Hi all! My name is Alessandro, I write from Italy and I hope you will help me to clear some doubts about entering consulting (target Big 3) with work experience.
A brief introduction just for framing the situation properly: I am currently based in Italy working (since end-2018) as Project Manager for a multinational firm operating in the Aerospace sector; I have been also recently appointed for a double hat role in a French-based consortium (participants companies are the strongest in EU in this field), similar role in the program mgmt area. My previous experience (3.5 yrs overall) was made in a small engineering company operating in the general industry sector, where my father was one of the founders. I started as Project/Proposal Engineer, moving to Project Management role straight forward, having always great autonomy and direct contact with major clients (multinational companies).
I hold a MSc in Aerospace Engineering from an Italian top tier institution; anyhow, my academic track record was not excellent (I was involved at that time in other activities, I did not commit myself properly to University). My final work was developed in Australia.
I will start a MBA in two months (completion exp. in Q2 2021). The Business School is associated to one of the best and well-known universities in Italy, but is far from being comparable to INSEAD, LBS or Bocconi for example. The program is part-time so I will continue to work meanwhile.
My questions:
1) Considering my background and experience and my (not-excellent) academic track record, what is my current probability to be selected for an interview? What could I do for maximizing my chances to be selected for an interview? Any idea, tip and suggestion is welcome (also frankness!)
2) Considering that my MBA programme will finish in Q2 2021, what would be the best moment to start the application process? Prior to the end of the programme or after?
Thank you for your help!