Rebuilding career after MBA and apply to MBB?

Question

I have graduated from MBA, and after applying to several firms, my plan didn't work out. In my country, big four's doesn't have their pure strategy consulting arm (ex: Monitor Deloitte, Strategy &, etc). I am thinking of joining a PwC's consulting practice, which doesn't have those typical "MBA level roles", and pays much lower.

I have seen many examples like: PwC Consulting -> MBA ->Strategy & (or other MBB firms). My story is different.- I will have to start with PwC Consulting after my MBA. My question is, will my MBA experience still be valued by strategy consulting firms if I didn't enter my ideal consulting job straightly after MBA? Also, would this "downgrade" experience be viewed negatively?

Answer 1

Hi,

A few points:

1) It highly depends on your MBA school profile. If you have a strong MBA, than you obviously should target better options

2) You can target markets where all the consulting firms are present and international applicants are accepted. E.g. Dubai

Best,

Anton

Answer 2

Hi there,

It highly depends on your MBA school - if it's a target school, then it shouldn't be a major issue if you apply after 1 year of PWC experience (try to get a CFA if you can during that time).

Also, how MBB recruiters look at PWC consultant varies from one region to another - check-on LinkedIn, are they PWC Alumni working at MBB in your region? If not, then you might have to change your place to become PWC --> Boutique consulting or tier-2 -->MBB.

(NB: having a consulting in Boutique or Tier-2 could be as satisfying as MBB if the company offers a functions/industry expertise that you are interested in)

I hope this helps.

Khaled

Answer 3

Hi,

Do be honest, it's not a great look and it may hurt your chances. However, it doesn't ruin your chances (as always, networking and presenting the right story are key).

As Khaled has noted, you may have to add boutique or tier 2 strategy consultancy as a step before MBB. All that being said, plenty of people do join from PwC, Deloitte etc.

Answer 4

Dear A,

Your MBA is already a valuable asset for your CV, even after a couple of yours of other work experience. Especially, if it's from top-targeted school and if you were able to show great achievements during your MBA program. After a couple of years in PWC consulting, you can apply for other top consulting firms - MBB, tier1, tier2 and try out your chance again. However, most probably, you will be downgraded. If that's fine you, go for it.

If you need any further help or advice, feel free to reach out.

Good luck,

André

Answer 5

Hi,

I don't think it's a good move. However, depends on your MBA. I would not do that if it is a TOP MBA. If it is not in the top 7 - go for it.

Best

Answer 6

Hello!

It depends a lot on two things, in my opinion:

Which MBA did you grad from? It would not seem as a very good move coming from an MBB target school, but this changes depending on the master
How easy would it be for you to target something outside of your country? Specifically:
1. Particular bonds that make you stay
2. VISA issues
3. etc

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 7

Agree with other experts that it depends a lot on your MBA, whether it is from a top school or not.

If it is from a top school, you might even want to consider going to a well known corporate in industry, build a few years experience and then apply to MBB as experienced hire. That might work out better than PwC consulting.

Best,

Emily