I'm a Canadian citizen with a Master of Engineering and a 3.95 GPA. I'm looking to break into MBB consulting in the United States and would appreciate any insights on my chances.
Should I consider targeting less competitive offices to improve my odds? I also have close family in the U.S.. Would that help make my story more compelling?
Hi, I think a strong academic background is a great starting point. Top tier firms will consider your holistic profile. I think your best shot is a factor of
1. Communicating your profile/CV
2. Performance in pre-assessments
3. Performance in the interviews
So if I were you, I would go for the top tier firms and maybe apply to others just for the interview experience. One eye-opener for me came when I interviewed with a non-MBB firm...the experience re-assured why I needed to go for MBB
Hi there,
I assume you don’t have a working visa based on your message. That could make things difficult for you. You could apply in Canada and then ask to be transferred to US, however that won’t be an easy task either (it is feasible, but will require some work). You will have to have a good performance, a senior leader to back you up and rational behind this request. Typically, family matters are the ones that are considered.
Aim for MBB, I have had clients who have got their CV approved even with limited work experience. The key here is to have a great CV, after this step the only thing that will matter is your case and behavioral performance (considering you will pass the pre assessment tests such as Solve, Casey, etc.). The CV screening is the first step to get into the process and one that people often neglect, having then to wait then for 12 months before reapplying.
Let me know if you need some professional CV revision, happy to chat about that over a free consultation call.
Best,
Mari
Hi,
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to working in MBB with your background. The primary ones are the following :
1. Right to work status - As a Canadian citizen you can get the TN visa, but in today's environment its going to be much harder to justify with so many layoffs etc in the US
2. Prestige of the University - realistically you will have to go to the #1 school and have gone to a fantastic Undergrad institution for a good shot
3. Prior work experience - this will be your strongest selling point. If you have strong work experience in an area where there is a high client need then you will get a lot of interest from MBB
Your most likely shot is going to be trying for a Canadian office (one that hires from your University and major)
Hi there,
It's not impossible, but also not easy.
Why?
Well, the political and economic situation at the moment, to begin with.
But even if that were different, recruiters still look to hire candidates who have some sort of reason as to why they are applying in that geography.
For instance, have you studied/worked / or have any personal reason for joining a US office? Otherwise, your application might seem random, and you would get screened out at the application stage.
You might find the following guide useful:
Best,
Cristian
Hi there,
Q: What are my chances of breaking into consulting in the U.S.?
Your GPA is great and your degree is relevant. If you can get a visa and you are from a target school, it should be doable. However, if you cannot secure a visa and/or your school is not considered a target school in the US, it might be better to target an office in Canada first, as you will have higher chances.
Good luck!
Francesco
As other coaches have mentioned - your degree and GPA are a good fit, but a big hurdle will be securing right-to-work. Also, they will consider the other aspects of your application (e.g., how much does your CV display real personal leadership).
Another potential route could be to secure a role in the Canadian branch of a major consulting Firm with a view to transitioning internally - but this will also require some networking and strong consulting performance.
Expert case by