Applying to office aligned to professional background/interests

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New answer on Feb 01, 2023
7 Answers
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Charlie asked on Jan 26, 2023

Are MBA students more competitive if they apply to an MBB office well aligned with their professional background and want to eventually specialize in that area (ex: strong oil and gas background applying to Bain Dallas, strong finance background applying to McK NYC, etc.)?

Given entry level consultants start as generalists and the early interview stages are with more junior / generalist types (or so I think…), hoping to get some clarity on what if any difference this would make?

Thank you

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Cristian
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replied on Jan 26, 2023
#1 McK Coach by rating & recommendation rate| Honest feedback: no sugar-coating | Success stories ➨ tinyurl.com/43rkxa8f

Hi there, 

It can help, but it's not going to make a huge difference. 

The advantage is rather for you as an individual and future consultant. If you go into an office that tends to do more of the work that you're interested in, you'll be surrounded by more people with similar interests and do more projects locally (which is going to count a lot in terms of your lifestyle).

Best,

Cristian

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Hagen
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replied on Jan 26, 2023
Ex-Bain and interviewer for 7+ years | >95% success rate | mentor and coach for 6+ years

Hi Charlie,

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

  • Applying to an office that aligns with your professional background and interests can be beneficial, but it is not a deciding factor in the selection process. While MBB firms do have a regional focus and may have a higher demand for certain industry expertise in certain offices, entry-level consultants are expected to be generalists and work on a wide range of projects.
  • It is more important to demonstrate your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and potential as a consultant.
  • Additionally, having a preference for a certain region or dominant industry in that region can be helpful in the long-term as it can give you a better chance of being staffed on projects that align with your interests and career goals.

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
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replied on Feb 01, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience

Hello,

I would echo what some of the coaches have mentioned and say that it does matter but only a little. In reality getting to job will depend on 1) your demonstrated capabilities and 2) your fit with the office (which is more than just professional background/interest).

If you are applying as an MBA candidate than you are most likely applying in the generalist and not expert track (in BCG there is a difference). This means that you are tested as a generalist. 

I will also share what I've observed after working multiple years in consulting:

  • Sometimes, people come in with a specific industry/professional background, but figure out they actually like another practice area more
  • Sometimes people come in and get pigeonholed into only their previous background-related cases, and this frustrates them
  • Sometimes in the longer term, office practice area focuses and strengths change and you might find yourself also pivoting to a new practice area eventually
  • Sometimes, people with a specific background have had to join an office that's not strong in that background (e.g. Healthcare expert in an office that does little healthcare) - and these people have ended up transferring to another office/geography

In summary, in the long term, I wouldn't mind too much about professional background/interests. Focus first on your core interview skills.

All the best!

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Florian
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replied on Jan 26, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | 5 years @ McKinsey | Author of the 1% | 120+ McK offers in 18 months

Hi there,

Yes, it might help. It's a simple question of supply and demand. :-)

On top of that, there is a trend that entry-level consultants already start in more specialized, fragmented roles based on their studies/internship experience.

Cheers,

Florian

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Ian
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replied on Jan 26, 2023
MBB | 100% personal interview success rate (8/8) and 95% candidate success rate | Personalized interview prep

Hi Charlie,

Ultimately, everyone is more competitive if they apply to a role/region that aligns with their background.

That said, what's more important is your MBA, resume strength overall, networking, etc.

Apply where you want to be

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Moritz
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replied on Jan 28, 2023
ex-McKinsey | Senior Interviewer & MBA Coach @ McKinsey | Personalized key-skill coaching |Blue-chip Strategy Lead

Hi there,

If your profile matches the work scope of the region, you will be more competitive, yes.

I know from experience as a former Petroleum Geoscientist, who worked 6+ years in the oil industry around the globe, prior to getting my MBA. MBB offices with a strong O&G focus were very keen on interviewing me because of my background, which is not commonly found among candidates.

Eventually, I joined McKinsey in Chile where O&G is rather limited, but there was a strong pull for me to join virtually every CST related to this sector.

If you'd like to discuss more about the right application strategy, please get in touch!

Best,

Moritz

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Pedro
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replied on Jan 26, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger |Former Head Recruiter | Market Sizing

Yes, you have more chances if your profile is more aligned with their needs.

Regarding case interviews… I've given interviews related to sectors I have never work with… they're not designed to test industry knowledge, but structuring and problem solving ability.

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Cristian gave the best answer

Cristian

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#1 McK Coach by rating & recommendation rate| Honest feedback: no sugar-coating | Success stories ➨ tinyurl.com/43rkxa8f
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