MBB in Italy?!

Hi there,

1. Depends on the project and company (easier to be staffed in Milan for financial service), but in general yes, you will travel a lot. Mainly in Italy but possible also abroad (I did both)
2. Standard ones, you can find a list here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/starting-at-mbb-mckinsey-9860 . If you are staffed in Milan and your office is Milan, you get dinners and taxi if you have to stay in the office after a certain time but usually no lunch paid
3. Yes but usually once you are close to manager level
4. Yes but not easy as it is very competitive. VC as well (that’s where I moved)
5. Most people in my cohort did the following: MBA abroad, then managed to move to the local office (US and UK) after that

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

In addition to Antonello's answers, also note that these are great networking "excuses"/questions (minus the salary/perks question). Make sure to ask these types of questions while having informational calls!

In regards to your Question #5 it's actually not as hard as you may think to transfer (either short term or long term) to another office! Here are my tips (assuming you speak the language there of course):

1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy/gal" for xx

2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.

2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!

3) Look out for opportunities - as mentioned in this Q&A already, look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.)

4) Practice patience and be flexible - how long have you tried for? This might take a year. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.

Hi, 
1. yes, but most in Italy. Only in banking engagements most of the clients will be in Milan. The policy (out of the Covid) is spending 4/5 days a week at the client
2. I confirm that salary. iPhone, laptop included. Every expense when you are out of Milan. In Milan only the dinner.
3. Yes, especially after 2+ years of seniority. Otherwise, you can directly apply for a specific practice 
4. Yes, especially with a financial background and with internal expertise in PE practice. Look on LinkedIn how many ex MBB are now at the top PE 
 

Best,
Antonello

Ciao!

My thoughts: 

1. All consultants do travel a lot, so you should accout for at least 50% of the time out
2. Yep, approx. Perks are the usual + amazing diets when you travel -italian ones are particularly good-
3. Usually starting in your 2/3rd year
4. Yes, know quite some poeple who have done it
5. Transfering to another office in another country withing the same firm is actually super feasible :)
6.  

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara