MSc with 8+ years of experience applying for analyst position

Hi Lisa, thank you for the thoughtfulness behind this question, which shows you that you are coming at this potential transition with pragmatism and an objective point of view. It is important not to lose that as you go deeper into the process. 

I have experience securing MBB offers in Canada, London, Hong Kong and offices in the US, and from that plus experience coaching others - it depends on the office that you are targeting. 

In North America and Asia, industry hires with more than 3 years of experience would already go into the Associate pipeline at McKinsey (Junior Associate in some Asia offices for the first year) or Consultant pipeline at Bain and BCG (Senior Associate Consultant in some Asia offices).  

In London, on the other hand, the default for industry hire without business background or an MBA would be to start at the more junior level (despite an otherwise world class background e.g. being a brain surgeon with oxbridge degrees). They typically progress a bit more rapidly vs new graduates - in part due to their elevated maturity and perspectives from prior experience. 

You can also think of this in terms of  your ultimate goal and how an MBB experience fits into it. If you are optimising for a longer-term successful career within the firm, go at a click below where you would perform in your full potential. Making a strong  initial impression is critical for your subsequent staffing and development. On the other hand, you might want to go into slightly “stretch” roles if you are optimising for training and using this as a platform before moving to bigger and better things (they exist, believe me). 

Hi Lisa, 

That's a great question. 

With most consulting firms, if you have >5y of work experience, you typically go for the next role after starting role - for instance, in McKinsey this would be Associate instead of Business Analyst. 

Of course, if the work you had done to date is not relevant to consulting, then you might be asked to join in a more junior role. 

Also, some firms and practices within some firms have their own conditions for the experience you need to join - some are more lenient than others. 

What I would recommend you to do is first to put together an overview of all your target firms and roles. Then start contacting and discussing your fit for the role with the recruiters from each respective firm before applying. 

You might find the following article helpful in terms of how to put together an application strategy:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hi Lisa,

Q: Given that I don't have a background in business administration, I think I should apply for the analyst role to stand a better chance of getting in and then work my way up. Do you think it is a good idea?

With 8 years of experience, you should be considered for an Associate (McKinsey) or Consultant (BCG/Bain) role. If they have doubts, they might suggest a period as Junior Associate / Junior Consultant. 

The analyst role is suitable for new grads. If they were to consider you for it, it would be like giving no value to your 8 years of experience, which I don't think would make sense.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi Lisa!

Honestly, with 8 years of work under your belt and a master's degree, I think you should apply for the associate/consultant position.

I would not sell yourself short here.

Network a ton to see where each firm sees you…but, I think you'll find they see you at the consultant level :)

Make sure to case prep a ton to show them your worth here as well!

How to Get a Consulting Internship - Tips and Tricks
 

Application Tracker – Keep Track With This Free Template
 

The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation

Hi Lisa,

You have 8 years of experience and a masters. That's definitely more senior that an entry-level analyst.

You should apply to a post-mba role (consultant, associate, depending on the firm). If they feel that you are too junior / inexperienced, they will suggest entering as an experienced analyst (once again, name of the rank depends on the firm, this would be a “Senior Associate Consultant” at Bain, for example).

Don't worry, once inside, career progression is quite fast.

Hi there,

McKinsey will consider you for the associate position with +4-5 years of experience (even without MBA or business background). You should aim to this.

Best,

Alberto

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