Data science to MBB

Hi there,

It seems you like both Data Science and Consulting. Have you considered applying for a Data Science role in consulting (eg BCG Gamma or McKinsey QuantumBlack)? That’s a transition you could consider right now.

If you want to target a generalist position, an MBA would help to join as an Associate (McK) or Consultant (BCG, Bain). You may be able to apply without but this could lead you to join in a more junior position. If you know someone that could refer you, I would recommend to check with them, as this could be office-dependent.

If you need help to find referrals, you can find more on that here:

▶ How to Get an MBB Referral 

If you want to check some recent trends in consulting, including automation and AI, you can find them here:

▶ 11 New Consulting Trends You Should Know 

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi there,

You have a very impressive background - well done!

Look, you're already at this company so just dive in head first! Yes, it's ok to stay in that role - you absolutely should for a few years as you build up your experience and your network.

There will come a time where you have to cross a bridge, and you'll know when that is.

When it happens, you can probably recruit for BCG GAMMA or McK Black directly (perhaps even BCG Platinion and McK Digital) or go straight to a boutique with a focus on tech/digital.

A generalist move will be harder, but not impossible with networking and some added experiences - if you need an MBA you'll need an MBA and that's nothing to worry about right now.

Enjoy the role and good luck in the coming years!

Definitely agree with everyone's views on this. 

You would probably need an MBA to get in as a generalist in 2-3 years. It is not impossible to come in as an industry hire at the same Consultant/ Associate level. However, it is definitely harder. 

Coming into the data arms of the top firms or even the digital practice if you have any agile/ product experience in your current roles is a proven path to enter and also continue to work on the technical skills that you enjoy. An internal move from these practices to the generalist track is also a possibility. 

You can definitely make the move directly.  With your profile, recruiters will likely encourage you to join the digital/analytics practice and so it will be important for you to be able to communicate your profile and experience more broadly to avoid getting pigeonholed.

Hi there, 

Perhaps one idea to consider is to move into MBB as a data scientist and transition from there into consulting. MBB is really hungry at the moment for people with data science experience so it will be rather easy to get in if you have a good profile. Then it will also be easier to transition while you're in the firm from one role into the other. Worth considering .

Hello!

Thanks for the detailed description. 

Have you considered recruiting for the data science part of an MBB company (such as McK Advance Analytics, for instance, that is growing hugely). 

That would probably satisfy all your requirements!

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi there,

Sure thing! And if you're keen to continue on a technical path after this time, consider a role at Quantum Black. 

I have many McKinsey colleagues who are hardcore technical data scientists. I think it's amazing that there's a place for them in MBB consulting, which allows same firms to craft a very exciting value proposition to clients.

Go for it! Best of luck!

Quant skills are highly sought after! Plan well and I dont see why getting into MBB/BIG 4/Accenture will be a problem!

All the best.

Hi there,

yes, it's absolutely ok to continue at your Tech firm first and try in 2-3 years. Alternative, as Ian mentioned, would be to try the D&A arms of the top tier firms, e.g. Gamma, McK Black) - those are subsidiaries with heavy focus on Data Science and related topics.

Either way, based on what you shared, I can assure you that your profile (brand name + quant degree) will be attractive top-tier consultancies.

Hope this helps!

Cheers, Andi