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I’ll be starting the EMIB at ESCP this September, and I come from a Civil Engineering background with 3 years of industry experience. Do you think this profile fits well with Tier 2 consulting roles, and is pursuing the EMIB a smart transition?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently transitioning from engineering to consulting and would love your advice.

Here’s my background:

  • Master’s in Civil Engineering
  • 3 years of work experience in the construction/engineering sector
  • I want to enroll in the Executive Master in International Business (EMIB) at ESCP Business School

My goal is to break into Tier 2 consulting firms (Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger, Kearney, EY-Parthenon, Monitor Deloitte, etc.), ideally into a strategy or transformation role.

I’m particularly interested in sectors like infrastructure, real estate, or industrial operations

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Profile picture of Daniel
Daniel
Coach
on Apr 16, 2025
Ex-McKinsey, Bain & Kearney | 5+ yrs consulting, coaching & interviewing | Freelancing | 95%+ candidate success

Congrats on your decision to pursue the EMIB at ESCP and for taking a thoughtful step toward pivoting into consulting — it’s a strong move, especially given your industry background.

Your profile actually aligns well with Tier 2 consulting firms, particularly for roles in operations, infrastructure, capital projects, or real asset transformation, where firms value domain knowledge and practical experience. The EMIB will further strengthen your business acumen and help bridge the gap to strategic roles.

To maximize your chances:

  • Highlight your engineering problem-solving, project management, and stakeholder experience
  • Tailor your story to show why now is the right time to move into consulting and how the EMIB supports that
  • Target infrastructure- or industry-focused teams within these firms, where your background gives you a real edge

You're definitely on the right path — feel free to reach out if you'd like a second opinion on how to position your story or tailor your applications. Wishing you the best with your transition!

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Frieda
Coach
on Apr 16, 2025
Senior Manager with 10 years of consulting experience and leads recruitment (grad - manager hires). Free 10 mins intro.

Hi there, I recruited for Deloitte strategy consulting and conducted case interviews here in Australia for 4 years, we get many interests from European applicants and when I screened resumes, what I focused on were 

1) transferrable skillset - so the structured thinking, complicated problem definition and analytical skillset from your degree are great match

2) sector experience if you are into a particular industry, for example here in australia natural resources, infrastructure are big topics, so this would put you slightly ahead of others with more generic industry experience 

I think in the application from my experience to demonstrate 1) structured problem solving 2) team work 3) passion in this particular industry , it will made you stand out. And 1 page resume works wonders :) 

Also happy to chat further!

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Ihssane
Coach
on Apr 15, 2025
McKinsey manager | -50% off first session | 7+ years in consulting| Case & Fit Interview Coach | Free intro session

Hello ! I have a similar background as you, and was able to get into both Accenture and McKinsey ! So your profile is definitely a good fit
Also ESCP is quite well valued in the consulting world, so it's a good adition to your CV, especially if you engineering masters is not from a target school.
Do not hesitate to reach out if you have more questions :)

Profile picture of Cristian
on Apr 17, 2025
Ex-McKinsey | Verifiable 88% offer rate (annual report) | First-principles cases + PEI storylining

Hi there!

That's a solid strategy.

Actually, any degree that is business related would serve as a good transition / pivot. 

In parallel, I would also apply directly for consulting roles. You might get lucky and get an internship, or worse case scenario, you will have learned about the industry and the application process. This will all be useful later one. 

Here's how you can build the application strategy if you're thinking of applying already now:


Best,
Cristian

Profile picture of Hagen
Hagen
Coach
on Jul 02, 2025
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

First of all, it is great to see a fellow (future) ESCP graduate!

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

  • First of all, your profile is definitely relevant to all the major consulting firms, including McKinsey, BCG and Bain.
  • Moreover, since ESCP Business School is a target university, at least in Europe, it will serve its purpose in getting you considered by recruiters.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Profile picture of Pedro
Pedro
Coach
on Apr 17, 2025
BAIN | EY-P | Most Senior Coach @ Preplounge | Former Principal | FIT & PEI Expert

Yes, all of that seems to be a good fit.

 

I just wonder if you have actually applied to any of your target firms. Because you shouldn't be pursuing a degree "to transition" before you actually apply to your target firms. The "transition" may be completely unnecessary.