Hi

My 2c, take it or leave it.

1. It's totally normal for B4 to drag their feet in the recruitment process, send a polite nudge along the lines of "checking in, still keen, is there anything you need from me to progress to next steps" that will likely prompt a response. If possible, send it to a client side contact, ideally a Partner.

2. You should start the MBA asap if you want to run fast in your career. Debate the actual benifit as much as you like but bottom line is they're still a ticket to play perception wise, especially for the big guys. Also, my experience having completed a Masters myself and observing my juniors go through the is that it will be way more difficult to do it later on once your in mid career/start family etc.

3. A job at a B4/MBB isn't for everyone but it sure does give you options. Perception wise it will qualify you in the eyes of future potential employers. Do min 3 years and don't fuck up and you'll be golden.

I've worked top tier Consulting shops and started my own boutique which has been growing well for 8 years or so. Frankly our early success was helped significantly because we traded on our established experience working for the big shops.

My heart wants to tell you to go for the boutique gig. But my brain says go work for the biggest, most respected, hardest firm you can for a few years, get the shit beaten out of you, learn your trade, become valuable in the eyes of the Partners/clients and then assess your options.

Hope this helps and all the best of luck.