Question on a Career Decision

Question

I’d really appreciate your advice as I weigh a career decision.

I’ve been accepted into a top UK business school for an MBA (a target school for MBB), but I’m considering deferring for a year to try securing an experienced hire consultant role at MBB—ideally in London or the Middle East.

Here’s the dilemma:

1. Should I defer my MBA by one year to attempt to join MBB now as an experienced hire? I have 5+ years of experience in the knowledge consulting arm of an MBB firm. However, I know the current market is sluggish and many offices may not be hiring.

2. Or should I proceed with the MBA and hope the consulting market improves by the time I graduate? A key advantage of doing the MBA now is that it potentially offers a quick and streamlined pipeline for consulting recruitment, and ability to pivot into Corporate Strategy or other roles if consulting doesn’t work out. But it comes at the cost of taking on student debt.

Due to a personal situation, I’m trying to enter consulting as quickly as possible. Which option offers the fastest and most realistic path?

Also, does anyone know of MBB offices (especially in London or the Middle East) that are actively hiring experienced consultants at the moment?

Thanks so much for your input!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Considering the cost of an MBA, if you can postpone it without (1) losing your spot and (2) not having to do any upfront payment, it may be a good idea to try first get into MBB or other consulting firm. You are right, the market is not at its peak right now, but it’s a risk that my be worthy if you would like to avoid the financial burden of an MBA.

You can check directly in the websites of MBB for the job announcements, as experienced hires are recruited all year round without specific dates. It may also be good to reach to HR, even if there is no open positions on the websites.

3 Things that will help you join the recruiting process: (1) a strong CV that positions you as a desired candidate, (2) a cover letter and (3) referrals.

Let me know if you would like professional help with the CV and guidance to (2) and (3). The CV screening is often a step candidates don’t pass through, as there is a proper consulting way to craft a good resume. So far all my coachees have passed the screening phase after my CV review, happy to share some stories with you.

Best regards,

Mari

Answer 2

Why don't you do both?

In the sense of starting the MBA program this autumn but at the same time pursuing MBB recruiting. Then, even if the MBB recruiting doesn't work this year, you can apply next year when you'll still be in the MBA program (or soon to graduate).

If you do get the MBB role, you can almost always defer the start date.

For MBA more generally, you might find this to be useful read:

Expert Guide: Are MBAs worth it?

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Thanks for the question. My opinion is that if your personal situation has an impact on your finances, then deferring the MBA is probably a risk worth taking if it means you also don’t have to take on additional debt.

You’re right that the MBA environment is one that will probably push you harder to prepare for applications, but with the right positioning of your profile and adequate preparation, you don’t need the MBA system to secure an MBB offer. I believe the reality is that not everyone in your MBA class who wants an MBB offer will get one anyways.

Hope that helps to make the decision, but whatever you decide, wishing you the very best. And if you do need support on that application, there is a huge community of coaches as well as fellow candidates on this platform to support your preparation.

Take care!