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Tell me about ADL - considering a lateral move there

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! 

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Top answer
Florian
Coach
on Mar 19, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

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

Anonymous A
on Mar 19, 2024
Hi Florian, Thanks for your answer! What makes work-life balance better a a T-3 than a T-2?
Florian
Coach
on Mar 19, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
Several factors. On average less travel due to more local project focus, shorter work hours due to a different project focus and impact areas would be the two critical ones.
Anonymous A
on Mar 20, 2024
Quick question on project focus - I'm guessing more implementation style projects (longer duration) versus shorter strategy projects?
Florian
Coach
on Mar 20, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
Correct!
on Mar 19, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

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

Hagen
Coach
on Apr 25, 2024
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching

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!

Dennis
Coach
on Mar 20, 2024
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

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

Ian
Coach
on Mar 20, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

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!

Anonymous A
on Mar 20, 2024
Hi Ian - thanks for sharing! To quickly follow-up on that: - This is ADL Europe? - "good things" as it relates to work life balance, hours worked, working culture, etc?
Pedro
Coach
on Mar 19, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Private Equity | Market Estimates | Fit Interview

Check out Glassdoor.

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

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