Hi, good questions! Happy to offer my perspective on both:
1) Should I still "risk" applying? Would this put me at a disadvantage if my application gets ignored and I want to reapply later on?
I'd say applying now is a no-risk move; given the usual cycle to re-apply is ~1-1.5 years, applying now will have no impact on a re-application 1+ years from now. Recruiting practices, while impacted like every practice, are generally moving forward given their previous heavy reliance on online channels.
2) If I apply - would you recommend applying directly to a practice (mine would be Operations) or to stay a generalist? Bearing in mind I have no operations industry experience...
If you don't have any Ops experience, I'd apply as a generalist. Direct applications to a practice tend to require previous experience in that practice. As a generalist, you'll definitely have the opportunity to work on Ops projects, given it's the largest share of work most consulting firms (including MBB) have.
Best of luck, let us know if we can help with any other questions!
Hi, good questions! Happy to offer my perspective on both:
1) Should I still "risk" applying? Would this put me at a disadvantage if my application gets ignored and I want to reapply later on?
I'd say applying now is a no-risk move; given the usual cycle to re-apply is ~1-1.5 years, applying now will have no impact on a re-application 1+ years from now. Recruiting practices, while impacted like every practice, are generally moving forward given their previous heavy reliance on online channels.
2) If I apply - would you recommend applying directly to a practice (mine would be Operations) or to stay a generalist? Bearing in mind I have no operations industry experience...
If you don't have any Ops experience, I'd apply as a generalist. Direct applications to a practice tend to require previous experience in that practice. As a generalist, you'll definitely have the opportunity to work on Ops projects, given it's the largest share of work most consulting firms (including MBB) have.
Best of luck, let us know if we can help with any other questions!