Applying to MBB/T2 as an experienced analyst?

analyst Big 4 consulting graduate MBB T2
New answer on May 03, 2020
8 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on May 01, 2020

Hi,

I'm hoping to apply to MBB/T2 and I have 1 year experience in a Big 4 Consulting graduate program. Would I apply for through the final-year student applications or is there another process?

As well, when would be the best time of year to apply (Australia)?

Cheers :)

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Anonymous replied on May 01, 2020

Hi there,

Since you already have 1 year experience, you should have already graduated? If that's the case then I don't think you would apply through student application any more. You could apply via the off campus channel, e.g. through the official website, or even better if you have someone in the firm the refer you.

For off campus recruiting, it is hard to say when would be the best time, esp given the COVID situation now. It depends on your readiness in preparation, your timeline and whether there is any reason pushing you or not. In general, apply 5-6 months before your intended start date I would say, since the process can take 2-3 months (maybe longer now due to COVID), and then you probably have some time of notice period to serve for your current employer.

Hope it helps,

Emily

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Anonymous A on May 01, 2020

Hi Emily, thank you so much for your reply. In Australia, the website does not seem to distinguish between off-campus and student applications? Regarding time of year to apply, I've heard that applying near Christmas times would give you a lower chance of success since it is low-peak - what are your thoughts on this?

Anonymous on May 01, 2020

Near Christmas time means the process for sure would take longer, because Dec is a holiday month and very difficult to schedule interviews. Most likely the interviews would only get scheduled in Jan when people come back from leave. Plus, the actual starting date then would likely to be after Q1 for sure, more likely to be in H2 of the year.

Anonymous on May 01, 2020

Try to apply before Sep if you want to start in Q1 2021.

Anonymous A on May 01, 2020

Thanks for your reply Emily - makes sense :)

Anonymous A on May 01, 2020

Hi Emily, I would also like to ask if you think theres a low chance of succeeding when applying as an analyst with 1 year experience? Particularly as other candidates may have few years experience

Anonymous replied on May 02, 2020

Dear A,

Yes, it is the same process, because you will be downgraded.

Best,

André

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Anonymous replied on May 02, 2020

Your experience might not be enough to get you pass the entry level position in MBB /T2 strategy consulting firm. However, if your performances in every single case interviews are excellent you MIGHT be able to negotiate.

Therefore, network your way to get referral and some mock interview practices from the office you are targeting. Also don't forget to really prep case interview and mental math.

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Ian
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replied on May 02, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi,

You'll need to go through the regular process (you can no long apply through student applications if you are not at school). Of course, the regular process means you should be networking aggressively.

Given just 1 year experience, and the current times, I would recommend you aim to show career trajectory (i.e. promotion, big project exposure, etc.) in your current role. This will greatly improve your odds of successfully getting into MBB.

In regards to Australia, my BCG career was in the Melbourne + Sydney offices, so please feel free to reach out for any Australia-specific questions!

Best,

Ian

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Anonymous A on May 02, 2020

Hi Ian, thanks for your reply! Much appreciated. I understand that in US, networking is a huge factor for landing an interview as a lateral hire. Is this just as important for Australian offices? If so, what's the best way of networking/meeting people from these offices (particularly as MBB don't seem to hold formal networking events)

Francesco
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replied on May 02, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

in general, Big 4 is not the ideal brand to apply to MBB unless you are referring to the consulting arm (Strategy&, Monitor, Parthenon). I would recommend to find a referral and apply through that instead of on-campus recruiting – the person who refers you can also help to understand the best time to apply, in particular given the current uncertainty due to the virus.

You can find more on referrals at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

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Luca
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replied on May 01, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

Unfortunately one year in a BIg4 is not enough to hope in a higher role than entry level in a consulting company. Yet, I would suggest not to use the same channel of final years students but rather to leverage your network and people working in those offices that you may know.

Best,
Luca

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Clara
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replied on May 03, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

One year in a Big4 company will give you good insights for the interviews, indeed.

However, it is not enaugh to make you apply as an experienced business analyst (a senior BA).

Hence, as you suggest, I would follow the final-year student application.

Hope it helps.

Cheers,

Clara

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Thomas
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replied on May 01, 2020
150+ interviews | 6+ years experience | Bain, Kearney & Accenture | Exited startup| London Business School

Hi there,

I would also not recommend applying for the final-year applications. It is a little misplaced and there is more competition. My suggestion is to try to get a hold off recruiting as firms don't always post such "experienced" job vacancies. In terms of timing, it would be good to find out whether your target firms hire throughout the year or only in certain months.

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Anonymous A on May 01, 2020

Hi Thomas, thanks for your reply! Do you mean I should find out where each firm advertises 'experienced' job vacancies?

Thomas on May 02, 2020

Correct. Consulting firms usually don't advertise these positions, because it is rare, but that doesn't mean they are not open to it. Exactly this happened to me actually. I also joined with ~1 year of previous consulting experience, but I did join at the second level (so not entry level).

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