Hi,

I am sorry but you are approaching this wrong.

You dont want to get into firm X with the sole aim of then getting into MBB. What if firm X is a terrible fit and you hate it? What if MBB doesn't happen in second attempt? 

Firm X needs to be a good fit NOW- in terms of your career aspirations, risk profile and values. This could be any of the firms on your list of another one. Don't go in with a pre determined goal but rather focus on finding a mutual fit. This way you will enjoy your time there, learn and perform well. MBB will happen. Otherwise its just another desperate push.

I have seen people from all sorts of backgrounds get into MBB and consulting generally. Its definitely easier if you have prior consulting background but not a must have.

Have a look at this handy article for some related tips: https://www.preplounge.com/en/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

If you are set to target MBB at a later stage - then I suggest to stay in consulting. Tech can work too, but PE to consulting is a more difficult transition.

In terms of the firms you listed - ADL and A&M make more sense to me. However, you should check how they align with your past work and present interests. Having a more coherent storyline will make it nicer for you in your pursuit for MBB

Hey there,

I actually disagree with most of the sentiment here. Consulting is not worth it if not MBB or in some cases tier-2 (controversial, I know…)

Based on the list of companies posted industry > these firms.

I give you 3 reasons for it to substantiate:

1. MBB is looking more and more for consultants with industry expertise. McKinsey is even ‘’lending out'' people to companies for a year to then re-hire them with the gained industry experience (client's demand this more and more and are less looking for generalist consultants hired straight from university)
2. The companies you posted have very little brand recognition. A well-known leader in a specific industry carries more weight 
3. Depends on the position. If you manage to do strategy at, let's say Unilever, again, you are working on the same skills in a better-branded environment with better exit opps.

Summing up, it depends. If you manage to get offers from reputable industry firms in suitable departments, I'd rather go with the industry.

All the best on your journey!

Cheers,
Florian

Hello,

I am sorry to hear about your rejection. There's no one way to get to MBB, but if your goal is to end up there, then staying in consulting is probably more helpful on the margin (though needless to say this shouldn't be the only consideration in picking a job, and you can certainly get in from tech/PE too). I think the firms you mentioned are roughly equivalent - they are all well-known and have a good reputation.

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your rejection. 

My recommendation would be to work in consulting – at least some of the firms you mentioned can lead to MBB later.

In terms of the exact company, I personally coached candidates that worked at Simon-Kucher and landed an MBB offer, so that should work for the transition. I believe ADL could work too. You could do a LinkedIn search for your particular office, as there may be some local differences based on that.

Keep in mind that ADL and SK focus on different segments, so you should also consider whether you would enjoy that niche in your first years (eg marketing/pricing for SK).

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi there,

I am deeply sorry to hear that the applications didn't work out with the three companies.

However, and this is something I am absolutely certain about because I have seen it numerous times at Bain but also inside my network with the other two companies, “the door is never truly locked for good”. I have and still interview people who have applied for the 3rd/ 4th/ 5th time and they all got in eventually.
Those companies are constantly seeking brilliant minds and in my personal opinion, it might even get a bit easier for applicants with more experience gained.

That being said, I think your chances won't be better or worse with one or the other option you mentioned. I have interviewed and seen succeed numerous applicants coming from smaller/ focused/ more operational consulting companies as well as people from the industry.

The aspects I would put my focus on right now would be the following, in this order:

• Make sure your application files are all prepared for success.
• Invest into networking for all possible companies you would want to apply and try to find out as much as possible about the company and the job - this will also make your final decision easier and more valid.
• Based on the information from your network and other external resources, try to find out what companies you would want to apply to.
• Even if your ultimate goal is getting into MBB - something I don't want to talk you out of - try to approach all companies with the option to stay longer than planned. Even if some coaches would tell you otherwise, there also lies value in other consulting companies, and many people of my personal network deeply enjoy working there and wouldn't even want to apply to MBB anymore.

I hope that helps,

Hagen

Hi!

It's hard to tell. I think a lot depends on what you'll achieve and how you'll be able to effectively communicate your story.

Yet, I would say industry might give you an advantage for an experienced hire path.

Best,

Anto

(editiert)