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Acceptance of non-MBA applicants to consultancy positions at MBB firms

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New answer on Feb 09, 2023
6 Answers
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Mark asked on Feb 08, 2023

Hi all,

I have a question regarding non-MBA recruitments that might be useful for others too. 

I am an early career professional with five years of work experience (working with large organisations including the United Nations) and a background in Law. I hold both a bachelor's and master's degree in Law from two top UK universities, and experience working with consulting firms and banks as partners through my work: without going into the details, I believe my experiences are directly relevant to advertised consulting openings and my academic qualifications meet the conventional standard.  

My question, however, is how common it is for non-business graduates (or applicants without an MBA) to be recruited into MBB firms - specifically at the consultant level. I don't believe it is appropriate for me to apply for the most junior roles, given these are targeted at undergraduates or recent graduates, but equally recognise that coming in at a higher level (Consultant, across most of the firms) might be unusual/unlikely given I hold an LLM rather than an MBA. 

Grateful for any thoughts or advice, I think there are likely to be a large number of early career professionals who consider the switch to strategic consulting but have little knowledge around how common this pathway is. 

Thanks in advance. 

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 09, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

I believe you have a great profile and should definitely go for it!

Many people that are in MBB do not have a business background. I used to be one of them actually. 

They don't make this an issue during the actual interviewing process. The most important thing is to have a strong application that passes the screening. From then on it really all depends on your casing and personal fit skills. 

A strong application means:

  • a great CV
  • a tailored cover letter
  • referrals - ideally from your target office from somebody who you genuinely had a couple of conversations with and who is working on a role at least as senior as the one you're applying for

Let me also share with you here three articles that would be super relevant for you in terms of understanding how the industry works and how to join it:

Best,

Cristian

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Hagen
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replied on Feb 09, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi Mark,

First of all, congratulations on your successful career thus far!

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

  • I understand your concerns about your non-business background and the potential difficulties in securing a consultant position at MBB firms with just an LLM.
  • Given your professional career thus far, however, I would highly advise you to at least try to apply for a consultant position right away. The worst-case scenario is that the company might degrade you to an Associate/ Senior Associate position at the beginning of the recruiting process.
  • Please keep in mind that even at a consultant position, you would be discounting the value of your work experience and the skills you have developed throughout your career by 60%.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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Benjamin
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 09, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi Mark,

It is not common for non-MBAs with ~5 years to come in as a Consultant (post-MBA) level.

Victoria has mentioned succinctly the 3 options that you have. I won't repeat those, but i'll elaborate on coming in a more junior position, and why it may not be a bad thing.

The progression at BCG is Associate (2 yrs) → Senior Associate (1 yr, but not all geographies have this) → Consultant (2 yrs) → Project Leader

If you are able to apply as a Senior Associate, it really may not be a bad thing. It gives you time to ramp up, adapt and learn new skills before being judged as a Consultant. 

I myself joined as an SA (although I switched from a smaller consulting firm), but I think it was a good decision. During my time as a Principal, I've seen my fair share of MBA hires struggling and having a tough time, vs. ‘homegrown’ Associates who -normally- have a better time adjusting to the Consultant position.

All the best!

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Victoria Christine
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updated an answer on Feb 08, 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG

Hello Mark,

It seems like you have an impressive profile, bravo!

I totally understand your point, but unfortunately, based on what I've seen, you could only apply for a level 2 position (BCG: Associate, McKinsey: Analyst, etc.).

It is true that your education as well as your professional experience is remarkable, but you still lack the business/consulting background, thus you could not be hired as a consultant.

If you really want to pivot to consulting you have three options: 

  1. You apply for a more junior role
  2. You do an MBA (which believe me, is going to be one of the best experiences of your life)
  3. You start from tier-2/tier-3 consulting companies and you move to the MBBs later

Again, congratulations on your accomplishments!

Best of luck!

Best,

Victoria

(edited)

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Mark on Feb 08, 2023

Hi Victoria, That is extremely useful to know, thank you! I suspected as much and will apply at the appropriate level. Kind regards, Mark

Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 09, 2023
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi Mark,

Given your background, you should be good to go to directly apply with the MBBs. However, I would definitely aim for a strong referral before you send out your application documents.

The current recruiting market is more competitive than usual due to hiring slowdowns and freezes.

Through networking and discussions, you make sure that

  • you get a good overview if they office you want to apply for is actually hiring (e.g., don't send an application if an office is not actively hiring as you would burn your chances there)
  • you get a referral that improves your position on the pile

All the best,

Florian

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Feb 09, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Mark,

To be honest, I have to disagree with the other coaches here. I think you have a shot of coming in at the consultant level (you have a Master's degree after all).

This is especially true if you have held good leadership positions and been promoted multiple times within the firm (for example, I was promoted twice to Senior Consultant over 4 years at my first firm, an IT Consultancy). 

This is also especially true if you can 1) Network your way to a strong referral, demonstrating to your referrers your professional maturity and 2) Perform well in the interview, again, showing professional maturity.

Seriously, give it a shot! Network a ton, get put in touch with recruiters, and see what you can get!

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