Experienced Hire (3.5 years+) for An Entry Role, or Associate Role?

Question

Hi everyone.

As I have been working in a technical field for 3.5 years+, I was thinking if I would be eligible for an entry role at MBB.

I graduated from one of their target schools, and I did not manage to pass their first interview when I first graduated from my Master's without any professional working experience. I only applied to one of the firms 3 years ago, so I figured I could apply to other firms as a fresh or new applicant now, and possibly re-apply to the same firm.

With a potential referral from MBB, would a BA role or Associate (jr?) be suitable given my background? For re-applications, do you think if I stand a chance to be considered for an interview again, maybe for the same role?

I have not considered any MBA or PhD to improve my profile due to financial and time commitments, and am hoping to pursue an MBA only after joining one of the firms. The only improvement is the working experience at one of the Fortune 500 companies

Thank you.

Answer 1

MBBs are very open minded on background and so I don't see any reason for you not to apply again. Having said that, since you've pursued a technical path, it will be important to be able to translate how your professional experience and achievements could be transferrable. For example, impact at scale, the analytical rigour, communication skills, customer relationships, team work, etc.

In terms of role, it's hard to comment specifically as it's very geography dependent but for McKinsey, I would say Junior Associate/Senior BA.

Answer 2

Hey there,

In general, I'd recommend reaching out to your local HR with these questions. They can tell you exactly about your application and specificities.

Based on the information you provided:

you should have no problems re-applying. It is important that you show significant development between your first and your second application, which seems to be the case
with 3.5 years of full-time job experience, you would not be considered an entry-level candidate but one rank higher (Associate in most offices)

Let me know if you need help with the prep :-)

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

MBB tends to be very picky about how many years of your work experience they should value. Reading through your post my feeling is that, at best, senior BA would be applicable. This is of course in the end dependent as well on your interview performance and negotiation skills. However, if in doubt, take senior BA to avoid starting as Associate and being overwhelmed.

Answer 4

Hi, I suggest applying for the junior associate/senior business analyst position

Best,
Antonello

Answer 5

Hi there,

With your experience, you can target Senior BA or Junior Associate, depending on the country. A referral is always beneficial and he/she should be able to advise on the specific role for the particular office you are targeting
You can definitely apply again given you applied 3 years ago

Best,

Francesco

Answer 6

You definitely don't need to go for BA at McKinsey with your experience. Jr Associate is generally for someone with a masters but minimal revelevant work experience (eg a doctor), OR someone with a few years of work experience but no masters (e.g. a consultant at another firm). Sr BA could work in US, but with 3+ years and a masters I would recommend JA or Associate. Associate would hold you to a higher standard in interviews and the role, so that is something to keep in mind.

Answer 7

Hello!

Yes, your profile seems to fit overall!

In terms of tenure, you would not be hired probably as entry level. In McK, for example, it would oscilate between Senior BA and junior Associate, depending on the geography and most likely on your profile and interviews

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara