Expert Networks vs Local Consulting Firm

Question

Hello everyone,

I have an offer from an alphasights; however, I am extremely skeptical about taking it since my end goal is to join a top tier consulting company. Would it be better than joining a local boutique firm that was recently acquired by Kearney (it has a very good reputation in the MENA region).

Thank you in advance folks.

Answer 1

Congrats on the two offers!

Actually, if your plan is to be in consulting, it might make sense to take the consulting offer from the firm that Kearney acquired in MENA.

Then, you can move up the tiers in 2-3 years if this is your objective.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 2

Hi there,

as a consultant you will use Alphasights (and the likes) to find experts for you to interview during due diligence projects for example. If you want to become a consultant, don’t waste your time at an expert agency sifting through LinkedIn profiles and cold-calling people. Build your consulting skill-set instead asap. So in your case, the boutique consulting firm would be better suited for your midterm objectives.

Best of luck

Answer 3

For alphasights I guess your expertise would be on tracking down experts, validating their expertise, and signing them on the platform. Not a very useful skill for consulting.

Definitely the best option would be to join the boutique consulting firm.

Answer 4

Hi there,

Q: Would it be better than joining a local boutique firm that was recently acquired by Kearney (it has a very good reputation in the MENA region).

If you want to work in strategy consulting, the boutique seems a better fit, at least in terms of the type of work.

You can double-check the best option in terms of exits as follows:

Look for alumni of the two companies on LinkedIn.
Check how many moved to your preferred exits in your target region.
Normalize for the size of the companies in the region.

This hopefully will give you a data-driven answer.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 5

Hi there,

The boutique firm jobs looks more aligned with your end goal of joining top tier consulting. Under my experience, AlphaSight (and platforms alike) makes more sense in a later stage of your career when you have wide professional experience and work outside consulting.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Answer 6

Hi,

I would take the consulting offer.

Alphasights will not really give you as relevant of a background, training or ‘in’ into the consulting field that you want to join.

Happy to chat more in detail (I've worked extensively with Alphasights before as a vendor during my time in BCG).