Breaking into Strategy with a unique background (no undergrad degree with a masters) - London

Hi there, 

You have a very interesting profile, but the challenge is that it may look “non-linear” on paper. Consulting firms tend to prefer clarity and a simple narrative, so the key is how you frame your story.

How firms see your profile

• MBB and Tier 2 will value your finance and deals exposure, since it signals strong analytical ability and client-facing experience.
• Your FAANG internship adds operational and product skills, which are a plus but should be positioned as complementary rather than the centerpiece.
• The early Master’s without a Bachelor’s makes you stand out, but it should be framed as evidence of exceptional drive rather than the main focus.

How to position yourself

• Anchor your story around structured problem solving and impact — skills you have demonstrated in audit, finance, and FAANG.
• Emphasize transferable skills: analysis, stakeholder management, cross-border exposure, execution under pressure.
• Keep the narrative simple: “I built a strong analytical foundation in audit and finance, broadened my exposure to tech and operations, and now want to combine both in strategy consulting.”

Next steps

1. Reframe your CV in consulting language with quantified impact in every role.
2. Network with consultants in London to make sure your application is seen beyond the CV filter.
3. Apply broadly, not just to MBB since Tier 2 and boutiques are often more open to non-traditional paths and can be excellent entry points.

Best of luck!

Hi,

Thanks for your question.

You seem to have quite relevant background which would be valued in consulting firms. The way you have framed it in your question, you have experience in M&A/finance as well as operations so you could have interest from firms in those areas. A few suggestions and some insights based on personal experience to answer :

Insights: I recently coached someone who got a Masters degree in finance in US and ran her online business for a while before she wanted to move to consulting. She not only got an offer from a top tier firm very well know in the healthcare consulting space, but also was able to make a shift into healthcare consulting without any background in that space. 

My observations on what helped her get that role:

1. Despite not having any industry work experience, she had a very impressive  and performance oriented resume which showcased what she achieved in her business venture in actionable terms, her team building and problem solving skills. Takeaway: Make sure your resume clearly articulates your achievements, is in the right format and ties to the experience consulting firms may value.

2. She was smart and analytical oriented which I think any consulting firm values. However, to bridge the gap of no background in healthcare, she built that background through working with an expert. Through a few coaching sessions, I was able to get her to a point where she is comfortable with basic foundations of health care and enough to feel the interviewer comfortable that she can catch up quickly. Takeaway: Consider working with an expert to address any gaps that you think you have to put your best foot forward for the interview. 

3. I believe the candidate got a call from directly applying but in general, to get interview without a traditional background  you would have to do a lot of networking.

To answer briefly your specific questions, your profile can be enough to get an interview with consulting firms but you would have to do a lot of networking, assuming you have a bachelors.

If you don't have a bachelors or college degree, then you can still try but keep a deadline before you decided to go back to college. Most firms have a minimum degree requirement and if you don't have that, HR may not be able to hire you no matter how relevant your background. Someone from HR maybe able to answer that question if you specify your current qualifications if you meet the pre-requisites.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Soh

Hi there, 

I think it is less about your profile with the various different firms, but whether you have brought out / emphasized the transferrable skills that you learned from such experiences that could be useful in consulting. Because I had colleagues in BCG and Bain who were from atypical backgrounds, e.g., legal / medicine / history / art (which sounds far less relevant than yours), but they were able to convince the firm that they have what it takes to be a good consultant.  So making sure your resume tells the right info would be important. 

Btw, I am not sure I get it correctly - you don't have a bachelor's degree?

Regards,

Emily

Hi there,

Your path is unusual but also gives you a strong edge if you frame it the right way. Rather than focusing on how “different” it looks, concentrate on weaving a clear storyline that links your experiences together.

Crafting your narrative

• Start with the foundation: audit and ACA exams prove technical rigour and comfort with numbers.
• Layer on the finance roles: exposure to M&A, LBOs, and private credit show you can handle complex, high-stakes work.
• Add the FAANG internship: this brings in operational and product exposure, which broadens you beyond finance.
• Tie it all together with your Master’s: pursuing advanced study at 20 highlights drive and maturity.

How to pitch this to consulting firms

• Use one simple thread: “I’ve built strong analytical skills in finance, complemented them with operational exposure in tech, and now want to apply both across industries in a consulting setting.”
• Position your experiences not as separate “jumps” but as a progression – each step adding skills that make you better suited for consulting.
• Keep the focus on what you delivered (models built, deals supported, projects managed), not just the titles.

Practical steps forward

• On your CV, emphasise achievements and quantifiable results – consulting recruiters scan quickly, so impact matters more than titles.
• Actively network to bypass automated filters that may not recognise your unique academic path. Referrals will be especially powerful.
• Apply widely – boutiques, Big 4 Strategy teams, and firms with a transactions or PE angle could be strong first entry points. These roles will also make it easier to move to MBB later if that’s your goal.

Final note
You don’t need to over-explain the lack of a bachelor’s – the fact you earned a Master’s early, supported by solid work experience, already proves capability. Present it confidently as part of your acceleration.

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

Best,

Evelina

Hey there :)

Your background is unique, but that can actually be an asset if framed well. MBB and Tier 2 in London like non-traditional profiles, but you need to make it easy for recruiters to “read” you as a consulting fit. Right now, your CV probably looks impressive but fragmented.

I’d suggest you build a clear storyline around three pillars: first, strong analytical and deal experience from Big 4 + private credit; second, exposure to strategy and operations through FAANG; third, academic credibility with the Master’s. Rather than stressing “no undergrad,” emphasize how you’ve always accelerated your path (started early, took ACA exams, went straight to a Master’s at 20). Recruiters respond well to fast-tracked or exceptional trajectories.

On applications, lead with your finance and deal exposure, since London firms value transaction-heavy profiles. Complement it with a line on operational experience to show breadth. Keep the “no undergrad” point in the background; let it come across as exceptional rather than unconventional.

Also, networking will be key for you, more than online portals, since your CV might otherwise get filtered by default criteria. If you can get referrals or coffee chats with consultants, you’ll bypass those filters and get the chance to tell your story.

best,
Alessa :)