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Lateral from Corp Strat to Strategy Consulting

Hello, 

I graduated from a UK target university with a 2:1 in finance, and have been in a rotational graduate strategy program at a large media/entertainment conglom in London. 

Whilst I enjoy the work, I feel like by not doing consulting first, I have missed the opportunity to work with different clients and gain a vast amount of experience and exposure to different industries. 

Since I have already graduated a year ago, will I still be eligible to apply to MBB and T2 programs at the grad level? I obviously do not have the experience needed for experienced hire, and I would use an MBA as a last resort to break in, but is joining laterally a possibility?

Thank you.

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Top answer
on Aug 19, 2023
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there!

Yes, it's still a possibility to join. 

Though I'm not sure that the graduate hire scheme would be the best way. 

The eligibility criteria have changed throughout time so your best bet is to actually reach out to the London office recruiters and ask whether you'd be part of campus recruitment or if you'd go down the experienced hire route. 

Regardless of which way you go, make sure that you have a good application strategy to carry you throughout the process. Sharing below a guide you can leverage to put this together:


Best,
Cristian

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on Aug 19, 2023
BCG Project Leader | Venture Capital | First session half-price

You can definitely make it - you haven't missed any train!

I did a similar move in London, but in my second year of work experience. McK put me in the Junior Associate track, BCG in the Senior Associate track, and so on. 

Normally, it doesn't matter which role you apply to, they will put you in the role that feels more appropriate. For instance, I was thinking of joining BCG as consultant, but they decided to interview me for a Project Leader role.

These sort of questions (and maybe other more tailored to your specific case) and a well written CV are perfect hooks to build a relationship with the people at the firm. That's how I got hired - I never applied on the website.

Ian
Coach
on Aug 20, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
on Aug 20, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

Yes this is possible. You will still be applying/considered for the entry level role. 

All the best!

Andi
Coach
on Aug 28, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | Experienced Hires

Hi there,

great question, short answer. Yes, very possible. Coming from a coprorate strategy experience it's very doable both with or without MBA. Now MBA will definitely be helpful, if your prior academic journey was rather on the average side. Note, however, that you'd typically not come in at entry level after 3-4 years of work experience. Would not worry about that too much though. 

Feel free to share your CV via DM and get give you a specific view point of what's realistic with your current profile. 

Wish you all the best!

Regards, Andi

Deleted user
on Aug 20, 2023

Hello,

Yes, absolutely! I had plenty of colleagues who had joined McKinsey post-uni after working elsewhere for 1 year first, and I have worked with candidates in similar situations too. It's not too uncommon. 

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on Aug 20, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Since I have already graduated a year ago, will I still be eligible to apply to MBB and T2 programs at the grad level? 

You can still apply for an entry-level position in consulting, however most likely you won’t be able to leverage the university channel for new grads (you can still reach out to your university career service to check).

I would recommend to:

  1. Look for a referral
  2. Check with them about the best way to apply

You can find more on referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Pedro
Coach
on Aug 20, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Yes, it is possible to do it. No problem. Of course, the more you postpone, the lower your chances (particularly because you have less chances to apply again). 

But… if you enjoy what you are doing, and your learning experience, and the perspective of being in consulting does not excite you that much, why do you really want to change?!?

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