McKinsey vs EY-Parthenon: Strategy Consulting Comparison
Updated January 2026·10 min read
Head-to-Head: McKinsey vs EY-Parthenon
9/10
Interview Difficulty
7/10
5/10
Work-Life Balance
6/10
10/10
Compensation
8/10
10/10
Prestige
7/10
10/10
Exit Opportunities
8/10
McKinseyEY-Parthenon
Quick Summary
Both McKinsey & Company and EY-Parthenon are excellent consulting firms with strong reputations. McKinsey is known for maximizing career optionality, while EY-Parthenon excels at pe-focused career paths. Your choice should depend on your career goals, preferred working style, and cultural fit.
Detailed Comparison: McKinsey vs EY-Parthenon
| Category | McKinsey | EY-Parthenon |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage | Founded 1926, gold standard in consulting | Former Parthenon Group, acquired by EY 2014 |
| Focus Areas | Generalist strategy across industries | Education, healthcare, PE due diligence |
| Interview Style | Interviewer-led, PEI, Solve | Candidate-led, PE-style cases |
| Compensation | Highest in industry | 10-15% below McKinsey |
| PE Exposure | Some PE work as part of portfolio | Heavy PE focus, due diligence specialty |
| Brand Value | Universally recognized | Known in PE circles, less outside |
Key Takeaways
- Heritage: McKinsey has deeper strategy heritage
- Focus Areas: EY-P for sector expertise; McKinsey for breadth
- Interview Style: Different prep required for each
- Compensation: McKinsey pays more
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose McKinsey if you...
- ✓Maximizing career optionality
- ✓Those seeking global brand recognition
- ✓Generalist strategy interests
Choose EY-Parthenon if you...
- ✓PE-focused career paths
- ✓Education or healthcare sector interest
- ✓Those who value sector expertise over brand
Interview Process Comparison
McKinsey Interview Process
- • Online assessment/screening
- • 2-3 rounds of case interviews
- • Behavioral/fit interviews
- • Final round with partners
EY-Parthenon Interview Process
- • Online assessment/screening
- • 2-3 rounds of case interviews
- • Behavioral/fit interviews
- • Final round with partners
Prepare for Both McKinsey and EY-Parthenon
Master case interviews for any consulting firm with AI-powered practice simulations.
Start PracticingFrequently Asked Questions
Is EY-Parthenon considered MBB-level?
No. EY-Parthenon is respected, especially for PE work, but sits a tier below MBB in prestige and compensation. Former Parthenon was closer to MBB; EY acquisition diluted the brand somewhat.
Should I choose EY-Parthenon over McKinsey?
Rarely. If you have both offers, McKinsey is almost always the better choice. Exception: if you're certain about PE due diligence as a career and EY-P offers the specific deal team you want.
What are EY-Parthenon interviews like?
Candidate-led cases with heavy emphasis on market sizing, due diligence scenarios, and investment analysis. More PE-flavored than typical MBB cases. Group case study possible in some offices.
Can EY-Parthenon consultants exit to top PE firms?
Yes, particularly to middle-market PE and portfolio operations roles. For megafund PE, MBB alumni still have an advantage, but EY-P's PE focus helps for certain opportunities.