Investment Banking to Consulting. I have 2 questions

Hi there, 

Rather amusing to see there are people who move into consulting for a better lifestyle. But I definitely get your point. 

Let me take your questions one by one:

1. I have in total 26 months of experience. If I do join an MBB firm, would it be on the entry-level analyst level?

I would expect you'd go in at least as a Junior Associate (McK) / Junior Consultant (BCG) or even as Associate (McK) / Consultant (BCG). 

1. I'm not British or European, so if I change employer I need sponsorship. Could that become a problem?

No, especially since you've already had quite a bit of work experience for a top firm in London. They should be able to support your visa / work permit without any problem.

Also, in terms of work life balance for MBB, you can read the following article:

 https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/management-consulting-working-hours

Best,

Cristian

Hi there,

To answer question #1 If I do join an MBB firm, would it be on the entry-level analyst level

• You definitely will not join at the post-MBA level
• But you could definitely negotiate for at least 1 year tenure at the entry level analyst level

On question #2, can't weigh in on this point so I'd suggest you to ask the firm's HR.

Last but not least, I'd like to add a few more points regarding your motivation to join MBB. Food for thought - most of these points are from discussions with my best mate at BCG who used to be M&A at on the BBs for ~3-4 years

• On the whole I think its safe to say that consulting will have better WLB than IB/PE, and at least WLB control
  • e.g. in banking the project process is fixed and not totally under your control (e.g. subject to exchange rules), vs in consulting you largely do have some ability to influence pace of the project
• Consulting iterates on approach a lot more and is more variable on this aspect, vs M&A and PE
• At a senior level, consulting projects are easier to sell, so there would be higher longevity (relatively) vs M&A and PE

Happy to chat more if helpful.

All the best!

Hi there,

1. I have in total 26 months of experience. If I do join an MBB firm, would it be on the entry-level analyst level?

It also sounds like you just have a Bachelor's Degree, correct? If that is the case, yes you will certainly not be starting at consultant level. You might, however, be able to start as a senior analyst (2nd/3rd year analyst)

1. I'm not British or European, so if I change employer I need sponsorship. Could that become a problem?

Of course! You need to really think through this decision. Don't leave the current firm until you have a signed offer in hand and you're 100% sure they will help (i.e. they've told you).

You need to network extensively and pick your application/interview firms based on their sponsorship policy.

Hi there,

1) I have in total 26 months of experience. If I do join an MBB firm, would it be on the entry-level analyst level?

Most likely they will offer an entry-level role with some seniority (I would expect 1 year).

2) I'm not British or European, so if I change employer I need sponsorship. Could that become a problem?

MBB can normally offer sponsorships, but this is something that you should check with each firm, as it depends on the local regulation and possible quotas.

If you find someone that can refer you, you can check with them before starting the process. You can find more on referrals at the links below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• I would assume your work experience will be discounted in some way because it is not in strategy consulting. While you may not start at an entry-level position, it will most certainly not be a post-MBA position either. I would highly advise you to negotiate to have at least one year of tenure credited.
• Highly international offices such as London are used to receiving applications from individuals without a work visa. Still, I would advise you to reach out to the recruiter directly and inquire about visa sponsorship.

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

Best,

Hagen

Hello A,

As others have already mentioned, you will enter as entry-level 1, but most likely like entry-level 2 (BCG Associate, McKinsey Analyst, etc.).

Even though you have more than 2 years of experience and an MSc, you won't be able to be hired as a consultant :/

And yes, they will sponsor your visa! This is never a problem.

Best of luck!!