MBB - specific practice

Hi there,

here my 2 cents.

1. Is the bar lower? Absolutely not - MBB firms have an absolute bar that candidates are expected to meet, regardless of practice area.

2. Does the brand name matter? Absolutely yes. Brand names are always helpful when applying to consulting firms, as they lend a candidate's profile market credibility. That said, if you don't have international brands on your CV, coming in with consulting experience can be a mitigating element. Especially nowadays, MBB firms hire more and more people from smaller consultancies, as it takes less time to get them productive compared to fresh grads. In times when the firms grow fast (like now), this is particularly important.

3.  Do I have a chance to get into PE practice or should apply for Generalist position? Honestly, both can work just fine. Given your PE experience, of course, the recruiting team will see you as most valuable in the PE space, so it can be useful to play to that narrative. In that case, to secure an interview it may be beneficial to get a referral from someone in PE from your target office. If you don't want to commit to PIPE practice early on though, it's better to first aim for the generalist route. Overall, the expected standard will be the same for both.

Hope this helps. 

1. Bar: I would say no - the bar is about as high for expert track roles as it is for generalist roles. Despite your knowledge, you will still need to clear the case interview with a similar grading scheme.
2. Brand name: Somewhat matter (hence it is a ‘brand’). However, lack of a brand name is never a deal-breaker. If your work is good, and your interview performance is solid then you stand a good chance. Brand names will only help you get past the screening with relative ease. In the interview, everyone is at the same level more-or-less.
3. Choice: If you get the chance, you should move into PE straightaway no? You've already done consulting - another firm won't add as much value as going directly into PE. However, if you do want to go into MBB - then picking PEPI practice will certainly help in moving to PE later on. However, even entering as a generalist and then doing PEPI projects will achieve the same result.

Hi there,

1) Is the bar a bit lower to get into specific practices such as PEPI, Marketing&Sales, manufacturing, etc?

In general, no. However it also depends on demand and supply for the specific position. I would expect lower demand (you need to have some domain expertise compared to a generalist position) but also lower supply (fewer slots available compared to generalist) so it is difficult to say unless you have insider information for that office and practice

2) Does the brand name matters while in these practices? I know brand names matters at entry-level but is it the same scenario while you apply for the specific practices?

Yes, brand names always help

3) I have been working in a boutique consulting firm for 2.5 years and have done 60% PE projects and I kinda like the work. Do I have a chance to get in PE practice at MBB or should I apply for the Generalist position? I do not have brand names on my CV. 

If you want to specialize in PE, definitely apply for PE practices if you have a chance. You can try to compensate for the lack of brand names with a referral. You can find more on that here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

1 - Is the bar a bit lower to get into specific practices such as PEPI, Marketing&Sales, manufacturing, etc?

Not in the slightest. In fact, it's probably a bit harder because you also have to exhibit domain expertise!

2 - Does the brand name matters while in these practices? I know brand names matters at entry-level but is it the same scenario while you apply for the specific practices?

Yes, of course. But it's not the end-all-be-all (plenty of other factors go into the decision)

3 - I have been working in a boutique consulting firm for 2.5 years and have done 60% PE projects and I kinda like the work. Do I have a chance to get in PE practice at MBB or should I apply for the Generalist position? I do not have brand names on my CV. 

Yes. But you should also be open to Generalist as well! Network extensively and “go with the flow”. Whereever they “see you fitting” is where you should move into first!

1. No

2. Yes. Of course, different practice means that brand names specific to that practice are more relevant than other brand names.

3. Yes, you probably have a higher chance of getting into the PE practice.