Breaking into consulting from Finance (both Buy-side and sell-side experience)

Hi there,

You would be considered as an experience hiring, your background is attractive for projects in the finance sector, which almost all relevant consulting firms have, specially in some specific locations.

Your immediate next steps are (1) craft a strong CV highlighting your achievements in the proper consulting way. (2) get referrals so that your CV can actually be reviewed. 

Fee free to reach out if you need guidance to craft a consulting-ready CV and to develop a network strategy based on your target companies. I’ll be happy to assist you! 

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

Q: Just trying to get a sense check of if it is achievable to break into consulting with 6-years of Finance industry experience?

If you target a company with focus on Financial Institutions (eg Oliver Wyman), that should be feasible. Completing an MBA could increase your chances with some firms, but you mentioned that's not something you are keen to do.

To maximize your chances, I would recommend focusing on three things: a good CV, a strong Cover Letter and a referral. You can find more below:

▶How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Yes, it’s definitely achievable — especially if you play it smart. Your 6 years across buy- and sell-side credit research, combined with the CFA, give you a solid foundation. You’ve built deep company-level insight, understand industries at a granular level, and likely have strong exposure to senior stakeholders. That’s valuable in consulting — more than you probably realize.

Where You Stand

• MBB: Not out of reach. While they prefer MBAs for mid-career hires, expert tracks (e.g. Corp Fin, Due Diligence, FS) are real entry points for someone like you. Generalist roles are harder, but not impossible with networking.

• Tier-2 (OW, Kearney, etc.): Strong shot. They often hire experienced professionals and value financial depth, especially in FS and restructuring.

• Big 4 Strategy (EY-P, Monitor, etc.): Very good fit — especially in their DD, valuation, or FS practices.

• Specialist firms (A&M, FTI, LEK): Possibly your best match. They love candidates with credit and deal experience who can hit the ground running.

What You Need to Do

1. Craft a tight story – Why consulting, why now, and how your credit work translates into strategic value.

2. Target the right roles – Focus on FS, PE/DD, or turnaround practices where your background gives you an edge.

3. Network intentionally – Use your CFA network, LinkedIn, ex-colleagues — warm intros matter a lot, especially for MBB.

4. Prep cases properly – You’ll still need to crack the interview. Case skills are learnable, but they take time.

Bottom line: You’re not a traditional candidate, but that can be a strength if you position it right. Skip the MBA — you don’t need it. With the right pitch and focused effort, this move is absolutely doable.

Hi there, 

coming from somebody who switched from Finance to Consulting as well, however, with only ~3 years of tenure in Finance: 

It is possible but be prepared to (a) loose quite a bit of tenure or (b) accept that you move into a specialist role at the company: 

    (a) BCG for example very rarely recruits PL and above. I do not think you have a substential chance to get into an equivalent level as you currently have. In Germany they would likely offer something like Consultant. Carefully consider if you want that (with a lot of your peers and superiors potentially younger than yourself) 

    (b) MBB have expert roles that sometimes (e.g., in BCG case) cannot become equity partners but have more predictable work styles and focus on knowledge building

Best, 
Sebastian

Hi there,

Breaking into consulting from finance is definitely possible, but there are some challenges. Given your six years of experience in credit research (sell-side and buy-side), a CFA designation, and a bachelor’s from a state school, here’s a realistic breakdown:

Challenges
    1.    No MBA: Many consultants break in through MBA programs, which provide structured recruiting opportunities. Without it, you’ll need to network aggressively.
    2.    Specialization Risk: Credit research is niche. Consulting firms, especially MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), prefer candidates with broader strategic experience.
    3.    Lateral Hiring Process: Experienced hires (like you) compete with ex-consultants and industry leaders for specialized roles.

Opportunities
    1.    Financial Services Practices: Many consulting firms (MBB, EY-Parthenon, Oliver Wyman, etc.) have financial services or risk advisory teams. Your background could be a strong fit.
    2.    Boutique Firms: Smaller firms specializing in financial services (e.g., Alvarez & Marsal, FTI Consulting) may value your expertise more.
    3.    Network & Referrals: Cold applications won’t cut it—leverage your CFA network and industry contacts.

Realistic Outcome:
    •    MBB: Tough, but not impossible. You’d need a strong referral and should target financial services-focused roles.
    •    Tier 2 (EY-Parthenon, AT Kearney, Strategy&): More achievable, especially in financial services or risk consulting. I think these ones should be your target.
    •    Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG): High chance, especially in their advisory practices (deal advisory, risk, or strategy).
    •    Boutique firms: Likely your best bet, given your direct financial expertise.

Please let me know if you need further advice - happy to help!

Best,

Evelina

Hi there,

It depends on your general profile and progression (e.g., how did you progress in your current role/company?). Depending on that, it could be possible to break into some firms' specialized practices as a consultant or as an expert.

I would try to network and see how much pull you can generate with relevant contacts on LinkedIn.

All the best,

Florian

It is possible, you have a strong analytical profile.

Being invited of course depends on the rest of your CV.

Hey there ?,

Love that you’re being real—so let me be just as honest:

Yes, breaking into consulting with 6 years of finance experience is absolutely possible, but it's more realistic for Tier 2 / Boutique firms or expert roles at MBB (rather than generalist track).

Here’s what works in your favor:
– Buy-side + sell-side credit is highly analytical and transferable
– CFA adds weight, especially for anything involving strategy, corp finance, due diligence
– You bring mature client communication skills and decision-making exposure

What’s more challenging:
– No MBA means you’ll likely need to network well and apply to experienced hire tracks
– Most MBB firms will not place you as a generalist associate without an MBA—but Strategy&, Roland Berger, Oliver Wyman, and AlixPartners may be more flexible
– You’ll need a clear narrative: why now, why consulting, and what you bring that’s unique

Happy to help you shape that story and plan a realistic entry strategy if you’d like ?

Best,
Alessa ?