Hi,

This is very much on a case-by-case basis. It really depends on the company. But I can assure you an MBA is generally valuable in a consulting job search.

Furthermore, there will likely be companies that offer you a higher role. If you're not happy accepting a junior role at x company, then don't! But see if y company will offer you what you feel you deserve.

When restarting a career, you're essentially accepting a temporary setback if you believe the future will be brighter than the alternative. If you can't see this, don't accept the setback.

Hi,

I would not settle for an offer with such an approach from boutique firms.

Fact #1 Yes, candidates with previous consulting experience are more prepared for a consulting career in a short term (2-3 month period)

Fact #2 Candidates with MBA degree can easily develop consulting skills in mid term and create value for the company in long term

Best,

Anton

Hi A,

In fact, yes, you're right. Some boutique firms, especially those in Germany don't really value an MBA that much. As for Germany, PHD is valued higher and therefore, MBA for non'target school doesn't give many advantages without relevant previous experience. So if I were you, I would rather try to approach MBB or Tier1 firms such as RB, Oliver Wymann, Kearney or Strategy&, where MBA is valued higher and you could leverage it.

If you're still struggling, feel free to reach out and I'm happy to help you land an offer.

Best,


André

Hi there,

As everyone said, it depends. However, there is a general trend:

Smaller companies/offices don't have the scale to give you a structured training program and they don't have the resources to give you a support system for when you fall behind, you will go through a "baptism by fire" kind of situation.

Therefore smaller companies/offices look at MBA graduates as a high-risk high-reward situation: they might get someone who can learn the hard skills quickly and be a valuable addition to the team, or they might have someone who is getting a senior consultant who performs worse than a junior consultant with 1.5 years of experience. (I have witnessed many MBA graduates crash and burn for pushing to join as Senior Consultants and failing to deliver)

Regarding your concerns, what is good about consulting is that the good ones rise to the top quickly! So, if you truly believe in yourself and your capabilities, jump in the junior role and work for that quick promotion. (it might be better to delay your career by 6-12 months rather than jeopardizing it by pushing too much too fast in a company that doesn't have time/effort to help you if you fall behind)

I hope this helps.

Best

Khaled

Hi there,

it is true that some companies don’t value much an MBA for a career progression (even in top companies it is now not always required to move to the next role), however I don’t think you may start at the same level as an undergrad for any company once you have an MBA – that would be nonsense.

In terms of work experience, you normally get fewer years of seniority compared to those you spent in the industry, thus yes, you may have to restart from a lower position, maybe in fast track for promotion though. On the other hand, that could be an opportunity to master an analyst/associate role well, and avoid to be appointed as manager too early with negative consequence.

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

It's definitely not true for all the boutique firms. You have to compare what they offer you and negotiate. MBA is a good argument

Best