So, without further ado, here are the “Top 10” employers of HBS alums (MBAs only, n = 57k).

Top 10 HBS MBA Employers

You know, I’ve always had a general idea that HBS feeds graduates into consulting + banking, but I had no idea how concentrated the employment was!  As someone in one of the Top 3 categories, I certainly don’t feel like a unique and special flower.  Mckinsey, Bain, BCG, Goldman, and Morgan Stanley dominate the rankings.  Also — a touch surprised how heavily tech dominates the second half of the ranking.  Sexy industry, maybe?

It’s also interesting to look at the “vintage” of the alums at each of the three consulting firms:

McKinsey vs. BCG vs. Bain at HBS

A few points to note from this chart:

1. McKinsey’s hiring this year (2010) is far below the normal rate.  Given typical attrition rates, they’re 3-4x below where they should be to continue the high mark set in 2006.  Does this mean they overextended themselves in the late ‘00s?  Implication: probably more top-heavy than the other two firms.
2. McKinsey’s trend is also unusually volatile.  You’d expect a consistent downward march (as new hires learn the “McKinsey Way” then depart for better opportunities + work/life balance elsewhere).
3. A possible explanation for some of the volatility is that there are major retention issues at McKinsey after hires hit the key promotion dates (called out by dotted lines).  The first dip corresponds to the time of an Associate -> Engagement Manager promotion.  The second is around EM -> Principal.  The third is around Principal -> Partner.
4. While Bain tends to generally follow McKinsey’s trend, BCG runs a bit counter-cyclical.  Probably due to BCG competing more directly with McKinsey?

One more chart.  I thought this one was interesting…  Seems to show that working at Goldman Sachs offers a more stable career path (less risky?) than McKinsey!  Who would’ve guessed?

Goldman Sachs vs. McKinsey

(A disclaimer: I don’t think sharing aggregate statistics violate any TOS of the HBS alumni database, but if it does, let me know and I’d be happy to take them down.)

There’s definite appeal.  It results in a group bonding experience similar to hazing.  Everyone is forced to let down their pretensions and pride (just a little bit of those at HBS) while sharing participation in an embarrassing activity.  In other words, offering a chance to laugh at and be laughed at with no fear of condescension or reprisal.  I’m all for this… I love the idea of costume parties, embarrassing theme or no.  This particular one is a bit more dangerous.  Bonding and laughter are much more difficult to translate over the internet than a particularly scandalous photo:

Priscilla Ball (Unidentified HBS Students)

And as we all know, the internet never forgets.  I think most HBS Sections are careful about where the photos from this event end up, but it’s a bit difficult to control these things.  I guess it’s good to give journalists something scandalous to write about… I’m more curious what will happen 15 years from now when the up-and-coming CEO or Senator finds himself with an interesting internet photo-history.  It’ll definitely make elections more interesting, won’t it?

From what I’ve heard, the dark and grey look is a bit more representative of the average in Boston than the beautiful clear skies we’ve had on some of the summer days lately.  It’s a shame… this really can be a beautiful place.  I guess the dreariness provides a good environment for intense study in this “city of ivory towers” by the coast:

Rain: Walking to Spangler

Rain: Walking Past Hawes

Rain: Looking Out Window @ Spangler

Wandering around campus today, it’s kind of interesting to see the various alumni who have come back to campus.  HBS does a “5 year” reunion where all those who graduated 5, 10, 15, 40 years etc… show up for the same weekend.  Many look old.  Some look weary.  Others look fat.  Maybe it’s the overcast and rain, but it kind of gives me a sense of melancholy.  Shouldn’t they all be too busy running major corporations and cruising around on their yachts to come back to Boston?  Aren’t they all still fit and dapper?  Where are all the brilliant, energetic, ambitious people I see in class every day?

It’s an interesting puzzle…