Experienced Professional Applying to MBB Entry-Level Consulting Role

application process
New answer on May 19, 2020
8 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on May 18, 2020

Hi, I'm an experienced professional in my early 30s working in the government sector. I'm looking to transit to an entry-level MBB consulting role, and wondering if my background would be 'passed over' by a MBB recruiter.

I have a non-business First Class BA from UK Oxbridge as well as an MA. I'm currently in a middle-management role, leading several project teams of over 20 staff. I'm keen to broaden my exposure to a wider range of industries internationally, as well as hone my problem-solving skills working with a diverse group of bright colleagues in a MBB firm.

Any advice or shared experiences for making this transition would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

(edited)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 18, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

You absolutely would not be passed over - from what I see you are actually a compelling candidate.

Importantly, you'll need to tailor your CV to focus on project/timeline management, team leadership, industry expertise, and any client/external party exposure. I think you'd likely come in on the expert track, and could swing Project Lead (at BCG), possibly settle for Consultant.

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Anonymous replied on May 19, 2020

I have many colleagues with similar experiences with you and able to join BCG.

Two options you need to consider:

  • If you want to join at a more senior level then you will need to apply for the Expert Track
  • If you want to join the generalist track then you need to apply for a more junior level
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Vlad
Expert
replied on May 19, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

The best way is to leverage your current experience and apply for the specific role (instead of just the generalist):

  • Search MBB websites for the public sector specialist roles
  • Talk to the partners specializing in the public sector (google search, Linkedin)
  • Each company has a dedicated experienced hire recruiting partner. You can ask the HR to connect, or simply connect on experienced hires events

Best

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Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 19, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Definitely a strong candidate. As an Oxbridge alum myself I can tell you that the easiest way to do this would be to reach out to others from your college, introduce yourself and ask for a referral. Ideally you would want an AP/Partner to do this so you get called for an interview

All the best!

Udayan

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Anonymous replied on May 19, 2020

Dear A,

You have two options. The first one is to apply to junior position on the generalist track. Or, second one, is to apply for specialist, or expert track, for more senior position like Associate. If I were you, I would try to do the second one, where you try to match to public sector practice group of one of the top players. Also, if you're open to move abroad, I would recommend you to consider Middle East, where big consulting companies have an extensive work in a public sector, which could be logical area for you to grow.

If you need any tips or insights for that, feel free to reach out.

Good luck,

André

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Anonymous replied on May 19, 2020

Hi there,

From your sharing, I think you have a pretty solid background!

If your interest is in expanding exposures to different industries instead of being specialised, you can still go via the generalist role. With your experience, probably you would start from a consultant/senior consultant role, which is not the entry-level actually.

Best,

Emily

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 19, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Don´t see any reason why they would not call you for an interview.

However, your application won´t be for entry-level.

ATM, you need to focus on the narrative and how to tell the story in a compelling way, structure the CV with the right bullet points and KPIs, etc.

PM me if you need help!

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 19, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

your profile may indeed be interesting but there is not enough information to properly assess it. Did you check if there are alumni of your company in MBB on LinkedIn?

Given your experience (seems you have worked for several years) you should be able to join in a post-MBA role (Associate at McK, Consultant at BCG/Bain).

The best thing to do to maximize the chances to be invited would be to find a referral, you can find more on that at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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