Big tech hires roughly 8-12% of MBB consultants between years 2 and 6, making it one of the highest-compensation exit destinations outside private equity. The four main roles ex-consultants take are BizOps (Business Operations and Strategy), Product Management, Strategy / Strategic Initiatives, and Corporate Development. Total comp at the typical entry level (L6 at Google…
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Corporate strategy is the second-most-common exit destination from MBB consulting, attracting roughly 15-20% of consultants between years 3 and 8. The typical entry point is Director or Senior Manager of Strategy at a Fortune 500 company, with compensation of $200-450K depending on industry and a clear path to VP within 3-5 years. The role varies…
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The most common premium exit from MBB consulting is private equity. Roughly one in five post-MBA McKinsey, BCG, and Bain Associates leaves for PE within three years, making it the single largest exit destination for top-tier consultants. The transition typically happens at the Associate or Senior Associate level, runs through five specialized headhunters, and ends…
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Updated May 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant MBB salaries in 2026 are remarkably similar across the three firms: a first-year undergraduate hire at McKinsey, BCG, or Bain in the US earns approximately $140,000 total compensation, climbing to $230K-$245K as a post-MBA Associate/Consultant, $280K-$290K as an Engagement Manager / Project Leader /…
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Updated May 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant The best bags for consultants are the ones that survive 80+ flights a year, look credible in front of a CFO, and fit a 16-inch laptop, charger, and a clean shirt without strain. After 5 years at McKinsey going through subpar bags before settling…
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Florian spent five years at McKinsey as a Senior Consultant and is a highly experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach. Having conducted interviews with hundreds of candidates, he understands exactly what top-tier firms look for in successful applicants.
He founded StrategyCase.com to make top consulting careers more accessible by providing tailored, up-to-date insights into the recruiting process. Recognized as the most successful case and fit interview coach, Florian has helped his clients secure 700+ offers at MBB, Tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms over the past four years.
He is the author of “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview,” “The 1%: Case Interview Workbook,” and “Consulting Career Secrets”, all available on Amazon.
