Should I complete the full Capgemini Invent graduate programme before trying to move to Tier 2?

Question

Hi everyone,

I wanted to gather some thoughts from those with experience in consulting on what my best next career move would be.

For context, I am about to start at Capgemini Invent as an Associate Consultant within the Enterprise Model and Strategy team. I graduated with a 2:1 from a non-target UK university, and I also have previous internship experience across consulting and operations. My long-term goal is to join a management con.

The Capgemini Invent role is an accelerated 21-month programme, with promotion to Consultant after successful completion.

Considering my goal of eventually moving into MBB, would it be better to complete the full programme and gain the promotion to Consultant, or should I apply to Tier 2 consulting firms when the next recruitment cycle opens (in a few months), even if that means leaving Capgemini Invent after around one year?

What would be the best approach in this situation, and which route would give me the strongest chance of moving into MBB in the future?

Answer 1

Congrats on joining the Capgemini program!

If I were you, I'd do both. What I mean by this is the following:

Start applying to Tier 2 and even MBB firms now (or in a few months from now). The potential upside is that you'll get an offer with one of them, which is already what you're targeting. The downside is that you might not, but even then you will have learned so much from just having gone through this process

What will be critical, though, is making sure your CV is in the best shape possible and that you try to get a referral to improve your chances of passing the screening.

Sharing here a material on the latter. If you need any help, let me know.

• • Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

Best,
Cristian