Hi Blind! I'm currently deciding between offers from a big 4 firm for consulting and a 2 year rotational program at one of the largest gaming companies in the world. I'm still figuring out which to pick. Which would you pick and why? How do rotational programs stack up against consulting experience for future career prospects? X-Posting in Management Consulting to get a spread of viewpoints.
Let me guess, you attended an M7 for Bschool and got into Activision's or EA's 2 year rotation program? If that's the case then I would go w/ rotation. Consulting is a life drainer and will always be there even after the rotation. You can either accept that Director role after your rotation is done or leave and go work at Bain or McKinsey if you really wanted to.
Much harder to join consulting once you're out of school, IMO. But you imply a better point, which is that rotational programs are usually 1-way tickets to director level, which isn't guaranteed with consulting
Consulting unless you really like the rotational program firm and see yourself growing there for next 3-5 years
Rotational all the way my dude
Consulting. Gaming pays nothing and you're treated like dirt. Being broke and treated badly is going to wear on you more, than being treated badly and paid well. Also, nobody cares if you worked for a gaming company except other gaming companies.
It’s big 4, sounds like OP is going to be treated poorly and paid like dirt either way - I’d go gaming to open the door to tech
I've worked in both. I would go back to consulting. I doubt I'll ever go back to gaming. And gaming doesn't open the door to "tech."
Did consulting prior. Unless you’re sure about gaming, consulting gives you optionality and ability to try out different industries. It’s a grind, and you have to be intentional about what you get sucked into and prepare for a post-consulting life if that’s your goal. The insight into different problem types will accelerate you beyond your peers with only one company to look at. That said, if gaming is an end goal, go for it and don’t waste time.
Rotation. Consulting sucks, lots of deck building with no ownership or impact or followthrough
I’m assuming this is for product if you’re also looking at consulting? I’d say it depends on what gaming company. I’ve seen Zynga RPMs be hired full-time and then pivot to other tech companies (FAANG, etc). I knew a couple of ex-consultants who were extremely happy at Zynga, most people I know elsewhere were glad to get out of consulting.
First off, what’s the rotation program? Finance? Product? Secondly, this is an easy one for me imo. Go with the rotational program. Big 4 pays poorly (so does gaming) but at least with gaming you open the door wide open to bigger tech. The comments about good industry experience and exit ops really only hold true for MBB. Big 4 exit ops are rotational programs / entry level jobs at decent tech companies
Assuming it's Activision's program, a lot of MBB consultants actually burn their MBA sponsorships to join it. If you're passionate about the industry/gaming, definitely pick Activision.
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I am not a fan of the consulting industry
Do you mind expanding a little on this answer for my benefit? What are your experiences with it and what did you not like?
Lol. Trust me. It cant be further away from the truth. Consulting will expose all your client facing weakness and will make you well rounded. Remember to succeed in consulting you not only need to be technically sound, but also well refined and carry conversations with major stakeholders. Also its little tough on the schedule. But if you can handle it during your early years of career, it will definitely help you a ton. Also consulting pays better than SWE to begin with.