Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 07:30 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 07:30
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
staind
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 07 Apr 2010
Last visit: 11 Nov 2013
Posts: 495
Own Kudos:
374
Given Kudos: 38
Concentration: Finance & Strategic Management
Schools:Wharton/Lauder Class of 2013
GPA: 3.6
WE 1: Big Four Advisory
Posts: 495
Kudos: 374
IB or Consulting 01 Nov 2010, 20:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I'm interested in doing M&A advisory work post MBA but in my applications I'm not sure whether I should select "Consulting" or "Investment Banking" as my post-MBA target industry. Given that M&A work is done by banks, management consulting firms, public accounting firms, I'm not sure really where it falls! Ideally I'd like to join a boutique bank with an advisory focus but I don't want to limit myself to just this option. Does it make sense to pick "Consulting" as my target industry if I'm targeting advisory focused shops like Greenhill and Lazard? :?:

Any thoughts from people in the industry would be much appreciated!
avatar
jordanhendrix
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 07 May 2010
Last visit: 19 May 2013
Posts: 722
Own Kudos:
108
Given Kudos: 66
Posts: 722
Kudos: 108
IB or Consulting 01 Nov 2010, 20:53
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I see what you mean, but its not consulting, MC is McKinsey, Bain, BCG etc.

The companies you mentioned are banking
User avatar
staind
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 07 Apr 2010
Last visit: 11 Nov 2013
Posts: 495
Own Kudos:
374
Given Kudos: 38
Concentration: Finance & Strategic Management
Schools:Wharton/Lauder Class of 2013
GPA: 3.6
WE 1: Big Four Advisory
Posts: 495
Kudos: 374
IB or Consulting 01 Nov 2010, 21:33
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks jordanhendrix. What is the difference between the advisory services an advisory focused ibank would provide and what Mckinsey's corporate finance arm would provide? Neither of them do underwriting/issuing/raising capital and they both would do due diligence/valuations/strategy advising?
User avatar
brainhurt
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 31 May 2010
Last visit: 18 Jan 2013
Posts: 586
Own Kudos:
91
Given Kudos: 57
Location: United States (NY)
Concentration: Finance, Economics
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
GPA: 3.14
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
Posts: 586
Kudos: 91
IB or Consulting 02 Nov 2010, 06:52
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
While I imagine there is some overlap between the advisory services ibanks offer and MCs (I know a couple people who work in Deloitte's M&A practice), for the purpose of your apps you need to be specific. The box you check in your app doesn't limit what you can pursue at bschool, but appearing indecisive will probably hurt your admissions chances.

IMO, choose a path you can write passionately about for your apps (sounds like boutique IB for you) and then worry about the details on campus :wink:
User avatar
staind
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 07 Apr 2010
Last visit: 11 Nov 2013
Posts: 495
Own Kudos:
374
Given Kudos: 38
Concentration: Finance & Strategic Management
Schools:Wharton/Lauder Class of 2013
GPA: 3.6
WE 1: Big Four Advisory
Posts: 495
Kudos: 374
IB or Consulting 02 Nov 2010, 13:11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Yeah I guess I'll go with Ibanking in future apps although I selected Consulting on my Wharton and LBS apps.. wonder how much its going to hurt me. Although, I did stress a lot on my interest on the advisory side of things in my essays. Oh well, I'll find out soon enough.
Moderators:
Bunuel
Math Expert
105389 posts
GMATBusters
GMAT Tutor
1924 posts