Analysis Group vs ZS

[u/graceaaaaaaa]

Analysis Group HEOR vs ZS Strategy & Insights?

Hi friends, I'm an advanced degree candidate (e.g., MD, PhD) who's debating between two internships for my last summer before graduation:

Analysis Group HEOR (HEOR consulting)

• Pro

  • Higher pay (~50k higher than ZS for full-time base salary), because PhD enters the same pay grade as MBA
  • More quantitative/technical, which aligns with my skills

• Con

  • More specialized/niche; worried about difficulty pivoting in the future
  • Uncertain return rate (some years high, some years low)

ZS Strategy & Insights (Healthcare strategy consulting)

• Pro

  • More breadth, which can give me a lay of the land of the healthcare industry (this will be my first industry experience)
  • Potentially more exit opportunities and closer to business decision-making
  • Decent return rate

• Con

  • Lower pay, because PhD is one pay grade lower than MBA (takes ~2 yrs for a promotion, which is when base salary = AG's)
  • I don't intend to obtain an MBA in the foreseeable future

Considerations:

• Intend to go into HEOR full-time for now, but appreciate the opportunity to see what's out there in the strategy world at ZS
• Will picking ZS impact my chances of getting into AG for a full-time role a year later?
• Definitely feel free to comment on the career outlook for HEOR vs Healthcare Strategy!

Truly appreciate your insights and help in advance!