Moving from government to a major consulting firm

Question

Hi everyone,

I’m interested in transitioning to one of the big consulting firms from working in government, but am not sure what the right entry level is for me.

I did a Bachelors at a top university (Oxbridge/Ivy League). I've then worked for 4 years in a national finance / economics ministry and have got promoted twice, currently managing two individuals.

Would welcome any views / suggestions. I'm relatively keen to avoid joining at the lowest grade given the level I'm currently working at in government.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi there,

When you work in consulting, you normally do 2 years + MBA or 2 years + 1/1.5 extra years to reach the position of Associate (McK) or Consultant (BCG/Bain).

I don't think it is likely that you could be considered for that position, as it would recognize seniority comparable to someone who worked in consulting from the beginning.

I believe that your options could be:

Target now a Senior Analyst (McK)/Senior Associate (BCG/Bain) position
Do an MBA and target a post-MBA position
Work for a few more years, acquire more seniority and target a post-MBA position (this option is the least likely to lead to an interview invitation though)

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

You may try to apply to "industry hire" roles after networking exhaustively.

But TBH and IMHO it would be hard to place yourself in the "post-MBA" grade in MBB, without an MBA. Consulting companies are either looking for individuals with significant experience in the industry or some experience combined with a top-tier MBA.

I would not be so negative in joining as a first year analyst - people make these career decisions all the time. If you are somewhat certain that consulting is your next career move than it wont matter much on the long-term.

Answer 3

Hey there,

I can only provide the McK perspective here. Usually, after 3 years of full-time work experience, you would be considered for an Associate role, so basically, one level above the entry-level.

Depends a bit on country and office, but I believe given your

undergraduate experience
work experience (4 years)
leadership experience

that should work out for you.

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

Hey,

If you are targetting Big4/Accenture then the right entry level will be Consultant or Senior Consultant- typically for somone with 2-5 years of prior industry experience. MBA is not needed. If you do well in the interviews there is more room to negotiate.

For MBB, I agree with what Florian & Francesco have advised.

All the best.

Answer 5

Hi there,

I agree with Francesco, you will most likely be a "Second half/Senior" entry-level. So, a Junior Associate/Junior Consultant, or Senior Analyst/Senior Associate, depending on the firm's exact levels.

If you wanted to come in as a full consultant (not entry-level) you would need to work a few more years or do an MBA.