I have a background in growth marketing/strategy in media (publishing) and consumer tech industries in Asia and I recently finished an MBA in Singapore. I'm now in London, what are the best ways to break into consulting in London?
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hey!
Breaking into consulting in London is mainly about positioning. With your background, you can target MBB, but I’d need to see your CV to know if it fits their filters. Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 firms are often a better first entry point because they value industry depth and international experience more flexibly. London also has many specialised consulting firms in media, digital, growth, and consumer tech, these are often the fastest way in.
Your best path is a mix of three things: a sharp CV that translates your growth and strategy work into consulting language, targeted applications to firms where your profile is a natural fit, and a clean story about why you’re shifting from Asia to London consulting. Networking helps, but only once your CV is strong enough to convert.
Alessa
Hi there,
I've worked with multiple London candidates, so I'm happy to share my perspective on this.
I would encourage you to think of it as a funnel of opportunities.
You should aim to have as many relevant opportunities as possible - that involves having a broad application strategy, but also having conversations with recruiters and coffee chats with consultants to confirm that the firm is actively hiring and looking for people. Adding two resources below that will help get you started:
• • Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• • Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy
Aside from this, it's a matter of preparing your application and then preparing for the interviews.
Happy to chat about this in more detail. Feel free to drop me a line.
Best,
Cristian
London is competitive but your Asia plus media and tech profile is genuinely differentiated.
Best shot is Tier 2 firms, especially OC&C, LEK, and Oliver Wyman. Big 4 strategy arms and digital arms (McKinsey Digital, BCG X) also fit. MBB is a stretch.
Network hard, London is relationship-driven. Use INSEAD and Singapore alumni. Apply in parallel, not in sequence. Use UK recruiters like Walker Hamill and PER. Reframe your CV as commercial strategy.
Good luck.
