Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

From consulting to ibanking?

Hi guys,

I'm sorry if this question does not belong in this forum, please do let me know if it should be removed. 

I've worked in a tier 2 consulting firm (likes of OW, RB, ATK, LEK, etc.) as an intern, did undergrad in Finance and MSc in management (targeted for consulting). After my internship, I didn't get a full time position and got an interview in M&A. 

I was wondering if anyone had experience with industry switch and help me with what to look for in crafting a convincing story?

Thank you in advance!

2
3.7k
14
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Deleted
Coach
on May 29, 2018

From speaking to many Investment Bankers at recruiting events at Cambridge trying to convince people that IBD>Consulting: the reason they almost all gave is that in IBD, you actually do, whereas in consulting you just advise. Of course, I don't fully agree with this, or I would be in IBD, but to help you craft a compelling argument:

 In IBD you have skin in the game, and your work will definitely have an impact in the end - imagine working on a multi-billion merger, and you worked directly and contributed to that deal.

Consulting, on the other hand (for the sake of this story), you provide a recommendation, but there is no guarantee anything will change, or that your work will have impact. Ultimately, you would rather actually have an impact than produce some reports that might or might not be implemented.

Also, one thing you should definitely not mention is better exit into Private Equity. I know someone who mentioned this as a reason for "why are you switching from consulting internship to IBD" at a final round with Morgan Stanley and got rejected, and in the feedback they said the primary reason was they didn't think he would stay for longer than 2 years before trying to jump ship!

on May 26, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

You gave consulting a shot, but realized over time that you really liked finance better. M&A would be a chance for you to leverage your dual expertise (finance + general management).

Similar Questions
Consulting
On the beach for 6 months - frustrated and need help
on Feb 14, 2023
Global
6
2.6k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
36
6 Answers
2.6k Views
+3
Consulting
M&A vs PE?
on Oct 18, 2023
Global
7
11.4k
Top answer by
Sidi
Coach
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 400+ candidates secure MBB offers
255
7 Answers
11.4k Views
+4
Consulting
Expected Salary for Corporate Strategy role - Senior Associate in Dubai (UAE)
on Apr 24, 2024
Global
6
4.4k
Top answer by
Pedro
Coach
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session
77
6 Answers
4.4k Views
+3