Ex-entrepreneur transitioning into Management Consulting

Question

Hi everyone!

I am looking to move into management consulting post my MBA (target MBB). However I am unsure whether my experience/ profile is good enough. Any feedback would be super appreciated! Here's a few details:

Education:

MBA - dual degree

- IESEG School of Management, Paris (Avg 15/20)

- SPJIMR, Mumbai (GPA - 3.4 )

BA History

Mumbai Univeristy (CGPA - 6.33/10)

Note - general academic performance has always been good with the exception of my undergrad years)

Work Experience:

Veggies & More

Owner | Mumbai | 2022 - present

Analyzed quantitative data to monitor operational efficiency and employee performance, driving a 30% reduction in logistics costs via process improvements and resource optimization.
Negotiated vendor contracts and formed strategic partnerships to collaborate on streamlining activities and establishing best practices, reducing average purchasing costs by 8%

Fab Aero Farms LLP

Founder & Head of Strategy | Mumbai | 2020 - 2024

Developed a B2C brand from scratch, leading end-to- market entry strategy via market research, client development, and marketing.
Designed and executed end-to-end go-to-market strategy and business model, resulting in 10% YoY revenue growth and breakeven in 3.5 years.
Maintained 95% customer retention though tailored solutions and proactive client engagement.
Conducted market trends analysis and customer segmentation to guide product diversification, expanding offerings by 40% and doubling the client base.
Achieved 100% gender parity in operations due to consistent community outreach

MBA Consulting Projects:

Symington Estates

Porto | Sustainability Consulting | May 2025

Proposed new verticals to counter decrease in customer base, with potential to increase revenue by 10%

CWS Platforms

Paris | Strategy Consulting | March 2025

Developed a comprehensive brand positioning and marketing strategy for entering new markets.
Identified gaps in current outreach strategy, suggesting potential partners for future collaboration

Arani Ecosteps
Mumbai | Marketing Strategy & Growth Plan | Aug - Sept 2024

Developed a comprehensive market penetration strategy to drive 25% growth over the next 5 years, focusing on brand positioning and customer acquisition.
Engaged directly with the founders and other stakeholders to understand business goals, scalability challenges, and customer perceptions.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your background - from my perspective;

Strengths

Entrepreneurial impact: Built and scaled two ventures with tangible outcomes—30% logistics cost cuts, 10% CAGR, 95% customer retention.
Analytical & leadership skills: Led vendor negotiations, strategy partnerships, and data‑driven improvements; handled client-facing consulting projects during MBA.
MBA credentials: Dual-degree background with hands-on consulting experience across international markets.

Opportunities to Strengthen

Resume polish
- Rewrite bullets using the “XYZ” format: “Increased X by Y% by doing Z.” Quantify every result. Keep it to one clean, one-page layout.
Case interview readiness
- Focus on mastering frameworks, mental math, and doing regular mock cases—working in groups or with a coach is ideal.
Networking for referrals
- Leverage consulting clubs, alumni, and informational interviews at both schools. Referrals can significantly boost your chances.
Consistent consulting narrative
- Weave a coherent story: entrepreneurial drive → analytical problem solving → consulting impact. Highlight MBA projects as consulting-style work.

Recommended Next Steps

Polish your resume—ensure clarity, structure, and quantifiable results.
Start consistent case prep, ideally with peers or coaches.
Reach out for networking and potential referrals through your schools.
Prepare at least one consulting-style case/sample to showcase analytical mindset.

With your background and these targeted refinements, you're in a strong position to compete for MBB roles. I’m happy to help further—feel free to reach out.

Best,

Evelina

Answer 2

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on your career trajectory thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

First of all, unfortunately, no one can seriously answer the question of whether you will be invited to the pre-interview assessments and/or interviews until you try. Therefore, I would strongly advise you to polish your application files, secure strong referrals, apply, and see what the outcome is.
Moreover, and contrary to what other coaches have said, considering your approximately 5 years of work experience, the university you attended will no longer be that important. Therefore, you may also very well apply to other countries than India, if you wish.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 3

It depends a bit on where you are recruiting.

SPJIMR is to my understanding a target school for MBB in India, but not in any other region. If you're aiming at Europe, IESEG does place into MBB but significantly less than let's say HEC or INSEAD.

If you sharpen your work experience section I would say you have a decent chance in India. But it would be great to talk more about revenue growth, business size/scale etc if you are a founder/owner, rather than more peripheral metrics.

Getting a referral (to help you get an interview) could be a difference-maker.

Happy to discuss more if helpful.

Answer 4

Mihir nailed it.

Plus, if you need to get referrals there are good articles about it within PrepLounge but the overall approach is to cold message them via LinkedIn (focus on those with the same background as yours in terms of school / entrepreneurship experience) asking for a coffee chat and asking for the referral after the talk IF you feel they will feel comfortable with that (a matter of sense considering the interactions).

Best,

Mari

Answer 5

Hi there,

I see you've received some great answers on this already.

What I'd add - just as a change in perspective - is that you can always 'get' into consulting, it just depends in what firm and where it 'ranks'.

So, to make things easier mindset wise, I would recommend that you apply broadly and prioritise getting 'in' the industry' rather than in a specific firm. Then once you're in the industry you can optimise a bit better by moving between the firms.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 6

hi!

Your profile is actually very strong for MBB post-MBA, your entrepreneurial experience shows leadership, problem-solving, ownership, and business impact. Those are exactly the traits firms look for. Your MBA consulting projects are also a great bridge to more traditional consulting work, and show you can work in structured teams.

Just be ready to explain why you’re transitioning to consulting now, and how your founder mindset adds value. Don’t worry too much about undergrad grades, they’re outweighed by everything you’ve done since.

Let me know if you want help with positioning or prep!

Best,
Alessa 😊