Tell me about ADL - considering a lateral move there

Question

Currently considering an offer to join ADL as a lateral hire. Joining from a Tier 2 firm (think ATK, LEK, RB, etc). Other option is to leave consulting to join industry.

How different/similar is ADL from those firms?

From what you have observed, how is the work culture, work life balance, and trajectory of ADL in your markets?

Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi there,

I don't have specific insights except that ADL is considered a tier-3 firm which comes with the benefits and drawbacks you would expect:

Work-life balance is better compared to T2
Trajectory, reputation, exit opps are worse compared to T2
Smaller firms struggle more in current market conditions

The best way to find out about your questions is by directly engaging with the source → Reach out to contacts or find contacts via LinkedIn who could provide more input here. That is a great discussion starter, also for receiving referrals!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

I worked with a couple of people who were transferring from ADL. I only heard good things, but both of these candidates were looking for a more competitive environment with faster promotion cycles.

I recommend that you reach out directly to ADL employees and ask for their perspective. You can use these two guides to source the contacts from LinkedIn and then lead the calls:

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer from ADL!

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

First of all, ADL's focus on innovation and technology differentiates it from consulting firms like Kearney, LEK, and Roland Berger with more well-rounded portfolios.
Moreover, regarding the work culture and work-life balance, ADL prides itself on a more entrepreneurial spirit compared to some other consulting firms, which might translate into more flexibility in your work but could also mean variable work-life balance.
Lastly, the career trajectory at ADL seems to be quite similar to other consulting firms. However, I would advise you to reach out to current consultants at ADL to find out about the lived practices.

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

Best,

Hagen

You can find the consulting salaries report 2024 here!

Answer 4

Hi there,

I actually only know people who left ADL to join companies like RB. From what I know, ADL is also much smaller now than it used to be as they sold off some of their practices to other consulting firms.

If you are now at a company like ATK, RB or LEK, ADL is a step down in my opinion. If you want a better work-life balance, you could rather transition to an inhouse consulting role (if you really want to stay in consulting) or some corporate role.

But it very much depends on what your ultimate goals are and why you are dissatisfied with your current job.

Best of luck

Answer 5

Hi there,

I've generally heard good things, especially when comparing to a Big 4 firm, or one of the T2's that have a reputation for tough work-life balance (LEK and RB).

Trajectory is just like any of the consultancies….if you work hard, perform well, have a good network, and projects/pipeline are going well, then promotion happens quickly!

Answer 6

Check out Glassdoor.

I would highlight, though, that ADL tends to do a bit more work in technology and transformation, depending on the market.

Answer 7

Hi there! Worked with a few candidates for ADL and actually a good section of my candidates overall tend to be from M... (read entire answer)

Hi there! Worked with a few candidates for ADL and actually a good section of my candidates overall tend to be from ME, so happy to provide a perspective. Let me take the Qs on... (read entire answer)

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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