Best strategy for my next step

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, I would strongly advise you to apply for off-cycle rather than wait, if you really want to join consulting and don't just need any job.
• Moreover, if you go into engineering, most firms won’t see 6-12 months as “experienced hire” level, and you might need to reapply for the same roles later, but now without the advantage of recent graduation.
• Lastly, I would advise you to start preparing now, even with limited time, as this is the case for any applicant. Getting in at least 5 case studies per week is someting anyone can do.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hey,

This is a situation many people find themselves in, and you’re thinking about it the right way. Here’s how I’d break it down:

1. The “experienced hire” route isn’t always what it seems

Spending 6–12 months in an engineering role might sound like a stepping stone, but most consulting firms don’t really count that as enough to qualify as an experienced hire — especially if the work isn’t business-facing or doesn’t involve measurable leadership impact. You might find yourself applying again for the same entry-level roles but now without the advantage of being a recent grad.

2. Case prep is non-negotiable

Even if you’re incredibly qualified, firms still filter heavily based on your performance in the case interview and personal fit questions. So yes, getting ready for interviews is key — but don’t wait until you feel fully prepared to start applying. No one ever feels completely ready. What matters is building consistency now: even 2–3 quality mocks per week can build real momentum over a few months.

3. Off-cycle applications and networking are real options

You don’t have to wait for the next recruiting cycle. Many firms (especially Big 4 and Tier 2) hire off-cycle, and people break in all the time by networking strategically on LinkedIn, getting referrals, or applying through local channels. This works even better when paired with a strong, clear story about why now, why consulting, and why you.

4. Taking a job now is fine — but don’t go passive

If you need to start working soon, take the engineering role — but treat it as a way to stay financially and mentally secure while continuing your consulting prep on the side. Don’t “pause” your consulting ambition entirely. Keep building your story and prep alongside your job.

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing, and great that you're aiming for consulting! To be frank: if you're serious about breaking into consulting, especially MBB, I'd strongly recommend going for it directly rather than taking a detour through engineering.

If you already have the CV and grades to make it into consulting, this is the moment to focus, prep well, and make it count. The recruiting path for graduates is much more predictable and structured – and it’s your best shot at entering the industry without unnecessary delays.

Going into engineering now might seem like a safer choice, but it actually makes the path into consulting more unpredictable. You’d likely need to stay 3+ years for it to qualify as “experienced hire,” and even then, it’s not guaranteed you’ll gain the kind of experience that gives you an edge in a consulting interview. Many who take that path find it harder to pivot later.

So if consulting is your real goal, I’d suggest: carve out focused time to prep (even part-time alongside your internship if needed), apply soon, and try to get on the right trajectory from the start.

Happy to help further if you want to talk about timelines, CV/application tips, or interview prep!

Best of luck
Kevin

Hi There,

I think this is a great question! First off, it is definitely feasible to recruit as an experience hire coming from engineering. I have known people personally who have done this and some firms have expert tracks where if you spend a bit more time doing engineering work they may like you for your expertise.

I think it may not be a bad idea to still apply even though it may be off-cycle. Obviously you will have to find time to prepare for the interviews; however, if it does not work out you can still apply later down the road once you have worked in engineering for a bit. If you get an interview even just having that exposure of what to expect when going through the process can be a massive help once you go about it again.

What I will say is that 6-12 months may not be enough time to be 1.  Considered as an experience hire and 2. enough times between applications. I would recommend waiting closer to 18-24 months. This will more likely put you in the experienced hire bucket and may help you a bit more if an expert track role becomes available that you qualify for.

One area that I would want to bring up is that MBB firms tend to hire less experienced hires and more from campus recruiting like MBA or other Masters programs. This may make it harder to get a foot in the door than coming from your typical campus recruiting.

If you are open to look at firms outside of MBB & Big4 I would maybe see if Tier 2 firms have any roles open. Firms like L.E.K., Parthenon, and Accenture do have Strategy projects that could get you into the type of work you want to do.

Overall, feasible but may need to adjust timelines or case a wider net to the firms you want to apply to.

Hope this helps & happy to chat!

-Ankit A

Hi there, 

Starting with an engineering job and then pivot to consulting as experienced hire is a common move and quite feasible. A few points to note though:

• 6-12 months working duration tends to be too short for experienced hire. Usually consulting firms would consider candidates with 2-3 years working experience for the entry level experienced hire. This might vary from region to region, so the best way to be sure is to check with the recruiting teams.
• Ideally in the engineering job you'd like to work on tasks or projects that can help you refine your problem solving and communication skills, which can be transferrable to consulting. So look out for those opportunities on the job.
• Use the time to prepare for consulting interviews well, especially case interviews. It takes time and practice to be really good at it. 

Best,

Emily

Hi,

Yes you can apply right after you graduate, even with 1-2 years work experience. You will just be applying for the same entry level role.

If you were from a target school, then I think that helps alot. 

The one thing that I would do is to start networking, so it's easy for you to get a referral eventually. 

All the best!

Hi,

Besides what has been said:

- start studying the fundamentals and watching YouTube videos os how consultants tackle case interviews 

- network by reaching out to consultants in the companies you mentioned. Cold message them through LinkedIn and schedule coffee chats to talk about their experiences and solve questions about the job you may have. Keep in touch with them, as referrals help a lot for your CV to be evaluated.

- do not neglect the fit/PEI portion of the case. There are good articles here about it

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

Yes, that's one way. 

Basically, what I would do if I were you is the following. I'd take a big step back and first confirm that I want to do consulting. Then, if that's the case, I would pursue any consulting and consulting-related opportunities that are available at the moment. 

Through consulting opportunities I mean consulting firms that are smaller and still hiring. If you break into the industries, it will be easier then to make a lateral move to a bigger firm after you get some experience.

Through consulting related opportunities, I mean jobs where you will get to exhibit and develop consulting like skills (developing presentations, working with clients, analysing data, prioritising, structuring arguments, etc.)

You might find this guide helpful:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hey there, 

That’s actually a smart and realistic plan! Many of my coachees have successfully entered MBB or Big 4 after 6–12 months in industry, especially if they prepped well in parallel. Just make sure the engineering role has some exposure to strategy, clients, or problem-solving, helps build your narrative later.

In the meantime, keep the door open by networking with consultants in Montreal, joining events, and casually applying to smaller firms or off-cycle roles. Also, block time weekly to start prepping cases slowly, future you will thank you!

Happy to help if you need a prep plan!

Best,
Alessa :)

Hi there,

Your plan makes a lot of sense—you’re better off applying off-cycle later as an experienced hire than rushing now unprepared.

In Canada, off-cycle recruiting for consulting typically happens from late fall through spring, with roles opening on a rolling basis depending on the firm.

In the meantime:

• Choose an engineering role with strategic or client-facing elements if possible.
• Start light case prep on the side so you’re ready when the time comes.
• Begin networking early—referrals can be key for off-cycle roles.

Plenty of candidates break in this way after missing the campus cycle.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.

Best, 
Evelina