Hello!

Here are my toughts:

1. Yes, could be, particularly in big offices in the US -where they do more pharma than in european offices, for instance-. However, bear in mind that being hired as someone experienced and not entry-level is difficult -in the sense of it being really demanding-. However, nothing that cannot be done with good prep, of course.
2. Again, yes, could be. However, I believe you should think at 1&2 as a unique strategy, since for both you need to follow the exact same SOP:
   1. Write powerful CL & CVs
   2. Prep for consulting interviews: FIT & casing
   3. Building a network to increase your chances.
3. For sure MBA is a great option, but the downsides are also huge:
   1. What if you don´t get in? You would have wasted a lot of time in prep & GMAT -who, believe me, it´s a huge pain-.
   2. What if you get in, but then you don´t get into consulting? Could be too
   3. Think of the amount of money it costs + the money you would not be earning for two years. Is that really worth it for a "maybe"?

This said, I would prep for the 1&2 approach.

Best of luck!

Cheers,

Clara

Hello Dennis,

I will try to give you my opinion briefly:

1. Really difficult. You could find an opportunity in specific offices because big firms are now trying to expand the Healthcare practice, but without experience and not being fresh graduated the odds are low. Even if you would have the opportunity, you have to consider that without consulting experience you will start as "experienced entry level". During my experience I had a colleague that studied medicine and after 5 years of specialization (mandatory in Italy) was hired as "Senior associate"
2. It could be more feasible than 1. Entry the tier-2 to gain experience and move later to tier-1 is a good strategy. Btw you have always to consider the point mentioned before: they will not hire you as a consultant with 4 years of experience.
3. With a top MBA you will have great chances of joining an MBB.

To sum up, I would try to write an effective CV and cover letter, to network and send my applications everywhere asap. In the meanwhile I would study for case interviews, you can have the first round after 1/2 months.
If it doesn't work you will have the time to prepare the GMAT (you will need between 1 and 2 months) and apply for an MBA.

Hope it helps,
Luca

Hi Dennis,
if your unique goal is consulting I would not spend time, effort and money in an MBA program. I think you have a good profile for applying in consulting and I recommend MBB and tier2. Just a couple of tips:
- GPA is not needed in your CV, since what really matters is your last working experience.
- an easier way for your profile to enter in MBB is applying for operation or implementation practices.
- you do not have to choose now between MBB or tier2. I would apply to every firms and than let's see.

Hope it helps,
Antonello

Hi,

1. Definitely worth trying - you are not losing anything
2. Easy option, should try as well
3. It's hard. If non Top 3 MBA- chances of getting a consulting offer are still low. You need a lot of effort and money to apply.

Thus I recommend consulting prep, applying to MBB / BIg4 / Tier 2. If it doesn't work - do an MBA

Best