What is the obsession and appeal for MBB among MBA grads? Is it really that amazing - from afar it seems like it may be romanticized (maybe not the right word) among applicants. I know it’s way better than the work I do now, so I’m not knocking MBB at all. It’s super impressive. Maybe a better way to phrase it is that MBA applicants seem to have a fairy tale view of consulting as a whole. I get the impression that people think a job in consulting is a magic ticket anywhere

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

Money and future exit opportunities

like

Power, prestige, pay.

There are few functional roles, and arguably, companies, in business that enable late 20-somethings / early 30-somethings the ability to, for example, create an analysis and affiliated story that is used to influence a ~50-year-old F100 CEO to expand operations of his or her $100B+ globally recognized company, to a new country, and to then read about, in WSJ, the CEO’s official announcement of the expansion launch, affecting global economies, all while being paid well and having a rubber stamp of “I know my shit” on their resume.

like

Yep makes sense. I think we are all on the same page here. There’s some awesome work being done and experience to be had I’m sure, but I bet some people still gotta do stuff like travel to a warehouse or factory in the Midwest working on some less sexy gigs. Feels like MBA hopefuls watched house of lies and have a warped view of b-school based on their rosy glass view of consulting

like

I’m not in a position to contest perspectives from folks at MBB ... but my two cents is that “top” consulting firms are incredibly good at marketing themselves to the talent market. Consulting writ large is a generally valuable experience for talent looking for broad skills, and I’m sure MBB has the strongest brand in the marketplace for this experience. But is the marginal value added worth the time investment for OP or myself? Dubious. Before COVID I was contacted frequently for roles with teams that had a mix of former MBB, Big 4 etc.; my colleagues have exited to PE and FAANG, among other places, etc. Btw - when I was at a strategy boutique before D, former staff went to MBB before my time and didn’t look to be any position more “prestigious” than colleagues that left for exits w/o MBB in-between. I think the moral of story is that your individual values and circumstances will drive your destiny more so than some “firm-prestige formula.”

likehelpful

CEO track

like

I agree that there’s a good amount of hype around it, but at the same time I’m having a hard time figuring out what to do as an alternative. I’m about to head to H/S from MBB and, since I don’t really have any interest in finance, don’t really know what career options would be objectively more prestigious/lucrative. Actually would be grateful for suggestions of you guys have any.

like

But pay-wise, banking, consulting, investment management, and PE are the highest

D I don’t think you’re wrong in your view. I went to a T10 school and almost all (non-sponsored) consultants pre-MBA did not go back to consulting. The exception were a few people coming from specialized firms (eg healthcare consulting) who wanted to go for MBB.

People who did consulting recruiting had industry background (eg marketing, HR, LDPs), military, or non-profit/TFA. Almost all consultants did tech, CPG, or finance (mostly IB).

like

What was the most common focus for people with a consulting background? Finance?

Other companies use MBB as their hiring filter for top candidates. If MBB thought you were great enough to hire, your future career is life on easy mode. Those company names carry weight. It’s the same concept of aiming for FAANG.

like

Not sure I would agree with “obsession” or “fairy tale view.” It mostly comes down to better pay / exits / promotion opportunities, which are pretty pragmatic reasons for choosing a firm. Most people (especially those who do their research) also understand that MBB often leads to more hours / stress and most work there won’t be sexy. It’s not a fairy tale career by any means, though MBB is usually worth the tradeoffs if someone has decided to pursue consulting.

like

I’m under the impression it gives me a range of options for exit (eventually into management) and keeps your career progression rapid. Am I wrong?

like

When your worst case scenario outcome is exiting to a middle management gig at a respectful corporation, you have it pretty great.

like

I also think that people choose it cause its a career that allows you to pay back your MBA debt fast.

Related Posts

Rank Northwestern, Yale, UChicago for...
1) Prestige
2) MBB Consulting

likefunny

Amazon Launch MBA Program - application has been on active on "read" for 2 months. Original timeline, pre-layoffs, offers out November / December. Does anyone have any contacts within the program? Or anything I can do to inquire?

likesmart

Is MBB Chicago a popular/competitive office choice that is comparable to SF/NYC/Boston?

uplifting

What could be salary range of a IT product manager with PMP certification with experience of 3 months .Total work experience 13 years.

Thoughts on how to go about moving from BO at a BB to FO? I’m an associate in Data Analytics as a client engagement lead so I deal internally with EDs & MDs daily, I don’t have an MBA (but do have a 4.0 GPA and a Masters in Marketing from a top three UK uni) and am thinking that could be the best way for me to transition?

like

Hi All,

Please help me with free study materials or links for completing SAP Analytics Cloud Certification.

like

If a big 4 partner wanted to get an executive mba are they usually able to get the firm to pay for part of it?

like

Which is a better option?
MS / MBA / PMP

Having 6+ yrs of work ex as a developer.

like

Hi sharks,
i am serving notice period right now(updated in naukri as well)..however i am not getting any call from any company ??
What might have went wrong??
YOE:- 4.4
Profile:- btech -> 2.8 years Infosys -> MBA(tier 1) -> Maruti(strategy manager 1.6 years).
Currently have 1 offer.
Suggest any possible methods to grab 1-2 better opportunities
Profiles looking for :- consultant/strategy/product

like

Currently going to school for my cannabis certification but I rarely see any jobs that offer cannabis research. I currently work in a lab/greenhouse environment and would love to continue that line of work with hemp/cannabis. Yet again no luck whatsoever, just finding jobs as budtenders or running a dispensary. Does anyone know where I can find research-based cannabis jobs? I have a degree in horticulture with lab experience.

like

MBA 1st-year here - is it too soon to start networking with a firm with intention to re-recruit for full time in august? When is the earliest you recommend I start networking and potentially connect with a recruiter there?

like

Anyone have success cold applying for VC roles and not in MBB? Just submitted an app last week and they should be reaching out this week, but I’m not sure how long to wait before giving up…

like
funnylike

Would you say through MBA OCR most individuals only receive 1 MBB offer? Or do people get 2-3 offers and then choose the firm of preference?

like

What’s the total comp range at big banks (Canada) post Canadian mba? Does the pay scale jump significantly between senior consultant/senior manager>director>senior director?

like

Best books about product management for a good exit to industry? I already have an MBA and PMP but looking for a refreshed perspective since it’s been years since my formal education.

Currently reading “Product Managements Sacred Seven” but it’s geared toward the startup world. I am in healthcare and not looking for a startup role. TIA!!!

like
like

Hello, everyone. I have a medical degree with 6 years bedside experience and an MS degree. I am looking to get into clinical research as a clinical research assistant and I have a CITI certification on GCP. Looking for any referrals or leads in NYC. Thank you!

like

Rising junior interning in deals advisory (consulting). If I intern in trading at a bulge bracket bank for next summer, will I still have a shot at mbb recruiting for full time? Or should I stick to trading and then lateral after 1-2 years? Thanks. I’m an engineering major w a 3.6-3.7 gpa, top 10 engineering school, some leadership

like

Hello, I’m current a Cyber Security Incident Responder but I’m a little unclear on what path to take in terms of certs/career path. What should I aim for? I current have a CompTia Security + cert and Splunk Enterprise Certified Admin. I’d also prefer the blue team or purple team.

like

More Posts

PSA: fellow female partners - if you are considering Deloitte, please DM me. I would like to share my Deloitte “career” experience and hope to be helpful with my advice and insight. While Deloitte is not publishing real numbers of female leaders leaving the firm, I can tell you it’s nothing I have ever seen before. Deloitte is best in class at marketing externally, however what’s going on inside needs a real reveal. With so many of us leaving the firm, & comparing our experience notes

likehelpfulsmart

Does anyone have positive experiences with getting an ex back? I just went through a breakup which he initiated, and I know I deserve better but one part of me is still convinced he was my soulmate

like

How's the work life balance at Walmart?

like

What’s the best low calorie, high protein snack?

Background- In quarantine I’ve been intermittent fasting &calorie counting for a few months, and still working out in the mornings. My workout has usually been a 3-4 mile run and I’ve definitely gotten leaner but I’m now trying to add in more strength training, and so I feel like I should be getting protein after my workouts.

Any advice on where to go from here appreciated too!

like

AMERICAN EXPRESS India is hiring for UI Engineer role.
Title: UI Engineer – React, JSON, Cloud Engineering -21018062
Experience: 5+ years

JD screenshot is attached.
If interested, kindly DM me

Post Photo
like

Which accounting advisory practices works the longest and how long? Or is more depend on the engagement? CMAAS vs FAAS vs ARA vs AAS

like

I’m interviewing with the company although I have offer signed with another (going though background checks, so didn’t wanna stop before knowing 100%). Really love the process and the team, but unless something goes sideways with signed offer won’t be joining them. I have a colleague who is probably even better fit for the position, I know that she will enjoy the team too and would be happy for a chance to interview with them. How do I approach this?

Looking into Accounting Advisory Roles as it maybe more fit to my background than FDD. Is AAS still a smart career path? What are everyone’s overall thoughts on AAS? Looking for any and all and all info I can!

like

Hi Fishes,

What will be my in hand salary
Yoe - 4

Post Photo
like

Looking for a roommate in a 2 bed 2 bath in Lincoln Park for a 1 year lease. DM me for pictures and other details.

Post Photo
like

Hi! I am Rustina and I teach 3 to 5 year olds in an inclusive Title 1 PreK program in NC. I have my masters from UNC CH in early intervention and family support. I love STEM and am a Global teacher

like

I just received an offer on a job I would really like to accept. The salary offer is about 25% higher than my current salary, which I am happy about, but is also the low $ on the range I had expressed to the recruiter and the exact $ that I put on the online application (I had to put a $ figure). Am I being greedy trying to negotiate for a bit higher? Do they expect me to counter? I have been burned by NOT negotiating in the past but who can be mad at a 25% increase??

like

26 years old. Thinking about doing Grad school in 2 years. I have been doing Roth 401k. Should I keep on doing that or switch to Trad 401k? Info on this is so mixed :(

like

Does anyone have a sense of what Greenberg Traurig is paying associates in Minneapolis?

like

Is anyone going to AfroTech this year?

like

Will the pandemic actually lead to permanent changes in business continuity/operational risk management, or will companies fall back into their old ways after this is done?

like

Recommendations on local Austin sites for home search we are looking to find a rental for 6 months for ex. Sulekha in northeast is pretty common among Indians. Interested in condo/house type living arrangement v/s renting with apartments.

I haven’t been able to get any work done for like a week due to feeling anxious and unfocused and strung out. I’m taking 15mg xr aderall but I feel like my seasonal depression is just rendering me useless. I can’t even get the momentum to email my doctor for an appointment. I feel like clients are calling and following up, things are getting worse the longer this goes on and I can’t seem to snap out of it. Just me? Advice?

like

Maxi puffer jacket recommendations for the upcoming cold weather…. Go!

like

Hello everyone! What certifications do you think would be useful to a person who is a newcomer in the fraud and forensic industry. I want to boost my skill set and profile. Currently working as a due diligence, risk and compliance researcher at Kroll. I feel the research role is quite redundant without growth opportunities. Want to move into financial crime compliance. Will the CFE or CAMS be a good investment towards achieving this goal? My background is in law. Please advise.

like

Additional Posts in MBA Applicants

How did you study for GRE?

like

How hard is Haas to get into?

like

Anyone starting CBS j-term in 2022 looking for roommates?

like

Anyone has any suggestion on how to send my recommender in Manchester, UK a gift? I’m in Canada and looking to send him a bottle of Japanese whiskey + note

like

Tax background and currently in fund accounting hoping to pivot into VC after getting an MBA. Any tips? How dramatic of a pivot is this?

like

What is a reasonable time period to study for the GMAT? Any study apps you would recommend? TIA!

like

Anyone from Deloitte accepted to Stanford in this cycle?

like

710 GMAT vs 327 GRE, which is better?
Is it true that adcoms are more forgiving of lower gre scores than gmat as they don't have to report it?

like

How do people at Columbia/NYU afford living in NYC while paying for a 200k education?

like

How important is having a “name brand” on your resume? For context, undergrad at a top 10 non ivy that typically gets less name recognition and work experience at a T2 (LEK, P-EY, Kearney, etc). Feeling like my resume has a lot of silver but not gold. Thinking about switching jobs 2 years into consulting to either startup or small tech company (don’t want to be at FANG). Will adcoms / future job interviewers view this as a downgrade?

likefunny

Anyone have any advice for what to expect for stern interview and how to prepare? I’m really nervous!

like

Does LEK sponsor MBAs?

like

I’m applying Fall 2020, focusing on the GMAT for the next 6 months. I want to narrow down my list of schools by summer 2019. Are admission events still held during the spring months?

like

Asking for a friend: for consulting, Tuck or Stern?

like

Senior in UG looking to apply to a deferred MBA program. I go to a non-target University but have a 3.8+ GPA and strong extracurriculars. How much will my UG’s lack of prestige affect me?

In @Emory (hometown, cheaper) for MBA. waitlisted @Haas for MBA/MPH. Strong application&interview, low quant GRE score. My guess is they want to see it higher but I dunno the odds/worth it

like

How did you decide what to write about in your HBS essay?

like

I’m questioning everything and now is definitely NOT the time to question everything. (Aiming for HBS round 1 which is due tomorrow 😭)

like

Anyone else still trying to squeeze in their GMAT before R1 and as exhausted as me? 😰

like

Did anyone else interview for LBS recently? I was asked some really weird unexpected questions and I’m wondering if everyone else had a similar experience or my interviewer just went rogue...

likefunny

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

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

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