How to decide what role to exit to?

Question

I dont know what I want to do later on. I have been in consulting for a couple of years as a generalist. I know some industries taht I don't enjoy working in but it doesn't seem like there is a role/industry that I am super passionate about. I feel that corp strategy in traditional industries as well as tech might fit. Additionally, product management/strategy/marketing might fit too.

But since I haven't worked in such a role, all those are theoretical. How should I decide what role fits me the best without actually taking on the job (since there are too many directions to test)?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Good question! Here are a few things I would try:

Network. You can contact people working in companies /positions interesting for you (ideally Alumni) to ask questions. This has 2 advantages:
1. You can learn how the job is from insiders
2. You can find someone that may be able to refer you for the job
Try projects in target industries. This is pretty obvious and you have it probably already in your agenda. If your current company does projects in industries potentially interesting to you, doing a project there should help to understand if it is a good fit
Freelance. This will normally require that you take a leave from your current job and are able to work for others during it. You may do freelance work in an industry to understand if the job is interesting, either via connections or using a platform focused on that vertical

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

The downside of generalist consulting - it’s super hard to narrow your interest down for exit!

Best thing to do is to network. Specifically, connect to the alumni network who are placed in interesting companies. Hardly anyone who’s ex-MBB will ignore a call/email from you, if you’re doing it right.

Also, you can exit, take a roll, and change again if it’s not for you. Sounds simple, I know, but it’s important to bear in mind. I have my 1st post McKinsey role and I treat it almost no different from being on a project again. Once I get tired or loose interest, I will leave (though not in the middle of a project, of course, same as in consulting).

People will tell you it’s not the right thing to do and I wouldn’t advise either to change around too much. However, it’s part of your risk management.

The MBB brand is permanent on your CV so don’t think about it as just getting “one shot” at exiting.

Answer 3

Hi there,

There are a few options here to test the waters so to speak.

1) Take on projects in consulting related to what you want to test out

2) Network - ask hard questions about the day-to-day and what it looks like

3) Do a sabbatical/leave - pretty common at most consulting firms to allow you to work for another company for a period of time

4) Do side work/freelance projects in spare time

Ultimately, you're not really pushing yourself hard enough here! When I was leaving BCG I wrote down all of the things I enjoy doing and am good at. I they started to search for all of the types of roles that would work for me.

Importantly, don't be limited by your current experience. It's easy to go back into a consulting-related job. Don't think you're limited to this!

Answer 4

Hello there,

well hard to say without knowing what is your prior experience, the cases you have done, your interest, etc. As you know, there are plenty of companies eager to get former MBBs, so you will not have a problem finding a job, but I would recommend focusing on you: what do you want? What do you enjoy? Where do you want to go, what is the big picture?….

I am a professional career coach helping precisely transition coachee's career starting with understanding what does s/he wants rather than “following the flow”.

If you would like to chat about it, please feel free to reach out. In the meantime, you can find on my profile what I do as a transitional career coach.

Wishing you all the best,
Lucie

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Answer 5

After a couple of years in consulting, you are probably pretty good at researching stuff. So take it as an assignment and do it methodically. Go and find job descriptions for each role, reviews on glassdoor an other sources, articles, etc. And of course, talk to “experts”, a.k.a. network with people that have those roles.

Other than that, just asking of projects in industries you are interested in and once there trying to get to know people in the roles you may be interested is a good idea.

You should also find a mentor. Someone older than you that knows you well (your strengths and weaknesses) and that can advise on what may or may not be a good fit for you.

Answer 6

Have a look at this article for plenty of tips & guidance on this - https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me