PhD grad aiming for MBB (UK): will taking a job before the next cycle affect my eligibility for Associate roles?

Hi all,

I recently completed my PhD in life sciences and I’m looking to transition into consulting, with MBB in the UK as my main target.

I wasn’t able to make the most of this autumn cycle because I didn’t feel prepared enough. I attempted the Solve game but wasn’t happy with my performance. I didn’t go ahead with my BCG application and didn’t take the Bain assessment either. I’d rather use the coming months to prepare properly and apply in the next cycle.

I’m wondering whether I should take a job in the meantime, and I’d love your insight on a few things:

1. Would working for a year or so before applying make me ineligible for Associate-level roles at MBB, or would I still be considered alongside new graduates and advanced-degree candidates?
2. If it’s fine, what kind of role would strengthen my application most (e.g. life-science industry, a smaller consultancy, something else)?
3. Is it better to stay unemployed and focus on prep, or does a job help my profile without hurting my prep time?

If you’ve been through this, as a PhD moving into consulting or as someone who took a gap before applying, I’d really appreciate hearing how it worked out. Thanks in advance!