Advanced-degree candidate: timing, geography, and internship

These are all really thoughtful questions, especially as you navigate the unique Advanced Degree recruiting timeline from Singapore. It's a slightly different machine, but with some clear principles.

On timing, being 'between roles' isn't ideal, but it's often an expected part of the transition for ADs. Firms understand you're leaving academia. What's more important than the gap itself is how you frame it and what you're doing during that time. If you're actively interviewing, networking, or upskilling, it's generally fine for a few months. The key is to demonstrate sustained drive, not just a holding pattern.

Regarding geography, Singapore and other Asia/ME offices are highly competitive, just perhaps in different ways than, say, the US or UK. They often have smaller AD cohorts, meaning fewer spots, but also a specific local market fit they're looking for. Applying broadly can improve your odds simply by increasing the total number of applications, but each office is a distinct entity with its own headcount and cultural needs. You'll need to tailor your story for each region.

Finally, a 6-month internship at a small boutique after your postdoc will likely still see you evaluated as an AD, but one with some nascent business experience. It generally won't put you into the experienced hire pipeline. This can help if you can genuinely articulate how it enhances your business acumen, client-facing skills, or industry knowledge relevant to consulting. However, if it appears simply as a placeholder without a strong narrative, it might not move the needle much. The most crucial thing is to leverage that time to build your story for why consulting, and why now.

Hope this helps you strategize!

Thanks for the clear overview of your situation. 

I'll take your questions one by one. 

1 - Don't worry about it. I've worked with multiple candidates who were still applying after having finished their PhDs.

2 - Yes, comparatively, Singapore is one of the more competitive offices, which makes passing screening harder. On the other hand, it's not like you can genuinely 'choose' the location with most firms. In order to pass screening, you need to have a clear link (e.g., you studied there or worked there) with that location. 

3 - That's a good fallback option. It shouldn't move you into the experienced hire track since that typically requires at least one year of work. These things are also not set in stone, and typically, you can align them with the recruiter.

If you need help with assessing your readiness for the interviews, do drop me a line.

Best,

Cristian

Here is what I would tell you based on working with several PhD and postdoc candidates going through this exact process.

Being between roles after your contract ends will not hurt you. Firms expect this from advanced degree candidates. What matters is having a clear narrative for why consulting and why now. A gap of a few months is normal. Beyond 8 to 10 months with nothing to show, it starts raising questions.

Singapore is competitive and the office is small. Apply broadly across Asia and Middle East. Not because they are easier, but because each office has different hiring needs and your profile may land differently.

On the internship, be careful. A 6 month boutique stint can accidentally push you into the experienced hire pipeline, and that is a harder bar. If you take it, align with MBB recruiters upfront so they evaluate you as an advanced degree candidate, not an experienced hire.

Hope this helps.