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2 YR post MBA - should I only apply for Experienced Professional roles?

Hello everyone!
I graduated from my MBA 2yr ago, and this week when applying to Bain, they told me I could not apply in MBAs hiring processes, only Experienced Hires (which they do not have any openings forecasted as of now for my country). I have a couple questions about this matter:
-Should I only apply for Exp. Hires for all firms?
-Could I still apply for a regular Consultant position?
My goal is to maximize my odds of being invited to an interview, either on MBB or other/boutique firms.

Thank you!

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Top answer
Arjun
Coach
on Aug 02, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Engagement Manager | Interview coach | Helping you nail behavioural and cases

Hey Souza,

At McKinsey chances are that you would still be eligible for the ASC position (which is the post-MBA role). The next level up would be Engagement Manager, which is rare for external hires to be directly hired into (unless you have 2 years of consulting experience post MBA, in which case you may stand a chance). 

 

Hope that helps!

Soh
Coach
on Aug 02, 2024
Ex- Strategy Consultant ZS Associate | Commercial Strategy Director | Michigan MBA | Pharma/Financial Svc. /Tech Expert

Hi,

Thanks for your question.

The answer is it depends on the firm. You have to ask someone who works there - a lot of times it is the HR only who will know.

In general, you will most probably fall under the expereinced proffesional bracket but working as a consultant - the title is the same of a consultant but internally you may fall under the experienced proffessional bracket which impacts your salary range, benefits etc.  But it depends from company to company. So your best bet is to talk to someone you know from the firm or apply for the consultant position and see.

All the best,

Sohini

Lorenzo
Coach
on Aug 06, 2024
IESE MBA | Bain&Co | OC&C | Private Equity | Consumer Goods

Hi Souza, yes, you cannot apply through the normal MBA recruiting process. 

On a different note, I would recommend checking more specialized positions that might be a better fit for your experience and profile (for example, Technology Consultant, or for a particular industries, like Energy & Utilities), so that you can enhance the chance of getting invited for interviews, compared to just applying as a “Generalist” Consultant.

Udayan
Coach
on Aug 03, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

At two years post MBA you are an experienced hire at all firms. You cannot apply as part of the regular MBA cycle.

Florian
Coach
on Aug 05, 2024
1300 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

  1. I tend to say yes!
  2. Yes!

If you want to maximize your chances, make sure to network and score referrals first!

Cheers,

Florian

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