Will I make MBB or big 4 consulting?

Hi there,

You have a solid background — 10 years in hardware engineering, F500 experience, and recent promotion to manager. That said, breaking into MBB from a non-target evening MBA is tough. MBB usually hires from top full-time MBA programs or through very specific experienced hire channels. It’s not impossible, but chances are low without a strong referral, top-tier MBA, or very strategic experience.

Big 4 consulting is a more realistic path. They’re more flexible on background and school, and your experience can translate well, especially for tech or ops roles. If your goal is to pivot into consulting, this is a strong starting point.

Dropping your current MBA/job to go full-time at a top school only makes sense if you're fully committed to MBB and can get into a top 10 program. Even then, there’s no guarantee, but it does open structured recruiting.

In my opinion, best move for now: target Big 4, get consulting experience, then reassess if a second MBA or MBB push is worth it later. Focus on storytelling, networking, and case prep — they’ll matter most.

Feel free to reach out - happy to help you prep!

Best,

Evelina

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’.

Hi there,

Speaking from a Big 4 perspective, the short answer is: yes, you can. Big 4 consulting departments are typically divided into specialized sub-divisions such as Real Estate, Strategy, Engineering, and others. These teams often require professionals with sector-specific expertise and experience to support their projects.

That said, you should be aware of some potential consequences. Since you don’t have prior consulting experience, there’s a possibility they may offer you a lower title or position level than you currently hold in your industry.

I hope this helps! Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

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 

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. 

Hi there,

Here’s how I’d break it down:

Point of view: Hardware engineering is very niche. Most of what you’ve done likely doesn’t map directly to what MBB or Tier 2 firms are screening for in strategic consulting. So while you may have strong technical skills, they’re not easily transferable without a clear bridge.

What helps bridge that gap? Your MBA — even if it’s not from a target school. If used well, it reframes your story and positions you for roles beyond engineering. But the school name alone won’t carry you.

My recommendation: Don’t just guess — validate. Reach out to consultants and recruiters across firms (MBB, Tier 2, and boutique strategy players / Big4). Get feedback on how your profile lands right now. Use those insights to adapt your pitch.

Before that, make sure your story is tight:

• Why the switch from engineering to consulting?
• What skills are truly transferable?
• What’s your long-term vision?

If your narrative is persuasive and sharp, it will significantly boost your chances — especially coming from a non-traditional background.

Best,

Alberto

Hi there, 

I would go a bit broader with the approach. 

First of all, I wouldn't only target MBBs, but tier 2 and boutiques as well. Your priority at the moment should be to pivot into the industry, and once you're recognised as a consultant you can move more easily between the firms, plus they might even pay for an MBA themselves. 

You might find this guide helpful in terms of how you can plan your application, and if you'd like to discuss it further feel free to reach out:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

MBB is possible, but might require a step down in seniority (i.e., they might start you off as a post-MBA Associate rather than as a Manager). It will be critical to demonstrate your value proposition - i.e., which practice area do your skills align to?

Getting a referral from a current consultant would also be a boost to your chances, since it increases your odds of securing an interview (after which, your interview performance is the main determinant of whether or not you get an offer).

I'd echo what other coaches have said about casting the net a bit wider. Beyond MBB, there are lots of great consulting roles available in Tier 2s, boutiques, and big 4 firms.

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

You have low chances. But I doubt that dropping out would be a good move.

What I suggest is that you apply, or reach out to HR. Get their feedback.

Then, and only then, you should consider next steps (and of course, also discuss those next steps with HR... you don't want to be making drastic decisions only to learn that they don't really make a difference).

might be a bit too late for you mate. Highly dependent on what your target country is. if you are in a developing nation they might be more willing to hire you