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

Answer 2

Finish the Capgemini Invent programme and get the Consultant promotion before lateral moving.

Three reasons.

Title carries real weight in lateral hires. "Associate Consultant" and "Consultant" at CG Invent land very differently with MBB and Tier 2 recruiters. The promotion signals you cleared a bar.

Tenure matters too. Jumping at 12 months looks restless. Jumping at 21 to 24 months as a promoted Consultant looks deliberate.

The CG Invent brand works better with longer tenure behind it. 21 months plus the promotion gives you a much stronger story for lateral interviews.

While you're there.

Pick projects that build a strategy and analytics track record. Avoid pure implementation work.

Build LinkedIn relationships with MBB and Tier 2 consultants over the next 18 months.

Start case prep around month 12. Aim for 30 to 50 cases.

Good luck.

Answer 3

My advice would be to stop overthinking it and apply.

You have a good role at Capgemini Invent, so there is very little downside. If you get interviews at Tier 2 or MBB firms, great. If not, you’ll continue building experience and can apply again later.

What will determine the outcome is not whether you’ve completed 12 months or 21 months. It’s whether you can tell a compelling story and perform well in the interviews.

Focus your energy on case preparation rather than trying to find the perfect timing.

Keep it simple. Apply. Prepare hard. Let the firms decide.

Answer 4

You don’t need to finish the full 21‑month Invent programme to move to Tier 2. What matters for a jump to T2 (and later MBB) is having a clear story, strong performance reviews, and a couple of strategy‑leaning projects on your CV. If you can get those in your first year, you’re already competitive for the next cycle. Staying the full programme only helps if it guarantees a promotion and better staffing. Otherwise, applying after ~12 months is completely normal and won’t hurt your chances. The real unlock is positioning yourself, not waiting for a specific tenure.

Alessa

Answer 5

Hi there
Congratulations on the Capgemini program - that is a great starting point.

There is nothing to say that you cannot explore multiple avenues at the same time!
Start your current program will full force, apply to tier 2 when applications are open (ensure you're case prep is on point so that you can take advantage of any granted interview opportunity).
From there - if you get tier 2, go for it! If not, you are already in a good program giving you leverage for the future.

Happy to chat more if helpful!
Annika