Dear Experts,
I will appreciate to let me know what of those tier 1 and tier 2 consulting firms implement management solutions for their clients? Is there any real, vivid line that currently differentiates the strategy consulting firms from those who implement solutions? I have some years of experience in implementation not Strategy in a focused manner, is it something hindering my CV to go through?
Thank you for the reply
Hi,
I would not agree with Ian here:
Best
Hi Mehrasa,
Strategy consulting firms do strategy work. Management firms do management consulting. Please don't overcomplicate this.
MBB = Strategy
Big Four = Management (EY, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG) AND Strategy (EY Parthenon, Strategy&, Monitor Deloitte, KPMG)
Other Tier 2 = it depends...i.e. OW, Kearney, RB, and your classical strategy firms do strategy work
If you have done implementation for a long time, but want to move into strategy, your best approach is to apply for an expert track. The most common here is Tech/IT consultants (implementation) going in as Project Lead for BCG Digital, McKinsey Digital, etc. That said, you see it across Healthcare, Energy etc. etc.
Hi,
That's a good question!
There is a vivid line between strategy and implementation, but it is gradually disappearing. I mean that MBB are now developing their implementation capabilities so you'll find yourself working on both strategy and implementation projects.
As long as it is relevant, and it is, your work experience will be valuable for the top consultancies.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Antonello
Dear Mehrasa, today implementation is a very relevant part of the Tier I service spectrum. Albeit not every project includes implementation (e.g. there's still a good amount of due diligences, strategy assessments, etc. that are very non-operational), many clients expect consultancies to also implement their measures nowadays. In fact, some of the largest projects include at least 80% implementation.
So, without knowing any further details, I would say that generally speaking your background might be somewhat interesting for consultancies (if you can show that you can also do conceptual / strategic thinking in the interviews) depending on a couple of other factors-- at least it's not a deal-breaker! I actually have seen some Tier I consultants that were cross-hired from implementation roles. Hope that helps!
(edited)
Vlad is spot on!
Hi Mehrasa!
First of all, your background fits both tier 1 and tier 2. As long as your profile is strong, you manage to get a referral and perform well at the interview, you have great chances to get to those firms.
MBB deal not only with strategy, but implementation as well, so there definitely be projects to your liking. That said, showing strategic thinking during the interviews would be really great, so prepare thoroughly.
Good luck!
GB
Hi,
I only do two strategy projects in my first tenure in BCG (3 years) the rest are overall transformation that include implementation projects. They will less frequently do a specific implementation projects simply because of cost.
I don't see any issue from your profile to apply to MBB or tier 2 consulting firm. The most important things are networking to get referral, strength of CV and your performance during case interview.
Best,
Iman
Hello!
There is a common believe that MBBs do only strategy, when it´s not true. A huge part -and the fun one, in my opinion- is purely implementation!
Hope it helps!
Best,
Clara
