Applying to office aligned to professional background/interests

Hi Charlie,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• Applying to an office that aligns with your professional background and interests can be beneficial, but it is not a deciding factor in the selection process. While MBB firms do have a regional focus and may have a higher demand for certain industry expertise in certain offices, entry-level consultants are expected to be generalists and work on a wide range of projects.
• It is more important to demonstrate your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and potential as a consultant.
• Additionally, having a preference for a certain region or dominant industry in that region can be helpful in the long-term as it can give you a better chance of being staffed on projects that align with your interests and career goals.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hello,

I would echo what some of the coaches have mentioned and say that it does matter but only a little. In reality getting to job will depend on 1) your demonstrated capabilities and 2) your fit with the office (which is more than just professional background/interest).

If you are applying as an MBA candidate than you are most likely applying in the generalist and not expert track (in BCG there is a difference). This means that you are tested as a generalist. 

I will also share what I've observed after working multiple years in consulting:

• Sometimes, people come in with a specific industry/professional background, but figure out they actually like another practice area more
• Sometimes people come in and get pigeonholed into only their previous background-related cases, and this frustrates them
• Sometimes in the longer term, office practice area focuses and strengths change and you might find yourself also pivoting to a new practice area eventually
• Sometimes, people with a specific background have had to join an office that's not strong in that background (e.g. Healthcare expert in an office that does little healthcare) - and these people have ended up transferring to another office/geography

In summary, in the long term, I wouldn't mind too much about professional background/interests. Focus first on your core interview skills.

All the best!

Hi there,

Yes, it might help. It's a simple question of supply and demand. :-)

On top of that, there is a trend that entry-level consultants already start in more specialized, fragmented roles based on their studies/internship experience.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi Charlie,

Ultimately, everyone is more competitive if they apply to a role/region that aligns with their background.

That said, what's more important is your MBA, resume strength overall, networking, etc.

Apply where you want to be

Hi there,

If your profile matches the work scope of the region, you will be more competitive, yes.

I know from experience as a former Petroleum Geoscientist, who worked 6+ years in the oil industry around the globe, prior to getting my MBA. MBB offices with a strong O&G focus were very keen on interviewing me because of my background, which is not commonly found among candidates.

Eventually, I joined McKinsey in Chile where O&G is rather limited, but there was a strong pull for me to join virtually every CST related to this sector.

If you'd like to discuss more about the right application strategy, please get in touch!

Best,

Moritz

Yes, you have more chances if your profile is more aligned with their needs.

Regarding case interviews… I've given interviews related to sectors I have never work with… they're not designed to test industry knowledge, but structuring and problem solving ability.