Joining Strategy Consulting

Great to hear you're exploring strategy consulting — and congrats on already building solid experience across the Big 4 and the education sector!

Yes, you should absolutely apply. Your background shows initiative and breadth, and with the right positioning, you can make a compelling case. Referrals from senior consultants or associates can be very helpful — they won’t guarantee an interview, but they often increase your chances of being reviewed seriously.

To strengthen your application, here are a few key tips:

• Highlight problem-solving and impact in your past roles — show how you’ve structured work, analyzed data, or influenced decisions
• Emphasize quantitative skills, business acumen, and any cross-functional or client-facing experience
• Tailor your resume to focus on consulting-style achievements: clear action, context, and measurable outcomes
• If possible, add a case prep experience or strategy-related side project to show motivation and fit

Wishing you the best of luck in the process — feel free to reach out if you'd ever like help reviewing your resume or preparing for interviews!

Hi there,

Lateral transfers from big4 are common. Your experience seems appropriate, it is important that your overall CV is strong, meaning that besides GPA, you should display the achievements that convey leadership, high performance, impact, etc.

A referral from a senior lead will definitely make a difference in terms of your CV being evaluated - that’s why it must be well and properly done. 

Feel free to reach out if you would like professional assistance to craft a consulting-ready CV.

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

There are many people coming from Big 4 companies applying for MBB. On a first sight, your experience and education score seems sufficient to get a chance receiving an interview. A referral could strengthen the application, but is not the only factor taken into account.

Feel free to reach out if you require help drafting your CV.

Mattijs

Hello,

Given the current macro for consulting in MEA, it will be challenging (although not impossible) especially if focusing on MBB only. Referrals increased the chance of having your CV reviewed and getting a timely answer, but don't necessarily support your chances of getting an interview. Have you previously explored internal transfers to consulting within the big4? 

Best,

That's a big question.

Let's take them one by one. Yes, you do have a chance, though perhaps not directly with MBB (I don't have a full view of your CV as of now). Make sure that you apply broadly and get referrals. These three articles will explain everything you need to know:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy
• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

Regarding the CV specifically, do get a professional review. It's the best ROI you could get at the early stage of the application process and it makes a huge difference.

Best,
Cristian
 

You have a target profile to pursue a transition into strategic consulting.

Start by networking to get referrals—this dramatically increases your chances of being invited to interviews.

Also, invest in a professional resume review by someone who understands how consulting recruiters screen applications. It can make a significant difference. Happy to help on you on that, just drop me a message.

Best,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: FastFashion - Customer Loyalty

Hi,

To answer your questions:

Yes - apply!

Do try to get referals: 

• Reach out to people who have actually done this move (anyone who moved from your company to any of the consulting firms that you're trying to move to)
• Reach out to people from your school who have moved to any target strategy consulting houses - ask your peers, old class mates

On your cv:

• Highlight your academic achievements
• Highlight your strategic skills and leadeship activities (even from school)

https://www.preplounge.com/en/cv-templates

Have a look at the templates to see if you can glean any stylistic help.

Good luck!

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, yes, you should definitely apply and see what happens. Unfortunately, no one can tell you if you have a chance until you try.
• Moreover, as far as referrals are concerned, I would advise you to target more senior consultants in the target office, as referrals from relatively new consultants do not carry much weight. Securing referrals is not that difficult.
• Lastly, please do not hesitate to reach out to me for a thorough CV review so that you have your CV polished to perfection.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming applications, pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Yes, you should apply (you losing nothing, by the way).

Your profile seems adequate for you to have a chance.

You should highlight academic achievements at this point. But if you are gaining responsibility at your current job that is something that should also be evident from your CV.