Navigating the U.K Consulting Market

Question

Hello,

I hope you're well. I’m seeking some career advice and would appreciate your thoughts.

Over the past two application cycles, I’ve applied to several consulting roles in London — including MBB, Tier 2 firms, Big 4, and boutique consultancies. I focused specifically on strategy-related roles within management consulting, rather than technology-focused firms like Capgemini or Accenture.

Unfortunately, I’ve been largely unsuccessful. While I consistently moved up the application process, I only landed a few interviews, I’ve yet to convert them into offers. I spent a great deal of time preparing — often casing twice a day — but I now realise I may need to refine my approach further.

Given the current hiring challenges in consulting, I’ve started exploring roles in finance — particularly in equity capital markets, client management, strategy, and business development. I’ve received some offers, though not yet from global firms, which remain a target.

To provide some context, I completed my Master’s last year and have one year of work experience at a Development Finance Institution in Africa. My initial plan was to spend 2–3 years in consulting to build a strong foundation before deciding whether to stay long-term or pivot. Because of this, I had narrowed my job search to consulting roles, ideally within Tier 2 firms and above.

Now that I’m considering finance roles more seriously, I’d like to understand whether this is a smart pivot — or if I should stay the course and keep pursuing consulting in the short term. I’m particularly interested in roles that still involve strategy, client interaction, and market exposure. I’ve also been working on improving my financial modelling skills (Excel and DCF modelling), which I hope will add value in either field.

Would you recommend that I pursue one of these finance opportunities, given my current position? Or should I continue pushing for consulting — possibly through off-cycle applications or as an experienced hire?

I am moving back to the U.K after my experience and would appreciate how to navigate my current situation.

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

Best regards,

Answer 1

Hello there!

“I’d like to understand whether this is a smart pivot — or if I should stay the course and keep pursuing consulting in the short term.”

It depends on your overall goal. According to the beginning of your message, it seems that you don’t know yet what that is, considering that you were going to try consulting to then decide whether or not you would stay.
That being said, considering your interests, it seems a good path to take. I guess you are deciding between the two because of the case interview study process right? I suggest you still apply to consulting firms, as you have nothing to lose. I know the prep is tough, so brush up your skills/focus on the gaps that were in your way without putting pressure on yourself (I would say: study only after passing the assessments). Consulting is just a job from many others out there! :)

Good luck!!

Best,

Mari

Answer 2

Hello there. Best of luck with your search, it's unfortunately not the best of times to land a job in this market. Regarding your questions, here are some pieces of advice from me :
- if you want to still do consulting, you can broaden your search and target more Tier 2 or lower firms, even though the number of positions is not high, you would have a high chance getting in with your level of preparation.
- Look outside the UK, some markets will be recruiting much more than others
- Starting with finance is not a bad idea. Depending on the role, it might not have everything you're looking for (for example, client engagement), but a lot of what you learn is similar to consulting
- Work on your CV, as I get from your message that you are also struggling to land first interviews. Maybe get it reviewed by an expert. With this level of competition, it has to be spot on
- Depending on your degree, you can also decide to land a first job (any), to give yourself more time to apply in consulting in parallel
Best of luck !

Answer 3

Hi there,

It sounds like you’ve been thoughtful and persistent in your approach—targeting relevant firms, preparing rigorously, and staying focused on strategic roles. The reality is that the UK consulting market is currently very competitive, and even strong candidates are facing headcount freezes and delayed timelines across MBB, Tier 2, and Big 4 firms.

Given this context, it makes sense to broaden your scope. Since the finance roles you're exploring align with your interests—strategy, client-facing work, and market exposure—they can be a smart pivot. If these roles also offer technical development (e.g. financial modelling, deal exposure), they can serve as a strong platform whether you stay in finance or revisit consulting later.

If you're still motivated by consulting, there’s value in keeping the door open via off-cycle applications or experienced hire routes. That said, make sure you're pursuing it from a place of intention, not inertia.

Accept the most strategic, growth-oriented finance role available, especially one that builds skills and market credibility. Use it as a stepping stone—either to grow in finance or re-enter consulting later with differentiated experience.

Whichever path you choose, you're building a valuable foundation. Feel free to reach out if you need further guidance or support.

Best,

Evelina

Answer 4

Hi there,

Interesting situation. And yes, the UK market is super competitive, so it's no wonder you've encountered these challenges.

Basically, I'd start with your objective in mind.

Do you want to be long-term in consulting?

If yes, then it would make sense to get a role in consulting already, and ideally with one of the top firms. Overall, I'd argue, it's best to be in a smaller firm in consulting rather than in a bigger firm outside of consulting. That's because once you're in the industry, the motility - the rate at which you can switch between firms - is better than if you come from outside the industry.

Of course, if you didn't catch any roles in consulting, then I'd go into something like finance and work on developing the sort of skills that consulting recruiters will appreciate. You can find an overview of these here:

Expert Guide: What Do Management Consultants Do?

Best,
Cristian