Why join an MBB firm: McKinsey, BCG and Bain?

The strategy consulting industry is dominated by three global leaders, often referred to by the acronym MBB: McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain & Company.

Why aim for a career in these prestigious firms? Discover the three main arguments that push young graduates and professionals who want to accelerate their careers to these three firms.

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1. Excellent training and prospects at the end of the school year

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Firms that operate in all sectors, supporting all key business functions. An identity specific to each of the three.

Although MBBs are generalists, each firm has its strengths. McKinsey, for example, excels at missions that focus on profitability and cost reduction. BCG, for its part, is recognized for its missions focused on growth and innovation. Bain distinguishes itself in the due diligence associated with M&A transactions. The way in which the business is carried out remains the same in these three firms. Learning the problem solving method of these firms will allow you to face all the challenges that will come your way during your professional career.

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A start as a generalist and the importance of specialization

School-educated consultants generally start out as generalists, unless they join a specialized division of the firm directly, such as BCG Platinion for example. Over time, specialization is crucial to distinguish yourself and increase your usefulness for the firm, “employability” in the garden, that is to say the ease with which you can be placed on a given mission. MBBs are structured in “practices”, functional or sectoral. Thanks to the supervision of partners and senior consultants, even novices can aspire to become references in their field. Evolving within them is the guarantee of a rapid progression of your business culture, in addition to your productivity.

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The MBB label
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An experience with an MBB opens many doors. MBB post-consulting opportunities can range from key positions in the financial sector to managerial responsibilities in large industrial companies or startups. The alumni networks of these firms also remain very united and mobilized. Keep in mind that a recruiter considers that if you have succeeded in passing the recruitment process of these firms, it is because you have a number of qualities that are quite rare on the job market. It is therefore a very important quality indicator for your profile.

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2. Career development and work-life balance
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Fast career development, an intense but stimulating environment

Career development is quite rapid within these firms. It takes an average of 9 years to reach the rank of Partner if you start as a graduate. It's obviously an average. Some get there in less time. The speed of this evolution is inseparable from the up or out policy. In summary, these firms assess you very regularly and give you a maximum amount of time during which you can stay at a given senior rank. If you are unable to obtain the results expected by the firm and/or correct the areas of improvement indicated to you, you will be invited to leave the firm. Note that departures are very well managed within these firms. You are generally supported financially and qualitatively, in particular to identify career opportunities that attract you. This is rare enough among other employers to be noted.
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Characteristics of the MBBs missions
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A junior consultant at an MBB is often in charge of several analysis streams, i.e. modules or parts of a given project. It is a key responsibility that has little equivalent in other professions. These analyses range from the search for information, to quantitative analysis, to the interview of sectoral or functional experts and finally, even if supported in this area at the beginning, to the formulation of recommendations. The missions can vary, ranging from the implementation of a business plan to strategic due diligence on the sales side (Vendor Due Diligence), to the analysis of a new market for international expansion or even to the digital transformation of a financial or luxury giant.

In terms of a typical day, although this may vary from project to project, you should expect a start between 8 am and 9 am and an end at 9 pm. Sometimes you'll finish sooner, sometimes later. Once or twice a week, you will have team meetings with your project manager, other team members, and Partner(s) paid on the project. A great deal of autonomy will be expected of you, as well as a great deal of proactive visibility given to your work.

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Optimizing work-life balance
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While the first few months in an MBB can seem overwhelming in terms of schedules, it's essential to find a balance between work and personal life. Several strategies can be adopted, such as diversifying missions, transparent communication concerning personal constraints, and above all, knowing how to unplug in order to recharge your batteries. It also involves good practices concerning your diet, sleep and sport. We often recommend that our candidates try to be the best version of themselves to succeed in their recruitment processes but also in their transition to an MBB consulting firm.

We tell you more about the work-life balance in MBB hither.

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3. International dimension

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The global character of MBBs

Joining Bain, BCG or McKinsey is an opportunity to broaden your horizons and to join a global network. These firms have subsidiaries all over the world and often collaborate with companies of all nationalities or on international issues. For example, McKinsey makes a point of exposing its junior consultants to missions across the globe.

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The strategic dimension of location

Whether it's choosing a Paris office or an international location, each choice is important. Take the case of BCG in Africa. An aspiring consultant with a passion for Africa would do well to aim for the Casablanca office, where most of the missions concern the African continent. In this type of location, you will have access to projects involving the country's political elite. For example, BCG was a key player in the construction, digitalization and development of the new Tangier Med port, which is now a global reference. This strong public sector dimension is also very present in the Middle East, especially in Dubai and Riyadh.

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StratMachina: Your ally for a career in strategy consulting

Reaching a position within an MBB is a challenge. StratMachina has guided hundreds of students to brilliant careers in strategy consulting. Discover our coaching packs in real conditions and our intensive 8-day masterclasses to leave nothing to chance. We offer you optimal preparation in order to make your career dream come true.

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