The downside of generalist consulting - it’s super hard to narrow your interest down for exit!

Best thing to do is to network. Specifically, connect to the alumni network who are placed in interesting companies. Hardly anyone who’s ex-MBB will ignore a call/email from you, if you’re doing it right.

Also, you can exit, take a roll, and change again if it’s not for you. Sounds simple, I know, but it’s important to bear in mind. I have my 1st post McKinsey role and I treat it almost no different from being on a project again. Once I get tired or loose interest, I will leave (though not in the middle of a project, of course, same as in consulting).

People will tell you it’s not the right thing to do and I wouldn’t advise either to change around too much. However, it’s part of your risk management. 

The MBB brand is permanent on your CV so don’t think about it as just getting “one shot” at exiting.

(editiert)

Hi there,

There are a few options here to test the waters so to speak.

1) Take on projects in consulting related to what you want to test out

2) Network - ask hard questions about the day-to-day and what it looks like

3) Do a sabbatical/leave - pretty common at most consulting firms to allow you to work for another company for a period of time

4) Do side work/freelance projects in spare time

Ultimately, you're not really pushing yourself hard enough here! When I was leaving BCG I wrote down all of the things I enjoy doing and am good at. I they started to search for all of the types of roles that would work for me.

Importantly, don't be limited by your current experience. It's easy to go back into a consulting-related job. Don't think you're limited to this!

Hello there, 

well hard to say without knowing what is your prior experience, the cases you have done, your interest, etc. As you know, there are plenty of companies eager to get former MBBs, so you will not have a problem finding a job, but I would recommend focusing on you: what do you want? What do you enjoy? Where do you want to go, what is the big picture?…. 

I am a professional career coach helping precisely transition coachee's career starting with understanding what does s/he wants rather than “following the flow”. 

If you would like to chat about it, please feel free to reach out. In the meantime, you can find on my profile what I do as a transitional career coach.

Wishing you all the best,
Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

After a couple of years in consulting, you are probably pretty good at researching stuff. So take it as an assignment and do it methodically. Go and find job descriptions for each role, reviews on glassdoor an other sources, articles, etc. And of course, talk to “experts”, a.k.a. network with people that have those roles. 

Other than that, just asking of projects in industries you are interested in and once there trying to get to know people in the roles you may be interested is a good idea.

You should also find a mentor. Someone older than you that knows you well (your strengths and weaknesses) and that can advise on what may or may not be a good fit for you.

Have a look at this article for plenty of tips & guidance on this - https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me