Will I make MBB or big 4 consulting?

Question

I have professional background of working ~10 years in hardware engineering with recent promotion to manager. This is across few different companies where two of them are fortune 500 companies.

Currently doing evening MBA program at non-target within top 30 school.

Would like to pursue MBB but not sure if I can land interview or get offer. I'm open to even dropping current school and job to pursue target school full time.

Does it make sense for me to try for this or should I focus my efforts to pursue big 4 consulting and potentially doing second MBA or transition then? Looking to have a good start into this pivot from engineering to consulting business.

Answer 1

My take, don't rule yourself out. Reach out to an MBB recruiter and try get a coffee chat with them or a conversation going where they get to understand your profile better. They are best positioned to give input on the role and candidacy. If they aren't coming to you, it makes sense to go to them.

Once you are able to get a screening or start the process, your preparation for the interviews will matter the most. That is where I would put a lot of my focus - on prepping.

Answer 2

Hi there,

I agree with Phenyo. Make sure to have a consulting ready CV, let me know if I can support you with that. It goes beyond big brands and GPAs.

Best,

Mari

Answer 3

Another option might be to try to break in through a non-consulting role and try to move around internally after having done so. I have first hand seen various examples of people switching teams within Oliver Wyman so it’s definitely a possibility as long as you’re willing to play the ‘long game’.

Answer 4

Hey there,

Give MBB a shot! It is possible and there are 3 phases you'd need to be successful in to land an offer:

Step 1: Pass screening
Step 2: Pass any online games
Step 3: Pass interview rounds

Focusing now on Step 1 for you, you'd really just need to put together a strong well crafted CV that really reflects a history of high performance and achievements! Coupled with building a strong profile and getting a referral for MBB, you'd have a great shot right now! Really, go for it. There are lots of resources and coaches here that can help you optimize this

The target MBA school is not the only factor MBB's look at when passing candidates through screening, and I've seen many candidates coming from target MBA schools not passing screening. So I want to make sure you focus on the right things for you now

Lastly, there's no harm in applying to BOTH Big 4 and MBB at the same time. Keep your options wide and open! And maximize your opportunity set :-)

All the best there! Please do shout if you need anything