Vantaggi
Some of the brightest people you will probably work with in your career, but also for some people some of the most toxic. Exposure to a lot of interesting work. junior and mid level team holding the pen and executing on a lot of challenging mandates. Often regional or global scope due to nature of the firm and engagements. Directors and Partners have impressive CVs; you’ll learn the ropes of corporate from them if that’s not your background. When the good people are good to you, they’re really good. Met some of the finest practitioners in the industry that I still stay in touch with today. A place where you will learn fundamentals and sharp thinking, and have credentials as well as achievements you can talk about for the rest of your career. It’s a rocket ride for however long you want to stay there. Generally decent collegiate feel among the junior staff. Goldman Sachs and McKinsey hours, with similar internal expected level of client delivery and quality, but without the GS or McKinsey pay
Svantaggi
Promotions are almost completely about who you suck up to. They were all “peer to peer reviewed” when I was last there (who gives you the best rating and the most flattering quotes). Very, very much an old boys club with the elitism that comes with it. You will learn how to fight for your life in an environment riddled with office politics where people will be watching your every move. Impossible to set work life boundaries, but then again you’re in client servicing so that’s to be expected. politicking. But largely over billables and things that ultimately don’t matter in the real world. Lowkey toxic but you’ll thrive really well if you know how to play the game. Just know what you’re getting into when you sign on