I was asked to leave the firm, can i go back

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New answer on Feb 09, 2023
9 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Feb 08, 2023

hi

I worked for 5 months for one of the MBB but was asked to leave.

 

This was 2 years ago, can I apply again or there is no way to go back to the firm?

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Benjamin
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updated an answer on Feb 08, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hello,

Sorry to hear about that experience.

If you were asked to leave because of ethical or legal reasons, then you will not be able to join back the firm.

If you were asked to leave because of performance issues, I highly doubt you will be able to apply again.

  • In my 8 years of consulting I have not seen this scenario before
  • This is because most of the time people who get counselled out realize that consulting is not their cup of tea, and the firm realizes that you are not cut out for the job

However, what I have seen, and not as uncommonly as you'd think, is people who get counselled out shifting from one MBB to another MBB, or from MBB to T2. What you could do now is to

  • Check with the actual recruiter - only they can give you the real, trustable answer
  • If you are still interesting in consulting, focus on applications to other firms

Lastly, keep in mind that there are many, many, many other interesting and fulfilling jobs out there other than consulting. 

All the best!

(edited)

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Hagen
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replied on Feb 09, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your experience!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • Given all we can do is to speculate, I would highly advise you to reach out to the company’s recruiting department and inquire about the possibility of rehiring to know for certain. If the reason for your departure was not performance-related or behavior-based, there might be a chance.
  • However, I would advise you to also have a look at other companies. In fact, you might be a highly-sought after candidate if you worked for one of the other MBB companies, even if just for 5 months.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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Dennis
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replied on Feb 08, 2023
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi,

it certainly depends on the reason as to why you were asked to leave. But overall it's not a good setup of course. Below are my thoughts on 3 scenarios:

Did the firm lay off people because of Covid and you were just one among others who got affected?  - Then maybe there could be a small chance

Did the firm feel you were underperforming or did not fit in culturally? - Then it is pretty unlikely

Did you violate code of conduct or any other compliance aspects? - Then it's a definite no

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Cristian
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replied on Feb 09, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Yes, you can reapply, but I would apply to many other firms. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, especially in the current market context.

Best,

Cristian

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Florian
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replied on Feb 09, 2023
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi there,

Sorry to hear.

That bridge is burned unfortunately but you can leverage that experience for the other consulting firms (MBB or tier-2).

If you are truly interested in the type of work and lifestyle, then go for a competitor. 

All the best,

Florian

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Adi
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replied on Feb 09, 2023
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Why would you go back unless there is a significant change in your situation and you can justify going back?

On the face of it, I suggest move on and look elsewhere. The world is full of options :).

All the best.

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Ian
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replied on Feb 09, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I'd recommend moving on (there are 2 other MBBs, not to mention so many other consultancies).

If you insist on this specific firm, sure…try! What does it cost you to try if you really want to?

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Victoria Christine
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replied on Feb 08, 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG

Hello A,

I am so sorry to hear this.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to go back to the same firm BUT you can always apply to a different MBB

Best of luck.

Victoria 

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Udayan
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replied on Feb 08, 2023
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Unlikely - if you were asked to leave then they aren't likely to have you back.

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Benjamin gave the best answer

Benjamin

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