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Anonymous A

on Jun 25, 2025

DACH

Career transition advice: Moving from strategy roles to top-tier consulting as a pathway into investment-focused careers (VC/PE)

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some professional advice from this community.

I have 1.5 years of experience in tech consulting at a boutique firm (not Tier 2), and currently work in the Strategy & Operations department at a marketplace. Altogether, I’ve built 3 years of experience in Berlin across consulting and strategy roles.

While I’ve gained valuable experience, both roles have been quite distant from investment-focused work. I'm now aiming to transition into a top-tier consulting firm (MBB or Tier 2), which I see as a strategic bridge toward ultimately working in VC or PE. My plan is to gain exposure to finance-related projects and complement that path by pursuing the full CFA qualification.

That said, I have a few key questions:

Is a move to top-tier consulting even feasible after my current role?
If yes, how likely is it that I’d get staffed on finance-focused projects (e.g., due diligence, private equity, M&A strategy)?
Or would it be more realistic to aim for a direct transition into VC/PE after this role?

Any insights or advice would be truly appreciated!

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Top answer

Sarah

Coach

on Jun 26, 2025

Ex-McKinsey EM in London, foreign student with no prior consulting internship experience

Based on your profile it's definitely possible to move into top tier consulting. At McK I've seen several ex-tech / startup profiles though rarely boutique laterals (they were usually from strategy&). I would frame your marketplace experience as strategy & ops in tech, and highlight projects that you've led end to end.

Echoing another coach - typically you can indicate some level of preference on the projects you're keen on. I know this is certainty true for McK & BCG. Alternatively you can consider Tier 2 DD-houses e.g., Strategy& M&A in London which will open doors to PE/VC, noting that top funds typically recruit from MBB.

Cristian

Coach

on Jun 25, 2025

#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there,

Thanks for the overview! And hello from Berlin as well!

In short, I recommend pursuing both consulting roles and PE roles in parallel. Considering the state of the market at the moment, it makes sense to diversify.

Regarding consulting, your background is great, and it already signals you have consultant-like skills, so there's no reason why you should pursue MBB.

If you join as a generalist, you tend to have more flexibility to choose between projects once you get to the 1 year mark of tenure. Before that, it's a bit more difficult.

What you can investigate, however, is whether they are hiring any consultants directly in the Finance practice (though then you will need to demonstrate that you have deep expertise in that area).

Best,
Cristian

Pedro

Coach

on Jun 25, 2025

Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

It is possible to move to an MBB, yes. Give your best shot.

If you get in, you can ask to be staffed in DD / M&A projects. There are plenty of them. And many people try to avoid those projects (are more intense) so if you volunteer you have a good chance.

Alberto

Coach

on Jul 02, 2025

Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

Hi there,

I’d go straight to networking in VC and PE — don’t wait. Talk to people in the industry, test the waters, and see how your background lands. That could help you skip unnecessary steps and uncover hidden paths in.

If that doesn’t click, then aiming for MBB or Tier 2 firms can be a strong next move. Just watch out: your profile might be in no-man’s-land — not junior enough for entry roles, not experienced enough for Associate/Junior Associate. You’re pre-MBA with limited experience, so be ready to negotiate your level and make a strong case for your value-add.

Best,

Alberto