Oliver Wyman to Startups: Complete Exit Guide
Oliver Wyman to Startups: What to Expect
The Oliver Wyman to Startups pathway is moderate. This exit path is moderate, making it achievable with proper preparation. Typical salary range: $120K-$250K + significant equity. Expect demanding hours, similar to or more intense than consulting.
Why Oliver Wyman Consultants Excel in Startups
Oliver Wyman consultants bring valuable skills to startups: structured thinking, analytical rigor, and the ability to tackle ambiguous problems. The exposure to diverse business challenges prepares consultants for the variety of issues startups face.
Oliver Wyman Alumni Network
Moderate, strongest in fintech.
Typical Roles in Startups
Oliver Wyman alumni typically enter Startups at these levels:
Skills That Transfer from Oliver Wyman
These skills developed at Oliver Wyman are particularly valuable in Startups:
- Structured problem-solving and analytical frameworks
- Executive presence and client/stakeholder management
- Data analysis and synthesis
- Project management and team leadership
- Clear communication and presentation skills
- Wearing multiple hats and adaptability
- Building processes from scratch
- Rapid prioritization and execution
When to Make the Transition
Typical Timeline
2-5 years of consulting, varies significantly by role and company stage
Early Exit
Some join Series A/B startups after just 2 years seeking faster learning
Late Exit
Executive roles at later-stage startups may prefer 5-7+ years of experience
Salary Expectations in Startups
Compensation in Startups varies by level, firm, and performance:
Note: Startups compensation structures may differ significantly from consulting (e.g., equity, carry, bonus structure).
How to Prepare for the Transition
Start preparing 12-18 months before your target transition date:
Get exposure to startups through advising, angel investing, or side projects
Understand the stage of company that matches your risk tolerance and goals
Be prepared to wear many hats and work with ambiguity
Build relationships in the startup ecosystem before you need a job
Evaluate equity compensation carefully - it can be significant upside or nothing
Consider what functional expertise you bring beyond general strategy
Challenges and Considerations
Be aware of these factors when considering the transition to Startups:
- !High risk: most startups fail, and equity can be worthless
- !Often requires significant compensation cut from consulting
- !Less structure and support than consulting environments
- !Work-life balance can be challenging, especially in early stage
- !May need to reset expectations about role clarity and resources
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