What are some consulting firms that you heard/are known for being pretty lenient when it comes to internal transfers? In which firms is it the most easy to internally transfer between offices around the globe?
Hi there,
In general, it's McKinsey > BCG > Bain.
Of course, it really depends on exact office, role, timing (economic etc), and your individual situation.
In general, the bigger and more international the firm, the easier it is to transfer. (So, Big4 easier than boutique).
I've transfered a few times within companies and have the following advice:
1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy" for xx
2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.
2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!
3) Look out for opportunities - look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.) You may want to "settle" for a 6-12 month rotation. Then, when that time is up, insist that you stay (this is how I got to stay in Australia with my IT Consulting company years back)
4) Practice patience and be flexible - This might take a year. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.
Bide your time, keep pushing, be smart, and you'll get there!
Hi,
The easiness of international transfer is mainly linked to the p&l structure of the firm. As McKinsey has a global p&l, it's the company where it's quite easy to transfer. Then it's BCG and Bain.
It also depends on the local office performance, it will be really difficult to move to an office which has difficulties to staff all its consultant. In opposition when an office / region misses consultant it's really easy. At my time at McKinsey it was easy to work in Australia for example.
Hope this helps,
Alexandre
Hi,
Some good points already shared by other coaches. I think Alexandre has captured the crux of it - alot of decisions are tied to P&L structure.
For BCG, as P&L as on a system level, this means that both systems (exporting & importing) have to agree to let you go / take you in.
In any case, regardless of which firm you are in (assuming its MBB), they are all partnerships, and that means partners really have the final say (with some caveats of course). Strong support from influential partners goes a long way.
Lastly, there are also other routes to transfer (at least for BCG) that involve getting a ‘foot’ in to new locations first through mobility programs.
All the best!
This is going to depend first and foremost on your office/practice, your network, and the connections you develop in the office you want to transfer to. Generally speaking, the more global the staffing model, the easier an internal transfer would be (so McKinsey would probably be easiest out of the big firms), but the leniency of the process will still really vary from case to case. It's usually easier to get staffed on a long-term study in a different country than it is to transfer there, for instance. But in any case, I suggest approaching a potential transfer strategically - develop connections in the office you want to transfer to who can vouch for you, discuss the move with trusted mentors, and so on.
Hi there,
That's a tough question, mostly because there's no data to actually base it on.
But from my experience, it's easiest to transfer within firms that are internationally integrated. McKinsey, in this case, has a global P&L and prides itself with being ‘one firm’, so from that point of view it might be the friendliest in terms of supporting transfers.
In practice, however, it's a bit tougher, and you need to ensure a strong pull from the office that you want to join.
Best,
Cristian
I heard it is hard at BB, less so at M.
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