Which consulting role for an experienced professional

Hi Romain,

With 15+ years of corporate experience, you are right that you don’t fit the “standard pipeline candidate” profile. That’s not a disadvantage, but it does mean you need to position yourself differently. Here’s how MBB typically looks at someone with your background:

• Years of experience & seniority: With 10+ years in industry + an EMBA, applying for consultant/senior consultant roles would usually be a step down. MBB firms rarely hire people with that much experience into entry-level consultant tracks, as the age/experience gap to peers would be too wide
• Typical entry point for seasoned professionals: Manager or Principal level is more realistic. At Bain this is “Manager,” at BCG “Project Leader,” at McKinsey “Associate Partner/Engagement Manager,” depending on exact fit
• Critical factors:
  • Demonstrate transferable skills (leading teams across geographies, strategy/M&A exposure, client-facing elements of your work).
  • Show that you bring something beyond the typical pipeline hire (deep industry knowledge, leadership, track record of delivering results).
• Risks to avoid: If you apply too junior, recruiters will question fit and career motivation. If you apply too senior, you’ll need a very strong case of why you can hit the ground running on client work

Practical advice:

• Target Manager/Project Leader level. This aligns with your leadership background and EMBA pivot
• Be ready to explain your transition story clearly: “I’ve delivered X years of operational leadership, then pivoted into strategy/M&A. Now I want to combine both skill sets in consulting, leading teams to solve strategic problems.”
• Network with current managers in your target offices. They can confirm which level best matches your profile before you apply

Feel free to reach out if you need further advice! 

Best, 

Evelina

Hi there,

In McKinsey, the general rule of thumb is that 4 years of industry experience is required to apply as an Associate (vs Jr. ASC), and 8 years for EM (Manager). 

Also, it is important to note that McKinsey is perfectly okay with you applying for a certain position and then offering you the position below if they believe you need a bit more hands-on experience.

Thus, in your shoes, I would definitely go for at least manager, perhaps even attempt to join as Junior Partner (Associate Principal). 

Hope this helps!

Sincerely, 

Thor

Hi there,

With 15+ years of experience and an EMBA, you won’t be evaluated against fresh graduates. MBB do hire experienced professionals, but they are very careful about level calibration. Typically, candidates with your background are considered for Project Leader/Manager level if they can show strong leadership, client-facing skills, and the ability to drive teams. If there are any concerns about consulting toolkits or adaptation, firms may suggest Consultant/Senior Associate as a “step-in” point.

The best move is to apply, but have your CV clearly emphasize strategy exposure, people leadership, and cross-regional experience. Recruiters will help position you at the right level. Don’t undersell yourself by defaulting to entry-level consulting roles since your profile is far stronger than that.

Best of luck!

Hi there, 

With 15+ years of experience, you might want to consider joining as an expert, instead of a general consultant. Depending on your past experiences, it could either be industry expert, or functional expert, whichever makes more sense. 

You could potentially join as expert manager / principal if you pass the interviews. 

Best,

Emily

Hi Romain,

would say at least PL level. If you can network and position well you might be even able to go for one level up Principal (especially if you can position as an expert for the something - from your 10 years before corporate strategy that sounds like it might be the case).

Best,
Lukas 

Hi Romain,

with 15+ years plus leadership and EMBA, you’d be considered for at least a Project Leader/Manager role, not entry-level consultant. Firms do hire experienced professionals into those tracks, especially if your background aligns with operations, strategy, or transformation. The key is to show transferable skills and leadership impact. Consultant level would likely be too junior for your profile.

best, Alessa :)