can one lateral to mbb pre-mba?

Question

I am considering taking an internal consulting role, but ultimately wanted to be at mbb post graduation. I am curious as to the likelihood of being able to lateral to mbb pre-mba and then getting sponsorship if I even decide to get an mba, which I am not too keen on at the moment. Would love to hear about the potential different options to land at mbb

Answer 1

Hi,
move to consulting later is possible of course. In order to get an MBA sponsorship, you should spend at least 2 years in MBB or tier-2 in the entry-level role ("Business analyst" or "Associate consultant"). Usually, this position is offered to candidates with no more than 2-3 years of working experience.

Best,
Antonello

Answer 2

Hi Anonymous,

yes, it is possible, I know several people who did so. I am not sure what you mean by “internal consulting role”, if you mean in-house consulting that would be more difficult than switching from a tier 2 as MBB pay attention to the brand in the CV.

You can get sponsorship if you are considered at the top of your pre-MBA cohort, so that should be possible also if you switch to MBB later and don’t start there.

Best,
Francesco

Answer 3

While it is not unheard of, I also think it is not the most effective way to enter MBB. Lateral hires are usually those who have been in the industry for a while and can bring their expertise in a relevant field to the firm. Lateral hires as BAs are candidates who under normal circumstances would have gotten into MBB (Target school, high GPA, impressive extra curriculars) but chose to pursue a different but equally prestigious path instead (startup founder/early employee, Investment Banking).

An alternative route might be to work in an industry of your choice in a role where you can build significant expertise for which there is a high demand in the industry. That can be leveraged to join MBB. You do not need an MBA to do this

Answer 4

Hi,

Why not? You can apply for an MBB role now and then they will sponsor your MBA. An alternative path can be internal consulting -> MBB

Best!

Answer 5

Hi, sorry for being late at the party, but I personally know a person who went from Big 4 (NOT their strategy house), to boutique, to MBB, all in a Tier 1 office location.

Regards.

Answer 6

Hello!

Yes, it´s possible, and I personally know cases. However, MBBs will only sponsor your MBA after some time worked at the firm (at least arround 15 months).

Cheers,

Clara