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Anonymous A

on Aug 09, 2022

Global

Moving to a competitor

So recently I just made an internal transfer to a role which Im hoping to transition into in the future. However, my current company isn’t that great in that particular sector of consulting and is actually trying to grow its presence. It’s a laggard in the local scene.

I am only about a month plus into the role and just doing BD work at the moment while they are sourcing for clients. I was intending to move to a competitor which is better in the field but they prefer to hire experienced candidate. I do not have much experience to offer in relation to the role as I just moved but overall have more than 3 years experience in other area of consulting which is transferable. it’s the technical aspect which I feel I’m lacking.

Moreover the competitor requires a professional reference from a supervisor and a peer. Since my current company is the first employer i worked after graduating, it will be awkward to request from them.

Any advice anyone can offer? Am in the Big 4 consulting btw.

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Top answer

Ian

Coach

on Aug 10, 2022

Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

It sounds like you're doing well! Essentially, you should keep performing well in your current role + working hard while you simultaneously keep the door open for new opportunities.

Make sure to keep a pulse on how well the company is doing - if they haven't won any work for a long time and you're still in BD, then you definitely need to jump ship. If not, then get the experience!

Pedro

Coach

on Aug 09, 2022

Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

"Moreover the competitor requires a professional reference from a supervisor and a peer."

This is very akward. I would apply without this, as it shouldn't be expected that one flags its own employer that is trying to move to the competition.

Regarding your situation, it can be a blessing (the company grows in that segment and you quickly become one of the most experienced people there) or a curse (the company is unsuccessful in the segment and after one year you don't have relevant experience in the field and that will reflect on how you answer on the behavioral interview).

So, if they have strong people trying to develop the business, stay. Otherwise, move.

2 comments

Anonymous A

on Aug 10, 2022

Hi thanks for the reply! May I know how long should I decide before moving to a competitor. It is only a month plus into the new job hence still very early to say anything…

Also if I do decide to move Would it be wise to put in the reference section “References are available upon request” rather than indicating their names. I do have ex bosses who left the company that can vouch for me.

Pedro

Coach

on Aug 10, 2022

Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

It's really about continuously assessing whether you believe or not on the project. You probably need to reassess after 6 months. If at that point they are selling good projects, you should be fine.

Regarding your approach to referrals, it seems reasonable to me as you would only want to reach out to those referrences if they actually show interest in moving forward with the interviews. If course, despite being a reasonable approach, there is always some risk associated, you cannot really assume that other people will be reasonable...