a position to financially support them. My SOs parents retired early, and we are worried they won’t have enough of end of life care is necessary (which is almost inevitable). continued…

like

I think it’s naive to not ask this question and it has been asked but not with the data points we now have. JP Morgan expects -40% GDP and 25m jobless (15% unemployment). Only 60k deaths now...

like

This is going to be a stupid question but I’ll ask anyway. Receiving 10k as a gift, Any tips on investing for short term growth.

funny

First year in consulting, is it worth purchasing a car this early? I’m living at home and about a 45 minute car ride away from my home office. Any suggestions? What have you done?

like

Recommended tools (or threads where this has been discussed) to transcribe meeting audio?

like

L1 visa, i140 approved. If I got H1B and start with my new employer this October. Can I use my previous i140 and just file i485 at my new employer?

like

What is the happiest moment of your life so far?

like

What can I do outside the office to boost my resume and be a substantially more attractive candidate for top consulting firms in ~12 months time. Working in disputes and valuation role but want to go into management consulting next year (post MBA role). I feel like my job isn’t enough because skills aren’t considered as transferable outside this field.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal