Applying to MBB and tier 2

Don't lead them to believe anything that is not true because sooner or later it's going to blow in your face. 

Do apply now, and even if it doesn't work out, you'll still learn more from the process than if you hadn't applied and you'll be in a better position to apply next year. 

Here's a guide on how to approach the application process:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hey there 😊

Yes, you can definitely apply now — 7 months is early, but some firms do consider high-potential candidates even with limited experience 💼✨

As for background checks:
🔍 MBB and tier 2 firms don’t usually verify project details pre-offer
🔍 But post-offer, they might run background checks — if they find inconsistencies, it could be a red flag 🚫

✨ So it’s best to frame your experience honestly, highlighting any analytical, client-facing, or cross-functional work you've done — even if not formal “strategy”!

Let’s craft your story together if you’d like 💬

Best, Alessa

Hi,
Yes, it’s okay to apply now but keep these points in mind:

– MBB and Tier 2 firms don’t verify project details with your current employer
– However, interviewers will test the depth of your experience through case questions and probing your resume, so avoid exaggeration, focus on transferable skills instead (problem solving, client interaction, analytical work)

You can apply with 7–12 months of experience, especially if you have a strong academic background or network. 

Let me know if you'd like help framing your experience strategically.

Best of luck!

Seven months of experience is basically no experience in the eyes of consulting firms. Unless you’re from a target school or have a GPA above 3.7, I strongly suggest gaining more experience first.

You’re at a Big4, which gives you a natural path into their strategy arm—Strategy&, Parthenon, or Monitor. Focus now on over-performing in your current role and network hard to make that internal jump smoother in 2–3 years.

Best,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: FastFashion - Customer Loyalty

Hi there,

with less than a year of experience, you will basically be regarded as an entry level applicant by MBB and Tier 2. They will not call up your current firm to inquire about your staffing sheet. However, if on your CV you go to town about all these strategy projects you supposedly did, expect to be asked questions about them. It is fine to tailor your CV to the target audience and to finetune it where you can (you are trying to market yourself after all), but don't invent things. That will weaken your position and reputation tremendously.

Best of luck

Hey there! 

Seven month is on the early side - the firms will view you as someone with limited / no experience (which doesn't mean you shoudn't apply) 

More importantly: Do NOT frame your experience as something that it isn't. It is (a) the wrong thing to do, (b) likely to backfire and (c) unnecessary (these firms look for smart people and frankly dont care about your specific experience especially for people with limited experience; besides Big4 is logical adjacency to strategy) 

Best of luck! 

Happy to chat if helpful! 

-Andreas

Hi there,

7-month is too short and usually not encouraged by the recruiting team. 

For candidate with no experience, the recruiting team prefers candidates from campus recruiting in the last year of school, or the returning interns. 

For candidate with experience, usually even for entry level, they would like to see at least 1-2 years of working experience with transferrable skills. 

Best,

Emily