Big 4 or sustainable finance
I have an opportunity to join one of Big 4 FAS “M&A strategy” team. This team does M&A DD, post merger integration, growth strategy and value creation (that’s what’s on the job description)
I also have an offer to join a sustainable focused consulting company’s sustainable finance advisory team. The firm is honestly not that known but competes with Big 4’s sustainability teams. The job is advising banks and PE on transition finance, project finance for renewable energy and such.
Big4 offer is extremely sweaty and the hour is likely close to IB hours (one of the interviewers said I should be ok to work 16 hour days). The sustainability firm is more in line with 8-10 hours a day.
comp wise big 4 is a bit higher but not by much
I plan to leave for US MBA in about 2 years. Which would you choose in this scenario and why?
No strong preference for the type of projects other than maximizing MBA admit probability for top 15 and post MBA consulting placement.
Based on the most helpful WSO content and considering your goals of maximizing MBA admission probability for top 15 and post-MBA consulting placement, here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Big 4 FAS "M&A Strategy" Team:
Sustainable Finance Advisory at a Niche Firm:
Given your objectives, if maximizing MBA admission probability and post-MBA consulting placement are your primary goals, the Big 4 FAS "M&A Strategy" team might offer a slight edge due to its brand recognition and diverse project exposure. However, if work-life balance and having a unique profile (sustainable finance) are important to you, and you believe you can leverage this experience effectively in your MBA applications and interviews, the sustainable finance advisory role could also be a compelling choice.
Ultimately, consider which option aligns best with your personal values, career aspirations, and how you plan to position yourself in your MBA applications.
Sources: Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, 750 GMAT!!! Advice Needed!! Which MBA top 15 MBA should I apply to, to Maximize my chances!
Do you want to do sustainable finance advisory or m&a after your MBA?
No strong preference but slightly more interested in sustainable finance
There are plenty of m&a roles in infrastructure (the umbrella under which renewables reside) and I’m sure other areas of sustainable finance would have similar opportunities for a seasoned m&a guy.
b4 is great experience, but the pay and hours are not good.
Sustainable advisory, from what I’ve experienced, tends to fall under growth or regulatory/policy advisory. And rates/load/cap forecasting on the energy side.
they’re just different skillsets and lines of work so it’s really up to your career and comp goals, I’ve met a lot of sustainable growth advisors from B4s, but none from TAS/M&A oriented groups.
Decided to go with Big 4.
The pay is actually 30% higher than the sustainable finance position and it’s I guess a better brand so I can do sustainability later on hopefully.
I think that’s the best decision, congratulations!
Thank you!
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