What made you all stick it in consulting for the long run? I am a year or two out from equity partner but in an interesting situation

I wasn't actively looking but have an offer for a really intriguing role - Corp strategy. Fortune 50 and reporting directly to Chief Strategy officer. Path to CSO role in the next 2-3 yrs.

If you were in my shoes, why would you take it? Why wouldnt you?

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

I would take the offer.

like

Corporate roles at C suite can have a short shelf life. Is the target org culture to rotate C suites? What makes you think CEO / COO would think you are right person to lead in 2-3 years? What if a new CSO comes in 2 years and get their team and pushes you in a corner? Some things to strongly consider. Partner or MD in big 4 is hard work but fairly stable specially if you grew up large portion of your career there and have a network. Lastly, once you have the P / MD title, many more doors will open in 2-3 years that may be even more lucrative. Ofcourse I have no context on this offer but wanted to share perspectives to consider. If this truly is great on pay and responsibility and would get you fired up in the morning, don’t hesitate it.

likehelpful

Thanks for the thought provoking comments P1 - really useful. As you very well know there isn't a guarantee that I would indeed make CSO. The last two folks that were in the role ended up with officer roles in the company with a similar background and a couple of years into the job. I would also have a shot at global BU head type roles as an alternative.Thanks for the thought provoking comments P1 - really useful. As you very well know there isn't a guarantee that I would indeed make CSO. The last two folks that were in the role ended up with officer roles in the company with a similar background and a couple of years into the job. I would also have a shot at global BU head type roles as an alternative. The comp for the next 2-3 years would likely be a wash as a lot of it will be in stocks but the next level seems to be on par with consulting partners

Take the offer. No brainer. You can always come back to consulting as a Partner after your industry experience. I've seen a Principal leave and return as a Partner a few years later happen more than a few times.

You will be much more valued and differentiated with your industry C-suite (or level below) experience. Your prospective clients will listen to you and give you their time much more likely than they would for career consultants. If your current employer doesn't take you, try another shop. Plenty out there with growth agenda and always seeking external Partners.

likehelpful

And is that the worse thing in the world? Gone for two world to come back to where you are now?

One could argue that even if that were the case (due to lack of sales track record) your trajectory and path would be faster due to better ability to relate to clients based on the experiences you have gained in the industry

like

Both of these pathways lead to tons of money so eliminate that.

Why did I stay? Every two to three years for the past 20 years I have explored alternatives. Ultimately, none of them every seemed to offer the medium to long term excitement. I like my clients - they are interesting people who come to me with really complex questions and issues. Secondly, I love being around Associates - they keep you young. No where on earth can you find a collection of young people this smart who team and work as well as our Associates do. They are the lifeblood of the firm. Thirdly, I have always found a way to get some 'new challenges' when the job gets a bit stale. Went to accelerate our London office for a few years, helped launch our PE practice, now i am turning my current practice over to a colleague so I can launch a new one. Finally, I have an insane amount of autonomy. At the end of the day, I am more of a franchisee than an employee even w/in the huge firm I am part of.

Final thought - I have been doing pretty high end strategy consulting for 25 years now. Many of my best clients, especially at large organizations, are the CSO. When the really challenging and critical project comes up the CSO has to outsource it to me because they don't have the bandwidth and team to drive it. Annual planning cycle - they got it. Investor day - they got it. Portfolio evaluation - they call me.

likesmart

If yoy truly have path to CSO role in 2-3, take it.

like

On the original question: what made me stick it out in consulting (instead of going to industry)? I work with super smart, nice, and collaborative people; no one tells me what to sell or work on (other than clients, by way of what they buy!); minimal politics; and yes, I do make more money than I ever thought I’d make. There are more workload peaks and valleys, but well worth the tradeoff. Maybe I would get the same working in industry, but I’m skeptical

like

I agree with this as I have the same setup. I tested the waters in industry but it just didn’t seem to give me the comp and freedom I have with my current job. I also think you have move from company to company to stay viable which also doesn’t seem attractive at this point in my career.

like

Compare your equity partners income after 3-5-10-15 years with C level jobs in the industry. I am not sure about your company , but in my partners get on average 2M after 5-7 good years. In the industry that income is only available to CEOs, and not all of them at that. I did not think I would make a CEO without some extraordinary luck, but I could make this money as a partner with great certainty and for many years.

like

That’s not the right order of magnitude for C-level at fortune 50 companies. This is public information.

Depends on what sector, and how big within F500. I know some CSOs in F500 that crack 5-7m so if you can get that 2-3 years then great!

But one mentioned, it’s not without its risk (what makes you think you would be CSO in 2-3 years). What happens if you are not CSO?

What sector? This seems like more F200-500 range as opposed to F100.

That said 3-5m is a good deal and basically the compensation of many firm’s most senior partners

Thanks all for sharing your thoughts. This has helped immensely in thinking through the next round of discussions I have before deciding one way or another

Industry and consulting experience is golden, and not in that order. Go with what enriches you every day, and have a fall back plan, just in case risk hits. The next one or two preferably moves. Industry rocks, after 25 years in industry, and many in consulting. Once u know the other side of the desk, you could have a wonderful career, however going to industry from consulting is easier than the opposite. Wanted to punch myself in the face after the first year joining consulting, however it worked put extreme;y well for my 21 years with the firm... and still going well. Good luck...., and remember 1mor 2 steps out always just in case.

It feeds my ADHD. Seriously. I could not work on the client side. My brain is wired to focus on new projects.

Ha. This has crossed my mind a couple of times. I feel like I'm the same but not sure a role in Corp. strategy wouldn't quench this thirst. Being part of day to day - absolutely

Related Posts

Hi fishes, what are the chances of Pwc AC rescinding an offer, given the market condition. The offer letter I have received seems to be generic and doesn't look it is for a specific project. The role seems to be generic. I am a little hesitant, specially because of HR's behaviour who doesn't seem to care responding to my queries and ignores all my emails and calls. Any advice?

like

Hi friends I have offers from HSBC as well as Visa Inc. what would you recommend to join from better career perspective and brand ?
Software engineer with 3+ YOE

uplifting

Hi
Is there anyone from
Virtusa ?
I need a job referral.
I have a job ID.
Thanks in advance.

like

Hi, I have been working in Supply Chain Planning (Distribution, Demand, S&OP etc.) since past 3 years. I have started getting a feeling that this role is quite exhausting as it involves a lot of firefighting.

I am trying to explore different roles in Data Analytics. Can you guys please share your experience regarding these roles?

like

I have applied to over 600 Companies, attended 15 Interviews, and got 0 Offers. I'm in a mental state of despair because of my situation.

I have been working in a startup for the last 1 year as a Full-Stack Core PHP Developer while I was in my final year of engineering, and I'm losing my job soon because of their -ve growth. I graduated last month with good skills in Web development, Digital/Social Media Marketing. I'm the only provider in household.

Any kind help/reference is appreciated!

like

Can a buy side research analyst get fired for underperformance? Are there p&l metrics that make it volatile career choice, similar to PMs?

like

HIRING - Go lang Developers with 3 to 5 years of experience for an interesting project! (Contract-level/ Freelancers)
Apply/ Refer -
https://bit.ly/3FgUXGN

Strong communication in English,
Hands-on experience in Go frameworks and tools, Graph database, Redis, Neo4j, Relational & NoSQL databases, Git, microservices, CI/CD, Cloud technologies, containerization.

Work timing- 8 hours per day,
Monday to Friday, Regular working hours.
Work from home
Contract period: 3 - 6 months

I’m really struggling mentally. The understanding of how insanely busy and overwhelming it will be because of this COVID-19 crap is giving me severe anxiety and panic attacks. I want to leave so badly but no one is hiring right now. I don’t know what to do. I feel trapped with no way out.

like

Looking for an exit opportunity from consulting to Industry while staying within Salesforce. Not sure how to go about It being a relatively recent grad. Anyone have any leads or willing to refer me?

like

EY GDS is hiring.. let me know if anyone interested kop opening at EY.. I can refer.

like

Is CFA and CAIA certifications helpful for a career in Real Estate Private Equity/Development?

like

Hi all! Anyone open to providing a Referral to
Figma, Circle , @Bloomreach, Eagleview technologies , or @Feeld? I’m interested in the current Program Manager or Operations Manager openings.

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?

Crowe is actively recruiting for all positions. If you're interested in joining a top 10 accounting firm, shoot me DM for referral.

like

The majority of my career has been in healthcare tech with some retail experience. Looking to break into event management/coordinating (I believe this is the correct job title) space in either the entertainment, fashion & retail or cosmetic industry. Any insights or advice is appreciated!

like

Hi Guys, any referrals i am looking forward for a switch as i am having 12 years of experience in Operations in which 6 years in Insurance. Please advise if any openings available. Thanks

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

Hey all,

Recent grad here. Earned Bachelors in cyber security may 2021, masters in info mgmt and tech is expected may 2022

Looking to leave my genius bar role at apple for a “big boy job”. Specifically in the cyber security field

I’ve applied to the B4 & had interviews with PwC & D. PwC interviews went well, waiting for the others. Still applying to more roles as well. Do any of you know any thats looking for new grads?

I’m in a T1 city (NYC)

Any tips or advice would be great! Thanks

Hi,

Is there any opening for alteryx developer role?

Thanks

What does Senior Consultant Level 3 Rank 42 denote at EY GDS? How's the promotion cycle at this level?

like

More Posts

When does the investment proof submission window open in EY GDS? There is no mail yet on this. In other companies this process has already started.

like

PwC 🐠: Whats covered under gym/health fees on travel days? Classpass?

Anyone return to work from maternity leave experience a major change in their role (i.e. getting sidelined or unofficially demoted in their role)? What steps did you take to address this?

like

Scored this one yesterday, lucked out and picked up the last one they had in the store.

Post Photo
like

Person A makes 180k, handsome and athletic VS Person B makes 260k, chubby and unattractive. Which one is more popular in gay world?

likefunny

The sudden death of a friend has made me realize that my obsession with goals has caused me to miss out on so much of my life. How can I learn to refocus and make time for the people in my life?

likesmart

I know not many of you are Union, but have you heard anything about a potential IATSE strike?

like

Can anyone advise - if I did not file taxes for 2019 and 2020 is there a way I can file without receiving a penalty? I just didn’t file them no great reason. Nothing complicated and I probably owe a few hundred each year in fed taxes. Nothing crazy.

like

Are any parts of South America a safe destination for a solo f traveler?

like

Subletting a 2BR/2BA in Lakeview. Garage parking included, in unit washer/dryer, and central AC. Flexible on start date, but looking at January/February 2021. Love our place, but we’re planning to buy something in the area. DM if you’re interested.

Anyone feel they’re slow?

likehelpfulsmart

How long did Google take to complete your PERM after joining? Have an offer but priority date might become current soon, what to do?

like
Post Gif
like

Are the rents going insanely up recently? I was looking for a 2BHK in Baner and since last month the prices have almost increased 40-60%. Is this a one off case or anyone else seeing this trend?

like

Have a chat with a recruiter coming up early next week around a Business Strategy Director role at Salesforce. Its in their Customer Success Group.

I am sure the recruiter is going to ask the “salary expectations” question so can anyone at Salesforce (past or present) tell me what the rough salary range for this role is ? Also, if you have any insight into the interview process, please let me know!

Thanks a bunch!

like

I self medicated anxiety and PTSD for years with alcohol, but recently completely stopped. I am on medication to help anxiety but I struggle constantly to focus and my work suffers. Any tips?

like

Has anyone here transitioned to a software engineer from pre-sales? Verdict?

like

I just found out that my CPA failed to file my returns and submit payment on time even though they confirmed on the 18th that it was going to be filed that day. I do corporate taxes and have extremely limited experience in personal taxes. What should I be concerned about here other than the penalty and late fees for their negligence?

like

Is it okay to submit a writing sample that you wrote for a partner, if you did all the work they just got the credit?

like

Does JPMC has any policy for higher education? If yes, can anyone please elaborate on the same.

like

Additional Posts in Partners Only

Huge thanks to all who weighed in on my weight loss post. Have peloton-ed and cut late night food and can see results - with Wegovy as a backup. Thanks to all who commented. Next question - has anybody with larger male body (big shoulders barrel chested long torso short legs wide feet) found high end clothing that fits? I find luxury brands are limited, made for 5’5” androgynous 125 lb men. Tired of wearing overly baggy stuff. Ralph Lauren has been best so far with XXL slim fit. Thoughts?

like

My firm mostly engages in 12-week projects and then cycles through to the next one. How do we break this trend so we’re not chasing new clients every 12 weeks to keep the sold-project pipeline full?

Thoughts on introducing an RSU-type retention construct for non-partner staff at management consulting firms?

likehelpful

Does anyone have experience leaving their firm and using the pension benefit to negotiate with the new company? I’m not vested and will receive an offer from industry (company doesn’t have a pension plan). Curious to hear what others have done. My pension wouldn’t be huge but it’s a decent chunk of money to walk away from. What are some things that have worked? Additional sign-on bonus, bigger stock grants, etc. Thanks.

Are aggressive non-competes show stoppers for direct admit partners at MBB & T2? I'm a partner at a small boutique firm and we have very tight non-competes. Biggest issue is a 9 month period before starting new role at competing firm. I'm being recruited by a few firms. The recruiters seem to think it's a non issue but wonder if when it gets to offer stage it becomes a show stopper when partners realize I may not be able to start for 9 months. How do your firms handle these situations?

like

Partners, those of you that have successfully switched employment to another consulting firm as a partner, how did you navigate your non-competes?

helpful

I forget newbies can’t be entirely left to their own devices at times... Too old for this

likehelpful

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

What’s with the FT article on Nepotism? What happened?

We are at a level where by making 5% returns on our net-worth we can sustain our current lifestyle.

What should this mean from a lifestyle perspective? Keep it the same (but then why work), step/up a notch (but once you increase you cant go back), or make one off splurges as excess cash accumulates? How do others things about it?

like

What is median earnings (or range) for US PwC Advisory equity partner -year 5- in the Transformation Practice?

In serious discussions for putting together business case.

Any insights on how the reorg is going? or on the integration process for direct admit partners?

like

Has anyone been invited to sit on a board of directors for small to mid-size companies? If yes, what process do you go through to get approval from your current employer?

like

Does McKinsey do organization/talent/leadership development consulting? How does the practice compare to firms like Deloitte or more specialized firms like Korn Ferry?

likehelpful

Any insights on Slalom? Compensation, work culture, pros and cons? Why (or why not) join them?

like

Is anyone here member of Tiger 21? Can you share your experience with the organization?

like

Anyone have any experience with Atheneum or Coleman Research Group. Both reaching out aggressively about consultations on same / similar topic. Emailing aggressively by the hour to seek scheduling.

No real question here that I have, just wondering if these are known / reputed firms you have any experience with?

like

I feel a little crazy saying this, but more money at this point doesn’t resonate. I see a ton of exit planning and boomerang threads here, but I’d take a 50% pay cut (or a 50% raise) for an exciting role. That’s totally privilege talking, but I just can’t imagine chasing extra money in PE or lateraling just for the money. No virtue signaling here at all. I actually worry on some level that I’m somehow a moron for not giving a thought to maximizing earnings.

likehelpful

Crowdsourcing perspective. Had an advisor help me negotiate my new job offer behind the scenes. They were not compensated at all but we have a good working relationship (we have helped each other over decade+). What would be a nice gift to acknowledge/appreciate the help? It was a half dozen conversations over two months so not immaterial commitment of time.

like

Newly promoted MD of which I am excited about and worked very hard to earn. I don’t feel as treated yet as a part of a peer group with other PPMD’s in my account need advice

likehelpful

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