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Experienced professional, is MBB right for me

20+ years experience in tech, tech ops, service management in Financial services. Considering MBB as a bridge to c-level roles. Worth considering? What type of roles could I aim for? And what is, realistically, the work-life balance like? I don't mind taking a step back seniority wise so I can learn the MBB way

Thank you

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Top answer
on Jun 06, 2025
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there, 

Wow, you have a lot of experience. 

I would need to understand your experience a bit better to be able to suggest a role, but most likely you would be looking at something equivalent to Associate Partner. 

Even so, they might start you as a senior Manager for a year or so before you learn the ropes. 

My recommendation would be to reach out to the recruiters from the firms you would be interested in joining and have an honest conversation. 

This is also the most 'top down' way of doing it because from them you'll get a sense of how willing they are to hire senior people, in what roles and when. 

This will help you plan a bit better for the application process. 

High-level, if you are looking for a way of approaching the application process strategically, you might find the following guide useful:


Best,
Cristian

Mariana
Coach
on Jun 06, 2025
Free CV evaluation | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions | Free 20-min introductory call

Hi there,

Depending on your history, offices’ needs and relationship with senior leaders, this may be a valid move. I suggest you reach out to some senior leaders at MBB (cold message them on LinkedIn) to check it.

The roles you may fit are likely: Engagement manager and Associate partner (McKinsey’s roles). Most likely the first one.

Work life balance is not good, honestly. Expect from 60-90 hours a week depending on the project and the projects’ phase.

Best,

Mari

Phenyo
Coach
on Jun 06, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | Nova Top Talent - Madrid | McKinsey HiPo recruit | McKinsey Digital & Analytics

If you’re looking in the UK, I can point you to two people you can do a cold outreach to. One came in as an experienced hire, the other could be more aligned to your type of work. Maybe their perspective might help.


Work-life balance, I wouldn’t bring that up. It’s the default trade-off for a consulting career at MBB level.

Mihir
Coach
on Jun 10, 2025
McKinsey Associate Partner and interviewer | Bulletproof MBB prep

Your kind of profile would likely come in as an Associate Partner, depending on the level of leadership and depth of your network from previous roles.

At McK, they will often ask APs to spend a few months shadowing Associates and EMs before they take on project leadership.

Work life balance will likely be worse than in a corporate role; that is to be expected with MBB since you are now client-facing.

Brian
Coach
on Jun 08, 2025
3+ years in McKinsey as an Associate and JEM | Free intro calls | Interviewed 40+ CAs to Associates (MBA-level)

What position are you going into? If its EM or below - Hard no. These profiles have consistently struggled and have been counselled out. 

If AP and above; not too bad I reckon if you can stay a year. 

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