From good strategy boutique to MBB

boutique MBB
New answer on Apr 16, 2021
5 Answers
1.4 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Apr 15, 2021

Hi community,

someone knows how / if it works to switch from a high-end strategy boutique which competes directly with MBB to MBB? Has anyone done that? Which level would be the best to start from?

Thanks!

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 15, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

Yes, it is definitely possible.

1. Your profile would become interesting after more than 2 years of tenure with the boutique firm

2. Make sure to start networking with MBB well in advance

3. Tailor your application to a relevant practice or function at the MBBs based on your experience from the boutique. I would assume that your boutique has a good reputation in a specific area that you could leverage

Kind regards,

Florian

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 15, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

It absolutely does! Here's what it takes:

  1. Build up your resume. Progress in through career, demonstrate increased levels of responsibility, get exposed to lots of projects, etc.
  2. Network. Both within the firm and outside the firm. Building your network allows you to leverage contacts to eventually (potentially) get referred.
  3. Be patient + persistent. Time, effort, and a bit of luck is what it takes :)

Good luck!

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 16, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Sure, it is totally feasible, I personally helped several people with the transition.

In terms of the level, you normally lose 1-2 years of seniority. For example, if you are a manager you will usually join at the level below manager in MBB.

Best,

Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Jamie replied on Apr 15, 2021
Former Tier 2, now MBB in Dubai. Here to chill :)

I did it! :)

Was this answer helpful?
12
Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 15, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, yes it is standard for boutique consultants applying for MBB, there are no restriction for junior candidates and the CV are appreciated from tier 1&2

Best,
Antonello

Was this answer helpful?
Florian gave the best answer

Florian

Content Creator
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
1,129
Meetings
20,020
Q&A Upvotes
128
Awards
5.0
500 Reviews
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely