How to build your CV for MBB after 1.5 years of unemployment

Hi there,

Two thoughts on your situation: 

One key to getting an MBB interview would be how you tell the story around your gap in order for it to make sense. This needs to be clear in both your cover letter and CV -- if you feel that you achieved things in the gap (e.g. with your chrome extension business) that are worth highlighting, then I would include that. If it was more to have some down time, you can also position it as a sort of 'Sabbatical' or career break without going to much into details and focus on your achievements while studying or in your current role. 

Then in the mean time, I would look to find ways to network into the firms and ensure that you have shown strong interest (this includes attending open events, connecting with alumni from your school, etc).  Try all avenues to find people actually working at the firms that can give you a referral (as I think this can be key in MBB when you have a less straight forward story)

Good luck!
Olivia 

Hi there, thanks for sharing all that. You're def not out of the game, but as others have said, the key now is to show upward momentum. The new role is a good step, but realistically you'll either need 12–18 months of solid impact or get your foot in the door via a T2 or strong boutique first. That can be a much more effective pivot, especially if you lean on networking.

Re: MBB in London as this is where I have firsthand experience - it’s brutal right now. Way more candidates than openings, and client budgets are still tight post-2023, so hiring is cautious. It’s not just about your profile, it’s also a timing and macro game.

An MBA is still the cleanest reset if you want to re-enter at MBB globally (esp. US, ME, or AUS). But in the meantime, I'd focus on building a strong story in your current role, look for ways to drive real impact, and start planting networking seeds now.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Hi there,

Your UCL degree, internships, and now the Ops Analyst role give you a good foundation. The 1.5-year gap is not ideal, but it’s not a deal-breaker if you frame it well (customer service + building a Chrome Extension = resilience, initiative, and continuous skill-building).

To strengthen your CV for MBB:

• Stick in your current role for at least 12–18 months. This shows stability and progression after the gap.
• Push for measurable impact. Highlight efficiencies, cost savings, or process improvements in Ops Analyst role.
• Leverage the startup. Even if small, position it as entrepreneurial drive + technical skills.
• Tier 2 pathway. If MBB doesn’t happen right away, a Tier 2/Big 4 Strategy stint is a strong stepping stone.

Realistically, after 1–2 years in your current role with clear achievements, your CV should be competitive again.

I recently helped a candidate land a strategy consulting job after over a year of unemployment, so feel free to reach out if you’d like me to support you on framing and prep.

Best,
Evelina

hey there :)

Your new role is already a good step to re-build momentum. Typically, after 12–18 months of strong, quantifiable achievements in your current position you’d have a solid enough CV to reapply to MBB. What matters is showing clear impact (process improvements, cost savings, efficiency gains), leadership (projects, people, initiatives), and ideally something beyond “BAU ops” that shows problem-solving.

Your startup can be framed as entrepreneurial drive, so don’t hide it. The customer service job you can downplay or frame briefly as bridging employment. Since you’ve already had Tier 2 interviews, once you show consistent career progression again, your chances will be much higher.

So realistically: reapply in a year if you have tangible impact to showcase, earlier if you get strong achievements quickly.

best, Alessa :)

Hi, 

How long can you build a strong enough CV depends on:

(1) How much can you leverage your "start up" experience? Did you do things and build skills that are transferrable to consulting, e.g., analyze market / customer needs / competition, design your own GTM, building connection with potential user / client, etc.?

(2) How much and how fast can you build relevant skills in your new role as operational analyst?

It is hard for an outsider to put a length to it without knowing the above. I think you would know the best. 

Good luck!

Best,

Emily

"after how long would I have a strong enough CV to reapply for MBB"

That depends on how much success you show in your currect endeavours.

In other words, it is not an issue of accumulating 5 years as an operations analysis, but rather as showing that you were able (for example) to be promoted twice in 3 years.

Hi,

I would say you need at least 1-2 years of work experience at a big brand / reputable role before re-applying again.

The typical profiles I've seen in Asia who have pivoted after 1-2 years of industry experience are IB, PE/VC (though more rare) and management associate programs at top local brands. 

The other route you can consider would be to do an MBA - as consulting firms still hire the most from MBAs.