They tend to describe their ideal candidate. In some cases they really want someone with experience in a given industry - in that case there isn't much you can do.

In other cases, it's a nice to have but they understand they'll need to train you on their specific industry. There's no reason for you to try to be a industry specialist. You need to bring the other stuff to the table - good problem solver, proactive attitude, easy to work with, structured, good communication, etc.

Of course, you should do your homeword and do a good preparation in that industry - that will go a long way in an interview, because it shows 1) you are passionate about that role/industry; 2) you took the time to prepare, so you are a top-notch professional; 3) you already know a few things about the industry. If this doesn't cut it… there isn't much you can do about it anyway, it simply means it is not the right match for your profile.

Hi there,

So, first of all, you are in a fantastic position. 3 years in consulting (with a promotion I'm assuming?) puts you in a great spot.

How do I position and sell myself? As I don't have deep experience in a specific industry / topic, what is the tactic to sell my “generalist” experience to the corporation?

Quite frankly, you could just switch your LinkedIn status to “open to work” and you'll have recruiters reaching out (make sure to include your current consultancy there)

How did I pivot? I reached out to my entire network and got networking.

I figured out what I wanted (types of jobs, skills, roles, etc.) and figured out what titles made sense (a bunch!). Then, got speaking to people. I wasn't afraid to leverage my network and contacts of contacts to then put me in touch with more contacts.

Basically: put yourself out there.

In terms of how to position yourself, well, we don't really know you do we? With your resume + overall background I could help you craft that story in under 10 minutes.

Ultimately, you need to tell a story and connect the dots of your past.

2. What level should I target? Would a Manager be a suitable position?

Again, we don't really know your whole background. But, given you're post MBA and been there 3 years I assume you've been promoted to Project Lead/Manager by now. So, yes, Manager would be a suitable position (of many…depends on firm, type of job, etc.)

Hi there!

First of all, most consultants transfer into industry roles so you're exactly the target candidate for industry companies. 

What helps, of course, is to transition into an industry where you've had experience. So for instance, if you've done most of your consulting projects in banking, you have developed most of your knowledge in that area and then are most relevant to be hired by banks (usually within their internal strategy division or as the right hand of a CXO). 

My recommendation would be to connect and speak with some of your former peers who already transferred to the industry and understand how this worked for them.

In terms of role, this really depends on the company you're transferring to and what's available at that time. Career progression is not as linear as in the big consulting firms.

Best,

Cristian

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Hi there,

1) How do I position and sell myself? As I don't have deep experience in a specific industry / topic, what is the tactic to sell my “generalist” experience to the corporation?

I would recommend to (i) check the positions you want to apply to (ii) check the skills/experiences they mention in the description (iii) “pitch” in your cover/application/interview the experiences that match that.

2) What level should I target? Would a Manager be a suitable position?

If you are currently a manager you could target a manager position. If you are not a manager you might still try that but it might or might not work depending on the company. You might check on LinkedIn previous consultants that transitioned to that company to understand the level you might target.

In any case, given you will apply for a specific position, they should indicate the years of experience and role, so it should not be an issue to identify the level to target.

Good luck!

Francesco

Transitioning from strategy consulting to a corporate strategy role is a common career path, but it does come with its challenges, particularly when you have a diverse background as a generalist consultant. Here are some strategies to address your concerns:

1. Positioning and Selling Yourself:

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize the transferable skills you've gained as a generalist consultant. These may include problem-solving, analytical thinking, project management, data analysis, communication, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Value of Diverse Experience: Stress the value of your diverse experience. Mention that you have a broad perspective that allows you to bring fresh insights and innovative solutions to the table.
• Adaptability: Showcase your adaptability by discussing how you quickly become proficient in new industries and topics. Mention specific instances where you successfully tackled unfamiliar challenges.

2. Targeting the Right Level:

• Managerial Positions: Given your 3 years of post-MBA experience, targeting a Manager-level role is a reasonable starting point. It allows you to leverage your consulting experience and potentially manage a team while still offering room for growth within the corporate environment.
• Consider Industry Fit: Look for industries where your generalist background aligns well with the company's needs. Some industries are more open to candidates with diverse experiences than others.
• Network: Leverage your professional network to connect with individuals who have made a similar transition or work in corporate strategy roles. They can provide insights into the typical entry points and levels in their organizations.

3. Industry and Topic Familiarization:

• Self-Education: While you may not have deep industry expertise, you can start building your knowledge in specific areas of interest. Consider taking online courses, attending industry conferences, or reading relevant books and reports.
• Networking: Engage with professionals in the industries or topics you're interested in. Join industry-specific groups, attend networking events, and seek informational interviews to gain insights and connections.

4. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:

• Customize your application materials to highlight the aspects of your consulting experience that are most relevant to the specific corporate strategy role you're applying for. Mention projects or client work that aligns with the industry or challenges the company faces.

5. Emphasize Cultural Fit:

• Corporate strategy roles often involve working closely with internal teams and stakeholders. Emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively, communicate complex ideas, and integrate into corporate cultures.

6. Be Persistent:

• Transitioning to a corporate role may take time and several applications. Be persistent and keep refining your approach based on feedback and market trends.

Remember that while you may not have deep industry expertise, your consulting background equips you with valuable skills and a problem-solving mindset that can be highly valuable in corporate strategy roles. Tailoring your approach and demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt can significantly improve your chances of a successful transition.