Best time to lateral into MBB from industry-focused consulting firm?

Hi there, 

I'll do my best to assist you. Firstly, congrats on your successes thus far! 

As a previous McKinsey employee, I can best speak to McK's processes. Please find my responses below:

1. Yes, at McKinsey there is indeed a 'cooldown period' if you are unsuccessful in your application. At McK, this cooldown period is 2 years. Thus, if you apply and don't make it through to an offer, you will need to wait 2 years before you are eligible for another interview.

2. This is a bit harder to answer directly, as it depends on yourself. If you feel ready and confident to take the leap now - then go for it. At the same time, gaining 1 more year of experience in the field, and a proven track-record with an organization within the industry will most likely help you become an even more attractive and prepared candidate. Thus, if you like your current employer, I'd likely recommend giving yourself a year to settle into the role. If you're still hungry for MBB after a year - go for it!

3. There is no hard rule within McKinsey on when an applicant is considered especially attractive from an 'experience standpoint'. Every individual receives the same interviews - but, a more experienced person is of course likely to perhaps do better in the interviews. Personally, I would recommend that any individual starting out their consulting career in an 'outside MBB firm' give it 1-2 years before making a lateral move, simply because it allows them to settle into their role without too much distraction, and figure out whether this life is something they enjoy.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely, 

Thor

Regarding cooldown period: Generally there is, if you fail during the interview process. But we as coaches on PrepLounge cannot give you the exact guidance on this - it is supposed to be case-by-case and will be specified by the recruiters - so best to ask them.

Regarding <1 or >1 year experience: In either situation you are likely going to enter at an entry level. I suspect MBB would not mind even if you jump ship quickly. The motivation to jump from a boutique to MBB is easier to justify. Your CV, your FIT answers, your networking, and your rationale should all be bulletproof before entering the process. If needed, take help from one of us coaches on PrepLounge to ensure that you put your best foot forward.

Regarding timing for lateral entry: There isn't a strict timing/window for lateral entry. It is generally recommended to get a referral-based entry, in which case the question of timing goes away for the most part.

PS: Feel free to drop me a message on PrepLounge and we can take a look at your full profile and see how to maximise your application/networking chances. Perhaps by looking at your full CV and by understanding your current role, I might have slightly different advice from the above.

Hi there,

Congrats on landing a strong start in consulting. A few thoughts from my POV:

1. Cooldown period: Most offices have a reapplication wait time if you don’t pass. Typically around 12 months depending on firm and outcome
2. Timing: The sweet spot for lateral moves is usually after around 2 years. By then you’ve built a CV with tangible project impact, consulting toolkit, and ideally a promotion
3. Strategic choice: Right now you’re only a few months into your role. Unless there’s an urgent reason (e.g., your firm is a poor fit), you’ll likely benefit from focusing the first year on delivering results, getting top reviews, and sharpening your case skills. That way you’ll re-apply with momentum rather than risk an early rejection

Best of luck!

Lukas

Yes. 

I'm a big believer that applying early is worth it. 

Even if you're not ready yet, you will have learned a lot more from the experience than if you hadn't applied. 

Almost all firms have a 1 year freeze after you applied. Meaning that you can do your best this year round and if it doesn't work out, you can build on this knowledge next year and reapply. 

You might find the following guide useful in terms of how to set up a smart application strategy:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hey there :)

There’s no hard “cooldown,” but if you apply now and don’t get through, you’ll usually need to wait around 12–18 months before reapplying. That’s why timing matters. In your case, waiting a year is often smarter: you’ll gain tangible project experience, maybe a promotion or fast-track, and can show stronger impact on your CV. That will make you more competitive and reduce the risk of burning your chance too early.

Best time to lateral is usually after ~1–2 years, when you have solid consulting credentials but aren’t yet too senior. At that point, you’re seen as trained and immediately useful, but still flexible enough to slot into the MBB pyramid.

So in short: if you like your current firm, I’d focus on building achievements for 12–18 months and then apply with a stronger profile.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi there, 

Yes there would be a cool down period if you don't pass. 

I would recommend staying on for a while (1~2 years) before applying to MBB, so you can build enough experience and relevant capabilities to showcase that you would bring value to MBB. 

Best,

Emily

1. You have to wait 12-18 months between applications (unless you are a student and applying to an internship and a few months later to a full time role)

2. Nope, the earlier you apply the better. You should apply now. And if you don't get the interview / offer, you apply again in 12 months.

3. As early as possible. Ideally apply now and don't be a lateral. Or wait 2-3 years, waste 1-2 opportunities to get hired and only have those 2-3 years being recognized as 1 year at MBB. So, again, apply as early as possible.