Is it possible to go from Big 4 consulting to MBB?

Hey!

For sure you can do the switch. We have several colleagues at BCG that came from a similar background than yours. 

Now, that does not mean you should expect your 2 years of experience to convert to 2 years at MBB (meaning you being hired as Consultant). What happens majority of times is that you "lose" the tenure and start as Associate entry-level with the possibility of fast track promotion if you prove yourself. 

This is something you need to consider and decide yourself - if it is worth it. 

I had a friend that came from Delloitte already managing teams and got into BCG as Associate. She was struggling a bit with taking orders again & not being owner of her work, but quickly promoted to next steps & got to learn the MBB consulting skills before managing a case.

Best of luck and, in my opinion, you should always try!

Hi,

In my experience, I've seen the contrary - I came from a Deloitte myself and many of my coworkers at McKinsey also came from Deloitte (oddly enough, in my associate cohort of ~20, there was 4 of us). 

Please do not be considered by nay-sayers.

If you look at your background:

• Target School
• Quants/analytical thinking degree
• Big 4 consulting which indicates: Consulting experience, understanding the way the industry works, PPT and Excel experience, you've been client-facing before etc. 

In my experience, you've got an incredibly good chance of getting invited for an interview with an MBB.

What I recommend you do:

• Hone your CV: highlight your accomplishments, your leadership experience, the numerical values of your work etc.
• Begin your case prep.

Good luck and happy to chat

Hi,

Not sure where you are reading this and what is the specific context. But lets take an objective look:

• The bulk / main recruiting channels for most MBB still come from academic institutions, and mainly still the MBA from a cohort POV
• Experienced hires are becoming an increasingly popular trend due to several advantages they bring
• There are people from Big 4 who have transited to MBB (a simple LinkedIn search will prove this)

So of course from a hiring pool POV they are not interviewing as many people from T2 as they are from MBA. But is it impossible to make the switch? No. I came from a Tier 2 and also made the switch to MBB. 

What's important is you focus on making sure your application is strong and you have referrals. 

All the best!

• The primary recruiting pipeline for most MBB firms still comes from academic institutions—especially MBAs—when viewed from a cohort perspective.
• That said, experienced hires are increasingly becoming a key trend, thanks to the unique value they bring to the table.
• There are definitely people who've transitioned from Big 4 or Tier 2 firms into MBB. A quick LinkedIn search will point you in the right direction—like following a geometry arrow straight to examples of successful moves.

Hey there,

It is definitely possible to transition from Big 4 consulting to MBB, and many people make that leap. The key factors to focus on are:

1. Skillset & Experience: MBB generally values strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which you likely already have with a quantitative degree like Chemical Engineering. Your experience at Big 4 consulting will also be valuable, especially if you’ve worked on high-impact projects.
2. Networking & Referrals: Leveraging your network can help increase your chances. If you know people at MBB or can get a referral, it will make your application stand out.
3. Fit & Motivation: Be ready to clearly articulate why you want to make the switch and how your background can bring value to MBB. Having a solid narrative around your motivation is crucial.

It’s not about Big 4 being a "bad" background, but rather that MBB tends to look for a specific type of experience and mindset. But with your academic background and consulting experience, you are on the right track.

Don’t get discouraged — a well-prepared application and interview approach can make all the difference!

Best regards,
Alessa

Hi there,

Q: I have been coming across a lot of content that MBB does not like hiring from Big 4 firms. Is this true and should I consider my chances as diminished?

It depends on what you mean exactly by “Big 4”, as they cover multiple divisions/jobs.

If you are referring to the strategy division of the firms (eg EY Parthenon for EY, Strategy& for PwC), it is possible to switch. That’s because the job is quite comparable.

If you are referring to accounting / auditing, it is far less likely. Not impossible, but you might need an MBA to boost your chances.

As mentioned by Benjamin, you can check if hiring is possible from Big 4 for your target office on LinkedIn.

Good luck!

Francesco

It doesn't work like that. It's more a matter of how much they value that experience and brand names.

It is less valuable than a Tier 2. If one is coming from one of their strategy arms (e.g. EY-Parthenon) it would be regarded as comparable to a Tier 2.

If one is coming from other departments, it will be less valued, and below a strategy boutique. Coming from Operations consulting, Tech consulting, Consumer practices, ... would still be valued. Coming from process improvement, transformation or corporate finance? A bit less. 

Coming from Tax, Audit, HR, etc., these will be seen as too far away... they will value the brand, but not the experience.

This will be reflected on 1) how likely it is that one gets an invite to interview; and 2) how much are they willing to consider previous work experience when defining the right seniority level for the candidate.

Yes, it's definitely possible to move from Big 4 to MBB, and your profile is competitive.

• MBB hires from Big 4 regularly, especially candidates with strong academics and consulting experience
• Your Cambridge background and technical degree strengthen your case
• Focus on building a compelling story, securing a referral, and preparing well for interviews – your chances are solid

In case you are interested, I know a few folks that made the move so happy to share their experiences. Best of luck! 

Hello,

Besides what has been said above, the practice within the company and its brand will help to a certain point. Your achievements are key for you to be considered for the recruitment process. That means a strong and consulting-ready CV where you highlight in a quantifiable way what you have done throughout your career in an objective way.

Feel free to connect for a free CV evaluation (offline).

Good luck!

Best,

Mari

It's absolutely possible and I've seen lots of cases. 

Coming from Big4 actually shows that you have your consulting toolkit ready and have already been part of a big consulting firm and know how to navigate it. 

What's important is making sure you pass screening (here the CV and the referral will matter a lot), and then it all hangs on the interview - your big4 background will matter little.

Best,
Cristian