From marketing technology services to serving MBB technology clients. Doable?

Question

Dear Community,

I have been in global technology consulting & integration services firms all my ~14 years, both in external and internal client-facing roles, almost equally long. I got my MBA in 2018 from a top 3 Canadian school and now working as the marketing national lead to bring services in digital technologies to market, along with marketing to 5 industry verticals.

I am very interested in applying to the digital and technology arms of MBB and I am in a bit of a quandary and need your expert guidance.

I don’t have hands-on experience with today’s digital enablers/technologies/ methodologies like cloud, data analytics, agile, devops, RPA ... but having spent years with architects, tech strategists, and sales folks in bringing these to market, I do understand how these work together in a digital transformation context, what are the market demand/drivers, where is the market heading, how clients leverage them, their challenges etc.

I would like to put to use the knowledge base that I have built over the years, in helping external clients with their technology and digital strategy and implementation.

The question I have precisely is:

1. Would these firms value my experience and consider me an experienced hire in digital? Are they looking for hands-on technology skills?

2. Given that I am a bit of a generalist, both technology-wise and industry-wise - Am I better off applying just as a Generalist?

Happy to speak with anyone who has helped people like me.

Cheers, Ved

Answer 1

Hi Ved,

Yes, this is totally doable. But you will land in Digital/Interactive practices of MBB/Big4/Accenture. Generalist will be hard to get into unless you have a solid CV, referrals, top notch interview performance and convincing answers/stories.

All the best.

Answer 2

Hi Ved,

Overall I think you have a compelling background (though I'd have to see your resume to make a final determination).

Given your experience, you would most certainly come in an experienced + specialist hire. You'd be funneled into the Digital practice. For example, that would be Platinion at BCG.

Answer 3

Hi Ved,

I think your background allows it, and you'll probably land as an experienced hire.

Regarding the position, depending on how strong your CV is you will be able to apply to different positions, but I still think Digital practice is more probable.

Cheers,

GB

Answer 4

Hello Ved!

I believe your profile indeed adjusts to what consulting firms are looking for, indeed.

I would try to leverage your network for a referral, which works best for tenured profiles like yours.

I have coached profiles like yours in 2020, feel free to PM me if you want to further discuss.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara