Simon Kutcher vs Strategy&

S& is a solid tier 2 firm ranked just below MBB while SKP is a boutique with a specialization in pricing. They're 2 very different kind of firms, with very different types of projects, prestige, exits and pay. S& is a global firm that will pay significantly more and have a much wider range of projects available to choose from, but will also have longer and more rigorous hours. SKP will have better WLB and they're considered one of the top firms in pricing strategy, but they're relatively unknown otherwise. 

I would choose S& unless you're interested in specializing in pricing strategy right off the bat, or WLB is the most important priority for you. S& comes out on top in every other area, at least in the USA (and probably a lot of other markets).

Hi Mia,

Try to use an objective-driven approach and a framework to answer this question for yourself :)

It sounds like you're asking about brand solely (which should not be your only consideration btw), in which case Strategy& is the stronger generalist strategy consulting brand.

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offers!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• I would highly advise you to choose the option that better aligns with your professional (and perhaps even personal) mid- to long-term goals. To make an informed decision, I would advise you to do the following:
  • Weigh the various criteria that are important to you independently of the current options (e.g., prestige, culture, international exposure, compensation). Then score the two options based on your criteria and their weightings, resulting in two scores. This way, you have covered the left-brain perspective.
  • Critically evaluate your initial reaction to the results of the scores. For example, if you feel the urge to tweak the numbers, this is a good indicator that you do not want to make this decision. This way, you have covered the right-brain perspective.
  • This way, you will be able to integrate both parts of your brain into the decision, which will increase the chances that you will be happy with it years from now.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hello!

Questions to your question ;)

• Better in which field? In which industry?
• Which geography are you looking into?

Cheers, 

Clara

Strategy& is very good in some countries (I believe in the US and UK). In other, it is just a Big4 consulting arm using a more prestigious brand but sometimes even with common staffing with the rest of PwC Consulting service line. This means there's an inconsistent brand and employee experience. Also not a lot of international integration given how PwC is organized (so once again, it's really about the reality of that specific country). My perception here. You really have to do your research to know the reality of Paris office.

I don't really know Simon Kutcher, but the downside there is that you'll focus on a very narrow set of project types. If you like it and want to focus on that, it is actually great (you don't know what you'll get in PwC). If you realize you don't like pricing … then you have a problem. The positive would be to have a more consistent experience and international integration in a boutique (vs. a Big4 strategy arm).

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