Applied to generalist track, specialist track reached out with interview request?

I've seen some fantastic responses here, and I'd like to share my experience, as I went through a similar situation. Before my interview, HR reached out to inquire if I'd be interested in joining the Digital & Analytics practice based on my background and past experiences.

For me, it was an immediate "yes." This practice area had always been my passion, and the prospect of working in it excited me.

Here's the key takeaway: when you choose a practice, you need to genuinely care about it. This is crucial because a significant portion of your projects (typically 70-80%, as was the case for me) will align with the focus of that practice. If you're not genuinely interested, you're essentially handicapping your professional experience and missing out on the full potential of your role.

Take the time to thoroughly assess your interest in the practice and make a well-considered decision. Regret can easily creep in if you don't.

From my experience, it's generally not ideal to join a practice and then leave. While it's possible, it's more common for generalists to transition into a specialized practice than the other way around.

So, be forthright with HR about your intentions, and don't base your decision solely on the desire to maximize your entry into the company. It would be unfortunate to sour the experience before it even begins.

Feel free to send me a direct message if you'd like to delve deeper into this topic.

Best of luck,
Antonio

Hi there!

If I were you, I'd first check in with the recruiter to make sure that this is not a mistake. 

If it's not a mistake, then you should ask them why they think you'd be a good match for this role. 

You should also clarify with them whether you'll be partially or fully staffed in this practice. 

The way it works in McKinsey, for instance, is that you usually have most or even all your staffing done within that practice. So, yes, to a certain extent you are confined to it. So if you're not interested in that practice, now is the moment to change it. 

Best,

Cristian

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Hi,

If you interview successfully for the specialist role, then you will be offered the specialist position.

Is it possible to get back to the generalist track? Yes. It has happened before. How feasible it is depends however on a multitude of factors. 

Take note that in some firms like BCG, there are material differences between the generalist track and expert track - happy to chat more about this, just drop me a dm.

All the best!

Hi!

Since there's little data about the position and the company, my answers will be based on some assumptions:

a) Is there any way of getting back on the generalist track?

I can see two reasons they invited you to interview for a specialist track: there's an opening in this practice they need to fill or / and your work experience is relevant to that practice.

If you want to interview for a generalist track, I would discuss your options with an HR directly. Just phrase it carefully, such as:

“I'm open to consider the XYZ practice, though my main career aspiration is to work as a generalist for the n number of years in order to better understand which practice suits me best and where I can deliver the most value. In any case, if you only have an opening in this particular practice, I will gladly interview for it.”

b) If I interview successfully for this role, will I be confined to this group?

It's really hard to tell without knowing more about the company and its pipeline of projects. As far as I know, in some MBBs consultants can specialise in two tracks (Banking in Telecom, for example) at more senior levels.

Also, sometimes consultants from one practice can be staffed to projects in the other practice, considering there's not enough work at the former and more work than they can handle at the latter.

But generally, yes, your main staffing focus will be the projects you specialise in.

Good luck with your interviews,
Nick

To keep it short - realistically you have the best odds of getting into the specialist track and not so great ones for the generalist track especially given this development. They most likely have an unmet need they are trying to fill and your profile seemed like a good fit to them.

An alternative approach could be to interview for the specialist role and if you get in to pivot to different projects over time.  Given the state of hiring in consulting and the broader macro climate this could be the best path forward for you.

Hello,

This most likely happened because the firm assessed that you would be a better fit for that specific group given your background and their hiring needs. Your chances of successfully landing a job there are thus much higher if you stay on this track right now. 

If your goal is to maximize your chances of getting into that firm, I would therefore continue on this track. Once you start working there, over time you can expand the scope of projects you work on, and potentially even transfer groups. In my experience specialist consultants aren't 100% confined to their practice groups, they just do the majority of their work in that specialty, but can take on outside projects on occasion if there is interest + if they are a good fit. 

If you really aren't interested in the work this group does, I'd suggest reaching out to the recruiters to ask them about why your application was processed in this way, and see whether they can provide any clarity or guidance on switching.

Hi there,

a) Is there any way of getting back on the generalist track?

You can ask. They might say yes and interview you, but you're running a great risk that they say no or “forget” about you.

If it were me? I wouldn't try and would give what they've offered (assuming I'm happy enough with the specific group and can see myself there)

b) If I interview successfully for this role, will I be confined to this group?

For the most part yes. Doesn't mean you can't get work on other projects (if, for example, that specific group's pipeline thins out), but, fundamentally, your expectation should be that you would work on those types of projects.

How should I respond?

If you really want the career leap that MBB presents, and you're “ok” or “happy” with the specialist track, say yes. 

If you're not willing to settle/sacrifice for MBB, and you accept that there is inherent risk in asking for a generalist interview, ask them for a generalist interview.

Hi there,

1) Is there any way of getting back on the generalist track?

I believe you mean after you have been on the specialist track for a few years. This might depend on the firm. If it is important to you, I would recommend tactfully clarifying it with HR upfront.

2) If I interview successfully for this role, will I be confined to this group?

Initially, you will be part of the practice you join and mostly work on projects related to that. Whether it's possible to transition to a generalist role from there depends on the answer to question #1.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Great responses from my colleagues. Here are my 2 cents.

I would try to understand why you have been considered for the specialist role. Are there specific skills or previous experiences that made you stand out? You can reflect about this, your strengths and where you want your career to move forward.

Also, think about how you perceive the specialist role vs the generalist and how much of this are biases vs facts.

Best,

Alberto