Career path towards MBB

Hi there, 

Based on your short description I don't see why you wouldn't be able to make a lateral move. You already have a lot of consulting experience and that is very important for screening. Additionally, try and get some referrals to help highlight your CV for HR. And last but not least, make sure you practice to develop a MBB standard of casing. 

Best,

Cristian

Hey there,

Firstly, great work on your credentials and the current roles you've landed! I had a very similar experience and moved from a Big4 to MBB after ~2 years. It is very do-able and becoming more common as a consequence of this great resignation and re-shuffle period that the labour market has seen. Some suggestions below:

1. Try to work on projects which are applicable in the MBB world. Make sure you have some strategy, go-to-market, target operating model, M&A, cost restructuring etc. experience 

2. Show a strong career trajectory and highlight your accomplishments. MBB want to get the best and if they see you're a top performer they're more likely to interview you

3. Craft a story. Why MBB? It's got to be more than the name/title/prestige. Try to specialize in areas where they are investing more in. For example BCG & McK have been trying to grow their Digital practices. If you have experience with that, showcase your expertise in the area and why you think MBB will help you grow your experience in that vertical

4. Network (obvious one) - like I said, it's becoming more common for Big4/Tier 2 to MBB transitions. Find people who've made the leap and are still at the firm. I'm happy to share my story as well if it helps. 

I think many have this pre-conceived notion that Big4/Tier 2 to MBB is very out of reach. I don't think this is the case as long as you have a plan in mind and can craft the right story for the move. Consulting is all about selling yourself. A partner at MBB needs to believe they can safely hire you and have you billable & client-facing (with strong output) in a reasonable timeframe. If you can convince them of this, you're in! 

Happy to chat further, if it helps. Best of luck! 
Nauman 

Hi there,

Q: In the long run, anyway, I would like to break into MBB. I know that this is not a lot detailed, but do you think that it is possible for me to achieve it?

On paper, that’s feasible. While McKinsey used to require 110 in Italy to be considered for interviews a few years ago, BCG and Bain are more flexible. Moreover if you apply at McK after the Tier 2 experience and with a referral I believe you should be fine with them as well.

You can find more on referrals here:

▶ How to Get an MBB Referral

If you have more questions please feel free to PM me, happy to help a fellow Bocconi alumnus ;)

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

You should be able to. Ultimately, you may as well try!

1) Optimize your resume

2) Get as much quick consulting-related experience as possible

3) Network extensively and aim for a referral

4) Get casing now!

Some case reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

Some fit reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

If your resume is good enough for a Tier2, it is good enough for MBB, particularly as you are studying in a target school. The difference between T2 and MBB is not in the talent pool. The difference is in performance consistency (i.e. those more consistent are able to get multiple offers and chose MBB) and luck (some are not 100% consistent but get a lucky strike at MBB instead of at Tier2). Or, in other words, MBB gets “first pick” on the same talent pool. (this is a simplification, Tier 2 need to have a broader talent pool with more target schools, but doesn't really mean their candidates are worse, because in those other schools they have a high bar and also get first pick). 

You are in that talent pool. So you have a chance. It is more a matter of making sure you get the interview (well crafted resume + networking) and good preparation for the case interview.

I think very doable :) May want to consider the Middle East, there's a large Bocconi contingent there (across MBB) and not so worried about exact GPA.

The other thing that stands in your favour at least in the short/medium term is that consulting firms are facing higher than usual churn of experienced talent. If you were to come in with 1-3 years experience from a good T2 firm and could hit the ground running that is something that is only going to count in your favour. 

I know in London and Middle East they are actively headhunting experienced hires from T2 firms. 

Feel free to ping me esp re middle east. Happy to jump on a quick call to discuss further :)

Hello,

I think it's certainly possible! MBB is very competitive so there are never any guarantees, but judging by the details you have given us here I think you stand a good chance of getting looked at. In any case, if you're interested in MBB, why not give it a try?

Strategically, I would advise you to start networking. See if there are any events you can go to, and reach out to people in the offices you are interested in working in.

I would guess you are ready to apply for MBB, Bocconi is targeted school and you could try Internship first and if you do well, you would get an offer. if you want experience from abroad, you can try Dubai, a lot of demand in Middle East for consultants, plus you just need to speak English. 

Good luck,

Was this answer helpful?

Hello!

Yes, of course, 100%! Particularly the Big4 experience will be very valuable.

My advice would be not to wait, and start preparing for it already, to try to join as a new joiner. That is the best school you can possibly attend :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara