Chance of Moving from In-House Strategy Consulting to MBB Post-MBA

Hi,

Yes, I’ve seen this transition happen multiple times (e.g., from in-house telco strategy to BCG). Realistic especially when targeting geographies that are growing in your sector. Relevant industry expertise can be very attractive to MBB, but networking and referrals will be your best friend here. In my experience, tapping into the INSEAD alumni network is a great start here.

Reach out to me if you want to bounce further!

Best,
Lukas

Hello! This is possible especially if you tap into your INSEAD network and get referrals from classmates or alumni. Realistically, the role to aim for would be Associate / Consultant, not Manager. MBB usually only brings people in at Manager if  they did that exact role at another consulting firm before the MBA

Again your best shot is to lean on your INSEAD network and show how your in-house consulting work built skills MBB cares about (problem-solving, stakeholder management, analytical skills…)

Good luck!! 

It’s definitely possible. What really matters is the role you’re targeting.

• For manager level and above, firms typically look for 15–20 years of C-level or equivalent senior experience.
• For most people coming from industry, senior consultant, consultant, or expert consultant roles are the realistic entry points — depending on your sector and how your expertise aligns with client needs
   

Your story is critical:

• Why you want to pivot into consulting
• How your background can create value and be staffed on client cases immediately

The good news: there’s strong demand for professionals with deep industry expertise who can hit the ground running. Many people have successfully made this move.

Hi there, 

With an INSEAD MBA, you have a good chance to move from in-house strategy to MBB. 

How long have you been doing the MBA in-house role? I'd suggest don't wait for too long to make the switch. It'd be relatively easier if you apply for a consultant role (in BCG and Bain terms, Associate in McK), which means you ideally want to apply within 2 years after your MBA. If you wait for longer, then either (1) you would be considered for manager role, for which the bar is much higher, or (2) you still go for consultant role but you might feel you are progressing slower. 

Best,

Emily

There's no reason why the transition wouldn't be realistic. 

You have an INSEAD MBA - that already makes you super qualified. 

And, you also now have experience working as a consultant, which makes you even more attractive as a candidate.

What's important to bear in mind, and it will come as no surprise, is that MBB is super competitive. So aside from trying to get any edge that you can in your prep, make sure you also apply broadly. Ideally, don't apply only to the 3 MBBs, but also to at least 3-4 other top firms that you'd want to join. This way you also manage the risk in case you get a bit unlucky in the process.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out directly.

Best,
Cristian