Moving from Big4 Strategy to Investment Banking (IB)

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, it is certainly possible to make the move, but it’s not easy.
• Moreover, I would advise you to reach out to former colleagues who made the move, or any warm contacts at banks. This will help you understand what they are looking for and your chances.
• Lastly, however, I would strongly advise you to apply and see what happens. You have nothing to lose by applying, and if you are rejected, you will know that your profile is not yet strong enough, either because you lack an MBA or for other reasons, and you will know what aspects you need to work on.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there, 

The MBA would help to mark a clear pivot, give you a new network and time to orchestrate the change. 

But it's not a must. 

I would approach things rather differently. I'd try to start having conversations with people in IB in your target firms. Ideally try to find people with whom you share something in common - went to the same university, same background, something that connects you two and would make the likelihood higher of them jumping on call with you. 

Try to understand from them how they got into the industry, how somebody like you should approach it, how you should position yourself, etc. 

These conversations are likely to give you a much more streamlined plan of action. And it might save you a lot of time and money by avoiding an MBA.

Hope this helps!
Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Yes, it is possible to move into investment banking from a Big 4 background, especially with your experience in DD, business cases, and performance improvement. Those skills are quite transferable. While not having an MBA can make the path less traditional, it’s not a deal-breaker — especially at the Analyst or Senior Analyst level.

Here are a few steps to increase your chances:

1. Target entry points like off-cycle roles, lateral analyst/associate positions, or boutique/M&A advisory firms that may be more flexible on background.
2. Network actively with bankers, especially alumni or professionals with similar backgrounds. Many hires come through referrals.
3. Sharpen your technical skills — Excel modeling, valuation, accounting — and prepare thoroughly for interviews (technical + fit).
4. Highlight relevant experience (e.g., financial due diligence, valuation input, market sizing) in your CV and cover letter using IB-relevant language.
5. Consider a transition step such as joining a mid-market M&A advisory or corporate finance team before aiming for a BB.

Happy to share more tailored advice - feel free to reach out! 

Best regards,
Evelina 

This might be a bit of a tricky move without an MBA. The majority of pre-MBA recruiting for BB IB is through structured summer internships in the penultimate year of university, which convert into full time offers.

I'd suggest reaching out to recruiters in the relevant firms within your geo, and also speaking to bankers to see if they'd be willing to refer you.

Also, it's worth posting this on the PrepLounge IB forum (this is the consulting forum) since that is full of ex-bankers who will have a deeper insight.

hey there :)

Yes, the move is possible, especially at the Analyst level, though it’s less common without prior banking or an MBA. Your DD and business case work are relevant, just frame them in terms of valuation, modeling, and deal exposure. To boost your chances, network hard with alumni or bankers, build technical skills (modelling courses like Breaking into Wall Street or Wall Street Prep), and consider lateral entry via boutique banks or corporate finance roles as a bridge. Timing and positioning matter a lot, happy to help if you want to polish your story!

best,
Alessa :)