Best way into MBB

Question

Hi everyone, I've worked in investment banking for 4 years now and decided to move into consulting. Interviewed with 2 MBBs and a number of Tier 2 firms and only have 2 Tier 2 firm offers in hand. For both MBBs I made it to finals and based on feedback it was close, but I would need to wait for 1 - 1.5 years to re-apply. Given my end goal is to join one of the MBB firms, would it make sense for me to move into a Tier 2 firm and re-apply, or would it be better if I remained in investment banking and just re-applied? Given I have not worked in the industry, I am unable to tell how closely work at a Tier 2 firm would mirror that of the MBBs, which is a key decision factor. For more context I'm in a top Tier 2 IB at the moment. Would be keen to hear your thoughts!

Answer 1

To be honest, I don't believe it matters regarding your objective to join MBB. You have been invited by them and you know that you have to wait about 18 months to re-apply. I don't believe either option will swing your probability of success - the critical lever will be your preparation for the interviews, so that next time around you can kill the beast! ;)

PErsonally, I would probably stay in IB to reduce the number of variables in my life in order to concentrate on my end goal.

Cheers, Sidi

Answer 2

Unless next year has a promotion in store for you, with 4 years under your belt in IB I would move to the tier 2 consulting and then re-apply from there. Reason why is that one or more years in IB won't diversify your experience enough to become a more attractive candidate for the consulting firms.

Hope ti helps,

Andrea

Answer 3

Hi,

First of all, I would keep it in the Top IB since you will have a better brand and some career progress on your resume

Secondly, need to show some changes / achievements in your profile in order to reapply successfully:

Career progression
Remarkable projects
Extracurricular activities
New skills obtained
etc

The couple reasons why Tier 2 may be better

You'll have more time to prepare for case interviews
You may get some industry expertise relevant to your country

Best

Answer 4

Hi A,

You were close! I believe a better option in your case would be accepting an offer from a Tier 2 firm to get real industry experience and some insights about the job in consulting.

Besides, when reapplying you better show progress and professional growth that you've made in the last year. Having relevant experience would make you more preferable as a potential employee.

Best,

André