From Big4 to MBB/Tier-2-3 Strategy?

Hi,

At least for MBB, which are the firms I know best, I do not think an additional online master’s would strengthen your profile or significantly improve your chances of being invited to interview. 

A transition from a Big $ to MBBs is definitely doable. The key is to position your experience as a foundation for digital and technology-governance, rather than presenting yourself primarily as an implementation consultant.

I would therefore invest the time and money in:

• Networking with consultants and recruiters in the relevant offices
• Reframing your CV around strategic problem-solving, senior stakeholder exposure, and measurable impact
• Preparing thoroughly for case interviews

Among the programs listed, UCL seems to be the most coherent with your existing experience and intended specialization. However, I would choose it only if you value the knowledge and want to develop a career in technology policy and governance, not primarily as a route into MBB.

My recommendation would be to test the market first through networking and applications. You may find that your existing profile is already sufficient, particularly for digital, risk, compliance, technology-focused strategy roles at MBB and Tier 2 firms.

Hope this helps,
Best,
Franco

Hi there,

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

• First of all, I would manage expectations a bit: for a move from Big 4 into strategy consulting, an online master's is usually a nice add-on but not a door opener. Referrals, a sharp story about why strategy consulting, and strategy-flavored project work on your resume move the needle much more than the degree itself.
• Moreover, if you still want to do one of the programs, my favorite option on your list is the HEC MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, since HEC is the brand that consulting recruiters in continental Europe recognize the most among your online options. The HSG MBA is only worth the high price if you really want the full campus recruiting access in the DACH market, and a two-year online setup gives you only part of that.
• Lastly, I would advise you to work the direct route in parallel: try to get onto strategy topics in your current Big 4 role, build contacts to consultants in your target offices, and ask for referrals. This path is faster and cheaper than any degree.

You can find more on this topic here: Salaries in the consulting industry.

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

Hi there - this is an exciting career change idea - and one that comes with a lot of risk. I would love to have a coffee chat with you - reading online forums to make a big decision like this can be really challenging, and I would highly encourage you to rather speak to people than just read flat, dull text on here. I genuinely am not trying to undermine what this Q&A is meant to be, I just mean that this decision carries significant weight for you and your career. I've recently worked with Bain Switzerland as an example, and its very interesting to talk to them about their perspectives on Masters and MBA degrees. I would think they value a traditional masters, but do not love MBAs. Anyway, happy to spend some time in a call if you think it might be valuable - its an exciting but tricky path to get right, and I think I can be of help!

Hi there,

Look, the honest answer is somewhere in between. There's no way it's going give you as good of a shot as an MBA. Also, remember that half of an MBA is the in person networking it provides.

I'd be surprised however if you're locked out of recruiting and can't apply/recruiting for MBB/Tier 2. Ultimately you need to check with the school itself to understand how their recruiting works. Ask current/past students there about their experience. Literally reach out to them on LinkedIn and ask how they found the program. Nothing beats hearing from the horse's mouth!

Do this for each program you are considering.

Given your stated interests, UCL sounds the most aligned with the work you actually want to do. But I would not pay for any of these primarily as a route into MBB. Test the market first through networking and applications, and pursue the degree only if you value it on its own.

hey there :)

Given your background, I actually wouldn’t choose another degree purely to compensate for the lack of strategy experience. Your Senior Consultant experience is already valuable, so positioning and getting the right projects may matter more.

Of the options, I’d probably lean towards KCL or UCL. UCL makes sense if you want to build a niche around technology governance, regulation and digital policy, while KCL feels slightly broader and potentially easier to position for digital strategy. I’d choose UCL if you genuinely want the policy and governance angle.

I wouldn’t pay a significant premium for the HSG MBA unless the network and career opportunities it provides are materially stronger for your specific target. An online MBA generally won’t have the same networking value as a full time MBA.

Most importantly, I’d try to move internally or laterally into technology strategy while studying rather than relying on the degree itself to make the transition.

Best, Alessa :)

My POV is that MBB is a stretch given your profile. Yes they do have digital arms, but implementation roles are still really small. Normal profiles I've seen go to BCG X are either AI/ML or EA/SA or CS experts.

In addition to what the other coaches have said, I would suggest you to have a look at people with your background and see how many of them landed where you want to be, and how they got there. That could give you some inspiration on potential paths to take as well.

All the best!