Career prospects - MBB in Italy

Hey Lily,

1. How possible or common is it to be hired as an experienced professional and not a fresh graduate?

Since you already have 5 years of experience, you will be coming in as an experienced professional, not as a fresh graduate. The position you are considered for depends on how strong and relevant your profile is. The HR may choose to either downgrade or upgrade the position to match your actual experience.

The position you are offered, in addition to your profile's strength, also depends on your actual interview performance (case + fit) and the overall seniority level that you demonstrate.

2. What are the prospects for someone with experience in terms of grades/position levels? 

Judging by the numbers alone (but can be downgraded):

Senior Business Analyst (SBA) or a Junior Associate (JA) at McKinsey
Senior Associate (SA) or a Junior Consultant (JA) at BCG
Senior Associate Consultant (SAC) at Bain

3.  How common is it to be hired at an MBB firm in Italy while being a non-EU citizen? 
*but having a work permit and being fluent in local language (C1)

Not common and very tough, especially in today's environment. Consulting is the people's business and having a native-like proficiency in a language (C2) is almost a must. Especially in a country as conservative as Italy. On the other hand, since you've lived and worked there for a certain period of time, it should be easier for you, especially if you manage to find a strong referral.

Therefore, still try applying, but only through a referral and consider other geographies (e.g. Middle East) and not only the MBBs.

Good luck!
Nick





 

Hi Lily,

1. How possible or common is it to be hired as an experienced professional and not a fresh graduate?

Absolutely possible! I have lots and lots of successful experience professional hires - with the right credentials, networking, and resume you can absolutely get in!

Please remember, nothing with MBB is “common”. It's hard. 

2. What are the prospects for someone with experience in terms of grades/position levels? 
You would probably come in at consultant level (associate for McKinsey)

Your networking + screening + interview performance also has the ability to impact/influence this

3.  How common is it to be hired at an MBB firm in Italy while being a non-EU citizen? 
*but having a work permit and being fluent in local language (C1)

Not common. But even being accept as an EU citizen isn't common! You have to remember this is MBB, so there is no common here.

Having a work permit + local fluency is a great bonus and if you network effectively this will increase your chances.

I recommend you read the following for more advice/tips (internship applies to full time recruiting as well): https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

Hi Lily,

Absolutely, it's quite possible for experienced professionals to secure positions in MBB firms. While commonality may not be the defining factor in MBB hiring, it's more about the exceptional qualities and fit of each candidate. 

Hiring Experienced Professionals: MBB firms actively seek experienced professionals who bring unique perspectives and skills to the table. It's more about your qualifications, networking, and how you present your credentials.

Position Levels: As an experienced hire, you can often enter at the Consultant level, which is equivalent to an Associate at McKinsey. However, your precise level may also depend on your qualifications, prior experience, and interview performance.

International Hires in Italy: MBB firms in Italy, like in many other countries, often value local language fluency and work permits. While it's not common to be hired as a non-EU citizen, having a valid work permit and local language fluency can significantly enhance your prospects. Effective networking can further boost your chances.

Diversity in Hiring: MBB firms increasingly value diversity, which extends to hiring individuals from various backgrounds, regions, and professional experiences. Your unique qualities can be a considerable asset in the selection process.

Happy to chat further over a coffee, warm regards, Frederic 

1. How possible or common is it to be hired as an experienced professional and not a fresh graduate?

Quite common. However, more likely when the recruiting market is hot or if you are bringing skills that are relevant from an industry or functional point of view.

2. What are the prospects for someone with experience in terms of grades/position levels? 
 

Can be something as an experienced “business analyst” (2-3 year analyst experience) or a consultant/senior consultant (i.e. post MBA role). This will pretty much depend on the quality of your experience and performance in the interview.

3.  How common is it to be hired at an MBB firm in Italy while being a non-EU citizen? 

Not that common, but the real deal breaker here is whether you are already in the country or not. If you are a resident your chances will be similar to nationals/citizens of Italy, and possibly higher than those of othe EU-citizens that do not reside in Italy.

Hi Lily,

1) How possible or common is it to be hired as an experienced professional and not a fresh graduate?

Depending on the office/company, with your experience you might be considered for a Senior Analyst (pre MBA) or Associate (post MBA) position, so not the same as a fresh grad.

2) What are the prospects for someone with experience in terms of grades/position levels? 

Those reported in answer 1.

3)  How common is it to be hired at an MBB firm in Italy while being a non-EU citizen? *but having a work permit and being fluent in local language (C1)

Usually you can apply abroad if you:

1. Speak the local language.
2. Don’t have visa issues.
3. Have a connection with the country.

So in your case, if you can show a connection with the country there should not be issues in terms of the points above.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Some quick responses:

1. How possible or common is it to be hired as an experienced professional and not a fresh graduate? Very common, if the candidate is ready for it. Experienced hires that have the capacity to switch to consulting aren't easily found but highly sought after. I myself switched after 6+ years in O&G as a specialist. It wasn't easy because I had to completely transform. However, it was a win-win for McKinsey and myself.

2. What are the prospects for someone with experience in terms of grades/position levels? As an experienced hire without an MBA, you will be considered for jr Associate/Associate positions at McKinsey, for example. If you do really well, you can rise the ranks quite quickly and get to EM/AP level within 3-4 years.

3.  How common is it to be hired at an MBB firm in Italy while being a non-EU citizen? 
*but having a work permit and being fluent in local language (C1) That should be ok because both visa and language are essentially a non-issue at this point. Just make sure you network your way to the interview invitation and don't just blindly apply on the platform. This is even more important from someone with an ‘atypical’ background. 

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!
Moritz

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Hi Lily!

You actually have a cool profile. I'm surprised that you're second guessing yourself. 

Let me take your questions one by one:

1. How possible or common is it to be hired as an experienced professional and not a fresh graduate?

It's absolutely possible. Basically, with 5y work experience OR MBA or PhD you're entering as an Associate in McKinsey (the starting role is BA, so Associate is in all geographies at least one promotion ahead).

2. What are the prospects for someone with experience in terms of grades/position levels? 

See above (Associate). Still, I'd recommend you start connecting with the Italian office recruiters for consulting firms to get from them a better understanding of fit and their recruitment needs at the moment.

3.  How common is it to be hired at an MBB firm in Italy while being a non-EU citizen? 
*but having a work permit and being fluent in local language (C1)

Common, BUT you need to do a bit of networking with existing consultants (for referrals) and with recruiters (so they understand that you speak Italian well and have a work permit so they don't screen you out early in the process). Aside from this, I'd recommend you build an application strategy that helps you diversify risk. For all these, you can find below a list of resources:

• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn? 
• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

And feel free to reach out if you have other questions. Happy to help.

Best,
Cristian
 

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