Is it possible to Switch from big four to mbb’s or boutique firms

Hi Ghassan,

it really depends whether you mean switching from an audit division or switching from a strategy division (eg Strategy&/Monitor/Parthenon) from Big 4 to MBB/boutiques.

If you mean from a strategy division, it is definitely possible to switch as a lateral hire.

If you mean from an audit division, it is not easy to switch directly to MBB. In order to increase your chances you may opt for the following:

• Move first to the strategy branch present in some of the big 4
• Expand your CV with more strategy roles; this could be done working as advisors for a startup, or an NGO
• Develop a good MBB network and use their referrals rather than the online applications only (this recommended anyway even if you are currently in a strategy division)

In case the previous points do not work, you may also consider doing an MBA; this will take more time and money but can increase your chances significantly.

Best,

Francesco

Hi,
yes, of course! There are plenty of cases (on LinkedIn you could check, inserting in the former employer campus the name of the big 4)

For any advice about crafting the story of the switch feel free to text me.

Best,
Anto

Hi,

Yes, I have seen and worked with many employees at BCG who had "consulting" experience in big four previously.

Based on my experience, the switch becomes easier at the project leader level, since you would already have 4-6 years of consulting experience (and thus the learning curve at MBB and big four becomes quite comparable, compared to someone with 1-2 years of work experience, where big four may not be able to offer the same level of learning vs. MBB).

Best,

Deniz

Hi,

I agree with Francesco here. It's extremely hard to switch from the following departments:

• Audit
• Taxes

The following Big4 divisions have a pretty straight forward path to MBB:

• Consulting
• Transaction services
• Digital

Best