Getting into MBB from Boutiques

Question

I have recently completed my masters. I realised I didn't want to be in science research early on during my Masters so I didn't get a very good grade (from a targeted uni) but I did do very well in my undergraduate (not targeted). Not having known about consulting for long, I didn't have sufficient time to prepare for and apply for MBB or the big 4 this year but pretty sure I will have an offer from Capgemini, Capco and Arcadis.

I am aware that they are not the most prestigious consulting firms but my plan is to gain experience with them and then apply for MBB. I don't have any experience outside science, didn't do any summer internships or a year in consulting industry so I hope this will help.

My question is:

Will it be difficult to get into MBB like this? Is there a better way?
How can I make myself more attractive to MBB for when I do apply?
Which of the 3 companies I mentioned should I go for?

Answer 1

Getting into MBB is always hard (there were 60 applicants for 1 position in my office around the time I joined), so while there's obviously some skills, don't forget also that some of it is a numbers game, and some of it is plain dumb.

Coming from boutique, the "why consulting" is already taken care of, and "why McK/BCG/Bain" probably easier - especially if you interact with some of these guys / share a customer. You will hopefully also be used to develop a hypothesis and build issue trees / develop MECE structures.

All in all, I think this is a great first experience which will prepare you well. And as Vlad pointed out, you absolutely should apply to all 3 MBB (and to some higher-rated Tier2 as well, such as ATK, RB or Strategy&)

Answer 2

Hi,

It is one of the common paths. The difficulty is not an objective parameter. It depends on your interview performance. Boutique firms are considered as a relevant background if that's what you are asking
Have a referral. More info here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-is-a-referral-really-1103
You should apply to all three since the chances of getting an offer if you apply to just one of them are pretty low

Best