Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First, I would highly advise you to evaluate your current situation and assess if you feel fulfilled and valued in your current role. If you feel like you're not being given opportunities for growth or if your work is not aligned with your interests and goals, it might be time to consider a move. Yet, not getting the promotion you think you deserve is something that might happen to you at MBB as well.
• Moving from a boutique firm to MBB can be challenging, but you actually have the best starting position given you know the industry and already bring real experience.
• Utilization rate is one of the metrics that mostly just Big 4 consulting arms use to evaluate their employees. However, it is possibly you might be asked to talk about past projects.
• Lastly, if you're feeling stuck, it might be helpful to seek advice from a trusted mentor, colleague, or coach. Still, not being able to add another project for 6 months is not necessarily considered “worsening your CV”. 

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to most efficiently prepare for your upcoming MBB interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hello,

It is frustrating to be on the beach for too long, but in the grander scheme of things, 5 weeks is not too long. If the issue is due to a lack of projects (vs unwillingness of people to staff you) then you shouldn't worry about it too much. 

I'll share my perspective on your questions and based on my experience too (from T2 to MBB):

1. how long should I wait before deciding to move on; maybe to a different firm?

• There is no fixed answer to this, it really depends on whether
  • The recruiters are convinced that your time at your previous firm was meaningful and you weren't counselled out ‘early’ due to performance and/or ethical issues
  • You can convince recruiters that you have the necessary skillsets despite of (or because of) the [x months/years] you spent at previous firm
  • Demand from MBB/other firms far outweighs supply, to which they are open to take people with less ‘typical’ backgrounds
• For myself, I worked for ~2.5 years before applying to MBB → could I have applied earlier, yes, but in the initial 1-2 years I wasn't set on jumping yet

2. How hard will it be to move from boutique to MBB firms?

• It is definitely possible to move from boutique to MBB
• This is all the more common especially for people with specific expertise (i.e. I known a few from ZS / Simon Kucher who get hired for their expertise)
• Even if you don't have a specific expertise yet (i.e. because too junior), if you have a strong application and referral, there is definitely a chance
• Take note now however that currently in many geographies hiring has been slowing down, so that might put a damper on slots for 2023 at least

3. will MBB firms ask for my utilization rate during the interviews?

• No, they will not
• As an FYI, utilization at MBB for junior levels (below PL/Manager) are tracked but are not used in promotion decisions (at least for BCG)

4. Any advice because I feel stuck between waiting which might results in worsening my CV (more time, less projects, lower utilization rate) and moving on to a different firm after only 1 year in the previous one.

• There are things that are out of your control, and things within your control. The ability of the firm to get new projects frankly is not within your control - that is the partners' job. 
• What you could do now however is to start networking (very important) and if you have the time, work on your core consulting skill set
  • This will help you not only on the next project, but also in the future when you decide to apply to MBB

All the best!

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the current situation. In terms of your questions:

1) How long should I wait before deciding to move on; maybe to a different firm?

This is a bit personal. Do you like the company culture and colleagues / do you see this issue as temporary? If not, given you have 1 year of experience you might already start to look for a different firm.

2) How hard will it be to move from boutique to MBB firms?

It depends on the boutique, in general if you are open to MBB+Tier 2, CV and Cover are fine and you are able to find a referral it should be feasible.

You can find more referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

3) Will MBB firms ask for my utilization rate during the interviews?

No, although they might ask which projects you covered.

4) Any advice because I feel stuck between waiting which might results in worsening my CV (more time, less projects, lower utilization rate) and moving on to a different firm after only 1 year in the previous one.

There are no major issues with moving to a different firm after 1 year. So if you feel you are stuck and not growing I would seriously consider starting to apply.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It's not fun feeling undervalued in a firm.

One quick sense check for you: Life is unfair. Consulting is unfair. This is something you do need to “get used to” BUT you also need to play the game and stand up for yourself. When you do, you need to be smartand tactful and play the timing and the situation right.

1. how long should I wait before deciding to move on; maybe to a different firm?

This is ultimately your decision. For me personally, the point at which I move on is when the costs outweigh the benefits.

As in, when the pay/compensation, training/development, team/culture, work enjoyment, etc. at the current firm are less than what I can get elsewhere.

Importantly, you should ensure you have truly exhausted your options at the current firm AND you should mak sure you are calm and have found another better offer.

2. How hard will it be to move from boutique to MBB firms?

Hard. Especially without a promotion. (Might be do-able with effective networking and a killer resume).

Please don't be deadset on MBB. There are hundreds of other great consultancies out there!

3. will MBB firms ask for my utilization rate during the interviews?

No. But they will ask about your projects and work you did.

4. Any advice because I feel stuck between waiting which might results in worsening my CV (more time, less projects, lower utilization rate) and moving on to a different firm after only 1 year in the previous one.

Honestly, I'd get a coach to help you navigate this.

You also need to remember that 5 weeks is nothing. I've known people on the bench for months!

To get projects you need to network, get yourself known, volunteer for things, attend events, sign up for affinity groups etc.

In parallel, get networking + applying to other firms.

Hi there,

1. Whenever you want. Don't get trapped in a job or situation you dont want/like.
2. This depends on many factors such as time your experience before you joined the boutique firm, educational background, extracurriculars, time spent abroad and currently also the low general demand that we see across all firms due to the economic downturn.
3. No, what they want to see is that you can discuss impactful experiences and achievements within your last.
4. Waiting does not decrease your chances (see point 3). The biggest open question for me would be your resume in general (do you have enough experience before the boutique job to warrant a switch) and the general downturn.

All the best to you!

Cheers,

Florian