GM offers I know of ranged from about 90K with maybe 5-10k worth of sign on and may a year end maybe not, some are 135/140k salary, small sign on and limited bonus, and some are 115k, 25k to sign and decent promised year end bonus. My 1st year was probably within 10% of what most consultants who aren't returning to a previous employer made. Most corporate jobs I would say fall in the 100-150k all in first year. I got a decent annual raise in the winter, and my next position is on the table and should give a healthy bump and probably triple my bonus potential next year. I wont expect that big of a change every year...but prove yourself in the first year and you might make a big jump.
The progress in a lot of corporate programs I looked at is similar to consulting, a little slower and a little lower early on but still solid. GMs in my company make in the 165-200k range. and bonuses are from 25% with the top guys getting up to100% based on your performance. District managers probably make 200-250 in salary and between stock and cash target is 50-150% of salary. Region VP, probably pull down 650k to a million. Group VP is 2.5-3.5million. Make COO or one of the other top few and make 6-10million. Mind you I work for a midcap, if you are at a fortune 50 company there may be another level or two beyond the 6 million dollar guy.
People do get forced out in all job fields but they aren't as bad as consulting companies which force people out routinely. You can plateau in the corporate world, and hang onto a very comfortable living...in consulting if you aren't moving up you are moving out. There is a reason lots of consultants leave within 3 years and join the corporate world. From discussions with friends, it seems that it is far less stressful than consulting and there is more job security.
One thing to consider, if you are passionate about a function or an industry you may want to join it straight away. There are great exit options for many consultants but you may spend years working on projects in an industry you aren't thrilled with and on projects in functional areas you don't want to be in. I know some people who are looking to leave consulting precisely because of that, they dont like the industry and work they are doing and its all that is going to be on their resumes...do that too long and its where your options will lie.
One key to success in the corporate world post MBA is not just putting in the hours and doing everything asked of you but also appearing that you feel entitled. The vast majority of GMs at my company are mid 50s, the hard chargers who will advance to VP are probably late 30s or early 40s. These guys put 15-25 years in the industry...for most this is the peak of their careers. There are certainly people who if you show any hint of arrogance or that you expect to be treated specially, they will not help you advance at all and many have connections higher up the ladder and some will make it known what they think of you and your attitude. I have heard stories of people who definitely act like they feel they should be the next CEO...while its great to have that self confidence, motivation, and ambition...its another to display that feeling to everyone else.
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Kellogg Class of 2010...still active and willing to help. However, I do not do profile reviews, don't offer predictions on chances and am far to busy to review essays, so save the energy of writing me a PM seeking help for these. If I don't respond to a PM that is not one of the previously mentioned trash can destined messages, please don't take it personally I get so many messages I have a hard to responding to most. The more interesting, compelling, or humorous you message the more likely I am to respond.