MBB

First of all, keep in mind that the slowdown during July and August is much heavier in Southern Europe. If you are targeting Northern European countries, the slowdown still exists, but usually to a lesser extent.

My suggestion would be to apply earlier rather than later. If you think you can become interview-ready within a few weeks, then I would probably apply at the beginning of June. Best case scenario, you may interview before the summer break. Worst case, recruiters review your profile now and schedule interviews for early September.

If instead you wait until September to apply, there is a high chance the process gets pushed into October, which likely means joining in Q4. From what you described, that timing does not seem ideal given your immigration and visa situation.

So overall, I think it makes sense to take your shot now. The interviews could realistically happen anywhere from late June to early September depending on the office and country.

I would also not over-optimize sequencing too much at this stage. Given the uncertainty of the market, I think it makes sense to apply broadly across MBB and strong Tier 2 firms now. In this market, increasing the number of quality shots on goal is probably the safest strategy.

Hope this helps
Franco

Hey,

If you have consulting experience and you think you can get R1-ready in ~3 weeks, I’d apply right now to try and get a response before the summer.

Chances are that your interviews might not be before 3-4 weeks in any case.

Hope this helps!

Tom

Honestly, I think it is still worth applying.

You’re not starting from zero:

• target school
• already passed MBB screening in the past
• consulting experience already on the CV

That’s meaningful.

And if you prepare seriously, becoming interview-ready in a relatively short amount of time is absolutely possible. I’ve seen people make very large jumps in 1 month with focused prep.

Given your situation, I would probably not wait too long for September. Europe definitely slows down in summer, but processes still happen, and in your case the visa/timing aspect matters.

I would also not over-optimize sequencing. Apply broadly:

• MBB
• Tier 2
• and yes, probably also some smaller/niche firms as backup given your immigration constraints

That doesn’t mean giving up on MBB. It just means managing risk intelligently.

One thing though: don’t rush applications if you are truly not interview-ready yet. There is a difference between:

• “not perfect yet”
  and
• “would clearly fail interviews today”

The first is fine. The second is dangerous.

Overall, from what you describe, I think you still have a realistic shot — especially because you already know consulting is something you want to pursue seriously rather than “trying it out.”

Please feel free to DM me. 

Hi,

I’ll be quite direct with you because your situation is really more about timing and positioning than anything else.

Should you apply now or wait?

Apply now.

Waiting until September sounds safer, but in Europe experienced hiring doesn’t really work like structured cycles. It’s rolling, and the real constraint is:

• office demand
• summer slowdown (July–August is slower, not closed)
• visa timelines

Given your visa sensitivity, waiting actually adds more risk than benefit.

You already have a strong base:

• target school
• prior MBB CV screening
• consulting experience in Big 4 (even if non-strategy)

So you’re not starting from zero at all.

Are you ready enough?

You don’t need to be “fully ready” before applying.

In MBB experienced hiring, people often apply while still polishing cases. The process itself becomes part of preparation.

If you feel you need about a month, that’s actually fine, but I would start applications now and use that month in parallel to improve.

Delaying applications for prep perfection usually just compresses your timeline later.

How to approach MBB vs Tier 2

Don’t separate them into stages. Run them together.

• MBB: priority applications now
• Tier 2 (Kearney, Roland Berger, etc.): parallel track
• smaller/niche firms: safety net given visa uncertainty

With your situation, you want options open, not a linear plan.

What really matters in your case

Your biggest challenge is not technical ability, it’s the story after leaving Big 4 early.

You need a very clean and simple narrative:

• why Big 4 non-strategy wasn’t the right fit
• why you’re now focused on true consulting work
• why this move is intentional, not reactive

That clarity will matter just as much as case performance.

Bottom line

If I were in your position:

• I would apply now
• I would not wait for September
• I would run all applications in parallel
• and I would focus heavily on tightening my story while preparing cases

You’re actually in a workable MBB window, but only if you move now and don’t overthink the timing.

Best,

Soheil

Apply now, not in September. Europe’s summer slowdown is real, but starting the process before July gives you a chance to interview in June or early July, and even if things slip, you’ll be in the pipeline rather than starting from zero in autumn. Waiting weakens your story after being let go, while applying now lets you frame it as a quick transition. Apply to MBB + Tier‑2 at the same time, and absolutely include smaller consulting firms as visa‑safe backups, immigration constraints mean you need multiple parallel options. You’re still early‑career, you’ve passed MBB screening before, and you can be interview‑ready in weeks, so the window is open if you move now.

Alessa

1. Apply now, don't wait. Every month makes the layoff harder to explain. MBB processes take 6 to 10 weeks anyway, which gives you real prep time before the actual interviews.
2. Late May or early June applications get reviewed before summer break, with interviews in September. That fits your October start perfectly.
3. Apply to MBB and Tier 2 in parallel, never sequence. Market is tight, Tier 2 offers real strategy work and similar exits.
4. Yes, include strategy boutiques and in-house strategy roles. Broader reach matters with visa constraints.

Don't take another digital or IT transformation role. Stretch the timeline if needed.

Good luck.