MBB & the Big 4 Unmatched at Snatching Up Business School Talent

Dive into the world of management consulting, a dynamic nexus where top business schools and prestigious firms intersect. In our last post in the MBAinDATA series, we examined the top-30 business schools in terms of annual placements in management consulting. This time, using data, we will uncover how elite business school graduates are distributed across leading consulting companies and how this might impact your career decisions.

The data presents a snapshot of prominent consulting firms, highlighting the number and percentage of their employees who hail from the top-30 business schools. This offers a window into the deep ties between top-tier educational institutions and the consulting industry.

Key Findings

• MBB Firms Reign Supreme: McKinsey, BCG, and Bain (collectively known as MBB) emerge as frontrunners. Together, they employ approximately 19,200 employees derived from top business schools. Their industry dominance is not just in the caliber of their hires but also in the sheer size of their workforce.
• The Allure of the Big 4: Monitor Deloitte, EY Parthenon, and Strategy& (associated with PwC) also stand out with higher recruitment figures compared with their non-MBB peers. Part of this can be attributed to their strong brand in the business school arena as well as their global presence. 
• Specialization Opportunities: Beyond the mainstream, there are niche consultancies with a focus on specific industries or the integration of technology, which may not appear on this graph. These offer unique career paths for those looking to specialize.

Advice for Aspiring Consultants

• Aim High: MBB firms offer unparalleled opportunities. If you’re from a top business school, these firms could well be within your reach. Given their massive scale, they also provide diverse experiences across different industries and geographies.
• Consider the Big 4: Among the Big 4 consulting firms, Monitor Deloitte, EY Parthenon, and Strategy& all offer enticing career prospects that are similar to those of MBB. KPMG and its organically-grown management consulting arm may also be taken into account, though its volume of management consulting work is considered smaller.
• Choose Your Location Wisely: Major hubs like New York and London can be extremely competitive in terms of recruiting, but they also present growth opportunities. It is important to strike a balance between your chances of acceptance by in-demand offices in major financial hubs and the opportunities you may enjoy on account of your background at other international offices.  
• Seek Specialization: If you have a passion for a particular industry or technology, consider niche consultancies that cater to your interests. Remember, when transitioning out of business school and back into the workforce, your passion and expertise contribute to career success just as much as prestigious employers do, if not more. 

Deciphering the link between top business schools and elite consulting firms can offer strategic insights for budding consultants. Whether you’re eyeing the industry giants like MBB, the influential Big 4, or niche specialists, knowing where top talent is concentrated can guide your career decisions. May your journey in management consulting be both rewarding and successful!