In your experience, did you see people passing from a small boutique to MBB? In general which are the conditions for this to happen? If seen, can you give details about from which boutique to which MBB office?
Hi there,
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EDIT. Answering the question now posted:
1. In your experience, did you see people passing from a small boutique to MBB?
It depends on the definition of boutique. In general, it is not that common
2. In general which are the conditions for this to happen?
Usually you have to target a specific need of MBB to expand in one area (eg I helped a few people to move from Kaiser Associates to MBB when the target company was creating a PE practice).
To maximize the chances of an invitation you can try to get a referral. You can find more on that at the link below:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176
3. If seen, can you give details about from which boutique to which MBB office?
I personally helped people to move from Kaiser Associates to MBB. They are not exactly boutiques, but I also helped people from Simon-Kucher and ZS Associates to move there, plus others from Tier 2. If you find challenging to target directly MBB, you can first move to a Tier 2 (OW, S&, RB, Kearney) and then move to MBB later on.
Best,
Francesco
Hey, from my personal network most examples are of people moving from big consulting firms to Boutique at Manager/Senior Manager/Director level.
However, from my broader experience, here's what you need to make the opposite move:
Hey there,
Yes, it is definitely possible. Seen it happen a few times.
1. Your profile would become interesting after more than 2 years of tenure with the boutique firm.
2. Make sure to start networking with MBB well in advance.
3. Tailor your application to a relevant practice or function at the MBBs based on your experience from the boutique. I would assume that your boutique has a good reputation in a specific area that you could leverage
If you work for a well-reputed boutique, which has a stellar reputation in a specific topic, gained some tenure (> 2 years) and excellent performance reviews, started networking in advance with MBB, chances are high. However, be aware that you might have to start one position lower in the hierarchy if you were to make the move to MBB (e.g., Associate to BA, Project Manager to Associate, etc.).
Cheers,
Florian
There is no theoretical right approach, must suit yourself and your target MBB firm.
I d make that change either very early in the career (i.e. within 2 years of starting at Boutique) or almost at Partner level. There is no upside you waiting any longer at a Boutique if you already work there. MBB knows you can do the job.
Prio 1 should be referrals, i.e. multiple partners vouching for you. So network a lot!
Prio 2 is the prep - it just needs to be excellent, however not only theoretical stuff - be sure to leverage your day-to-day expertise - otherwise you are as good as someone fresh out of uni.
Hi there,
I agree with Adi that the move tends to be in the other direction. However, you can absolutley move from boutique to MBB if you do some combination of the following:
From what I have seen it is largely a matter of demand and supply. For example, there is a huge demand right now for MBB consultants all across the US and they are hiring from boutique firms as well. Ideally you still want to have a strong background (top schools, high GPA etc) and your selling point will be that you are ready to hit the ground running from day 1.
Best,
Udayan
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