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Should I apply for post-MBA roles given my background?

Hello,

I currently possess and undergrad degree and 3 years of full-time experience in investment banking.

My question: when applying for consulting roles, should I apply for the typical post-MBA position at each firm? Would the post-MBA role be ambitious or just right for someone with my background?

Thanks!

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Profile picture of Ken
Ken
Coach
on Mar 31, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

It really depends on the firm and geography. For McKinsey in most locations, you would probably join as the role between entry-level analyst and post-MBA role - specifically Senior BA or Junior Associate.

Anonymous A
on Mar 31, 2021
Ok. Since it depends, would you recommend aiming high (e.g. apply for Junior Associate) or be humble (e.g. apply as senior BA)? I do not wish to be rejected for not being qualified, however I do not want to be "knocked down" one year. Thanks!
Profile picture of Ken
Ken
Coach
on Mar 31, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
It also depends on your profile. If you are a top performer at a bulge bracket IB with top grades from a target school then your CV will likely be read properly even if you aimed high. HR will calibrate and propose an appropriate entry point if they feel you are a strong candidate and so I wouldn't worry too much. Frankly if you are not coming from consulting, the one-year buffer could be beneficial.
Deleted user
on Mar 31, 2021

Do you have the skills and experience they ask for in post-MBA roles? If yes, definitely apply. You can stretch yourself a bit and aim higher but be prepared for a stiff experience during the application process.

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Profile picture of Francesco
on Apr 01, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

The answer depends also on the office, but in general you cannot target directly a post-MBA position. As also mentioned by Ken, possible positions you can target are:

  • McK: Senior BA / Junior Associate
  • BCG/Bain: Senior Associate

(Names are different as the entry-level position has different names at McK compared to BCG and Bain).

With such position, after 1 year you can be promoted to the post-MBA role.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Deleted user
on Mar 31, 2021

Tbh, I would assume the MBBs would classify you as an industry hire, but not the post-MBA role. That is typically 3 years into your consulting career and they usually don't account 1:1. So you might be looking at an MBA -1 role.

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Profile picture of Antonello
on Mar 31, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I confirm it depends on the office. An entry-level position with 1 or 2 years of seniority can be more probable based on your cv

Best,
Antonello

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Gaurav
Coach
on Mar 31, 2021
MBB Interview Invite? Free Diagnostic Session | Ex-McKinsey | 1,000+ MBB Offers (55+ Offices)

Hi there, 

I agree with Ken - it depends on many factors, such as geography, company, your skills, education, and experience, your ability to sell yourself, etc. Consider getting some sessions with a coach - it'll help you understand where your stand and provide you with the training needed to get into positions you prefer. 

Good luck! 

GB

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Ian
Coach
on Apr 01, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I agree with the rest - the post MBA role is likely overly ambitious. The entry-level role is under-ambitious. You would likely come in in between the two roles.

As Francesco mentioned, that would be Senior BA/JA for Mck, and Senior Associate/Junior Consultant at BCG.

Good luck, and don't forget to network!

Profile picture of Clara
Clara
Coach
on Apr 04, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

It depends, but you should 100% go for the associate position in the application -meaning, in McK, post-MBA-. If then they hire you for junior Associate, that also works. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara