How are the chances to change from big 4 audit or advisory to MBB consulting?

Hi Anonymous,

big 4 audit or advisory is pretty different from strategy consulting, thus you would not benefit from the lateral hires opportunities that non-MBB strategy consultants may have, with lower chances to get an interview. As for other non-strategy consulting jobs, in general the more you stay, the more difficult it would be to move to MBB, unless you end by chance in an area one MBB is looking to expand in the future.

In order to increase your chances you may opt for the following:

• Move first to the strategy branch present in some of the big 4 (eg Deloitte).
• Expand your CV with more strategy roles; this could be done working as advisors for a startup, or an NGO.
• Develop a good MBB network and use their referrals rather than the online applications only.

In case that doesn’t work, you may also consider doing an MBA first; this will take more time and money but could increase your chances significantly.

Best,

Francesco