Hi there,

It's a good path!

It's also not the only one.

The are multiple paths you can take (as Sidi has outlined).

Look, ultimately, you should be picking up the phone (and coffee) and talking to people across these areas. Learn about their experiences and journeys.

Then, importantly, do not predetermine your journey. Rather, find the ones that make sense and then see which ones actually accept you. From there, with multiple offers (across an MBA, or a startup, or a consulting firm) THEN make your decision about what sits before you.

Management consulting is a great avenue for getting a good understanding of corporate structures and organizational management. 

Plus, you'll really sharpen your skills during that time.

Honestly, I can't think of anything better, but I'm also obviously biased here since this was my own track. 

You can read more about the job and what to expect here:

• Expert Guide: What Do Management Consultants Do? 
• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian

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Hi there,

1) Would gaining experience in management consulting in the short term be a helpful way to broaden my business expertise before transitioning into the industry? 

In general, yes. It also depends on which company you join and what exactly you will cover that.

2) Are there any alternative routes I should consider?

You might be able to join your target company directly after the MBA – in some cases (not always) this could speed up your career growth. Depending on what exactly you would like to do, VC might work as well. Please keep in mind that the VC industry is extremely competitive.

If you need more help please feel free to PM, I worked in consulting and VC before founding my own companies.

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

From what you described, it sounds like you want to eventually end up in these 2 roles

1. Startup advisory role, could be either
   • VC
   • Startup board member
   • Independent advisor
   • Startup management team (Chief Growth / Strategy)
2. Tech corporate strategy role

Management consulting can definitely add value to your experience for both these roles. But there are definitely other alternatives that will help you get the right experience, especially for role #1 as a Startup advisor. Here are some alternative (non-MC) backgrounds that I've seen in actual startup advisors that I've worked with

1. Successful startup founders / members
   • You would have had actual experience running a startup and leverage this experience
2. VC 
   • You would have broad exposure to the VC and deal making world as well as likely supporting portfolio companies in their growth
3. PE
   • Similar to VC, but you would have more experience in slightly larger size companies, as well potentially having seen through a few value creation plans
4. Senior executive levels in SMEs or MNCs
   • You have actual experience running or operating a business and can leverage this as an advisor

All the best!

Hi!

Enrolling in a top MBA program is already a fantastic start to reaching your long-term goals of supporting innovative tech startups or specializing in business strategy for tech firms.

Management Consulting: This is a tried-and-true path for many with your aspirations. It's an excellent way to gain broad exposure to different business problems, industries, and functional areas. Given your engineering background, you'd bring a unique problem-solving lens to the table, which many consulting firms value. The analytical rigor and client management experience you'd gain can be invaluable when transitioning into more specialized roles in the tech industry.

Tech-focused Corporate Strategy Roles: Jumping directly into corporate strategy roles in established tech companies is also an option. This path would allow you to gain deep insights into the tech industry faster, understanding the nuances and specific challenges tech companies face.

Venture Capital: If your interest leans more towards startups, consider roles in venture capital. It would give you exposure to evaluating startups, understanding market dynamics, and even helping portfolio companies scale and grow.

Startup Incubators/Accelerators: Engaging with startup incubators or accelerators can provide a deep dive into the startup world. You'll work closely with early-stage companies, helping them refine their business models, connect with investors, and navigate their growth challenges.

Entrepreneurship: Given your engineering background, you may also consider joining a startup in its early stages or even launching your own. This is a more hands-on and risky approach, but it provides invaluable firsthand experience.

In essence, the right path depends on your risk appetite, desired learning pace, and where you see yourself fitting best. For me personally, while there are multiple avenues to explore, management consulting stands out as the most comprehensive. But whatever path you choose, your MBA program should provide a strong foundation and network to support your journey. Best of luck! 🚀

Hope this helps!

Cheers, Sidi

_______________________

Dr. Sidi Koné 

(Former Senior Engagement Manager and Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant and Interviewer at BCG)