Feedback on chances to get in MBB or other top tier consulting companies

You have a real shot but the strategy needs to shift.

Here's why the rejections are stacking up. MBB at 33 with no industrial experience and average academic results is tough as a straight pitch. CV screens filter you on three angles, the grades, the missing operating experience, and age relative to entry roles. PhDs do get in, just usually through specialist tracks, not generalist consultant roles.

So here's what actually works for your profile.

• Go after MBB specialist tracks. McKinsey Solutions, BCG Gamma or X, Bain Vector or Advanced Analytics. PhDs are explicitly recruited into these.
• Also look at Tier 2 firms with strong analytics. Oliver Wyman, Kearney, Roland Berger, ZS Associates, Simon-Kucher.
• On positioning, sharpen your narrative. "Management engineering PhD with deep analytics and operations expertise" beats "PhD looking for consulting."
• When it comes to your PhD, quantify the work in commercial terms. Business problems, methodology, impact.
• For the channel, build referrals on LinkedIn. PhDs already in consulting are your best route in.

If nothing lands in the next few months, take 1 to 2 years at a corporate analytics or strategy role first, then lateral.

Good luck.

Hey,

Unfortunately, we don't have enough information to give you a credible answer. We would need to know:

- Country of origin and countries you are applying to (in some countries, local regulations or visas favor national candidates)
- Level/Ranking of your college
- Focus of your expertise

Best,
Tom

PS: Feel free to DM me your resume if you don't want to share too much info on a forum :)

To be honest, it's difficult to give a meaningful assessment with the information provided.

The most important question is: where are you being rejected?

Those are very different situations:

• rejected before online assessments
• rejected after online assessments
• invited to interviews but rejected there

Each points to a completely different issue.

Similarly, I would need to know:

• which country/offices you're applying to
• your BSc/MSc grades
• the ranking/reputation of the university
• what your PhD research focused on
• whether you've had any industry exposure, internships, teaching, entrepreneurship, etc.

A dual PhD from a strong university is definitely a positive signal and, on its own, does not exclude you from MBB or top-tier consulting.

On the other hand, if:

• undergraduate/master grades were significantly below average,
• there is no industry exposure,
• and you're applying at age 33 as a generalist candidate,

then some firms may struggle to understand the story and where you fit in their hiring model.

So my first recommendation would be: don't jump to the conclusion that "I have no chance."

Instead, try to diagnose where the process is breaking down.

Without that information, any answer would mostly be guesswork.

If you're comfortable sharing a bit more detail on your profile and where you're getting rejected, people here can probably give much more targeted advice.

Hi there, 

It's difficult to give you genuinely useful feedback without understanding your profile in detail.

In general, I'm reluctant to say people have no chance of joining top consulting firms. 

Typically, there is something wrong with their application or with their approach to the application process (aside from just plain bad luck). If you've had this experience, then consider getting a professional CV review and a session with an expert to discuss your application strategy. At least then you'll get a deeper diagnostic as to why you're experiencing this situation. 

Sharing here a material that explains how to build an application strategy:
• • Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

First of all, don't conclude too quickly that consulting is out of reach. From what you've described, I don't see an obvious reason why you would be automatically excluded from the profession.

That said, I do see two potential challenges in your profile:

1. Positioning: A dual PhD from a top university is impressive, but firms may struggle to understand where you fit if you have limited industry experience. Recruiters often ask themselves: "How will this candidate create value for clients from day one?" Your application needs to answer that question clearly.
2. Career narrative: Taking longer to complete your BSc and MSc is usually not a deal-breaker, but when combined with a long academic path, firms may wonder why you are making the transition now and whether consulting is genuinely the right next step.

My recommendation would be to diagnose where you are being filtered out:

• If you're not getting interviews, focus on your CV, positioning, and networking.
• If you're getting interviews but failing assessments, focus on test preparation.
• If you're reaching interviews but not getting offers, focus on case and fit performance.

At 33, I would also broaden the target list beyond generalist consulting. Your profile could be attractive for specialist, expert, analytics, operations, digital, or research-oriented consulting roles where your PhD creates a stronger differentiator.

Without seeing your CV, it's difficult to be more specific, but based on your description, I wouldn't view age or the PhD itself as the main issue. I would instead investigate how your experience is being translated into business value for recruiters.

You still have a real shot at MBB/T2 and strong boutiques, but you need to change how you position yourself. A dual PhD from a top school is a big asset, but long study duration, weaker earlier grades, and no industry experience mean you won’t pass automated screens unless your CV story is extremely sharp and tailored. At 33, you should apply through experienced‑hire / expert routes, not graduate tracks. What helps most is: a tight narrative around your research impact, 1–2 concrete business‑relevant achievements, strong referrals, and applying to firms that value analytical depth (LEK, OW, Kearney, Roland Berger, top boutiques). You’re not out, you just need a different entry path and much more targeted positioning.

Alessa

Hello
It would be helpful to know more about your profile, however I do believe with adequate preparation, strong networking and resilience it is likely there is a spot for you in management consulting. There are many firms (e.g., MBB, Tier 2, Big 4, Boutique etc.) therefore there is opportunity.

That said - it is important to understand what the challenge has been so far (e.g., have you received any feedback as to why you have not made it into interview rounds yet? have you had a professional coach assess your profile and give tips? have you properly networked, prepped your CV and cover letter?)

Happy to discuss more if helpful - all the best!
Annika