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

entry level Experienced
New answer on Apr 09, 2021
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Apr 08, 2021

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.

(edited)

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Ken
Expert
replied on Apr 08, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

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.

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Anonymous A on Apr 08, 2021

Hi Ken, thanks for the advice! Should I mention the role I'm interested in applying for upfront to my referee? Or would the HR decide which role would best suit my background and experience?

Ken on Apr 08, 2021

I would ask HR before you apply

Anonymous A on Apr 08, 2021

Thanks ken!

Florian
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replied on Apr 08, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

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

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Anonymous A on Apr 08, 2021

Hi Florian. Thanks for your advice!

Denis
Expert
replied on Apr 08, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

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.

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Anonymous A on Apr 08, 2021

Will take that into account, Denis. Thank you for your advice!

Clara
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replied on Apr 09, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

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

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michelle
Expert
replied on Apr 09, 2021
Creative Background to McKinsey. I help non-traditional backgrounds with defining your story and case prep

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.

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Francesco
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replied on Apr 09, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

  1. 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
  2. You can definitely apply again given you applied 3 years ago

Best,

Francesco

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Antonello
Expert
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replied on Apr 08, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

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

Best,
Antonello

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Ken gave the best answer

Ken

Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
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