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

Is 2.5 years experience + top MBA enough for post-MBA recruiting?

Presume you get into an M7 MBA program and get to go after 2.5 years of experience (which some people can do due to deferred admissions programs). Presume the experience Is not strategy, but another form of consulting at a non-MBB firm (eg. technology/implementation).

Would there be any benefit for such a student to defer to 3.5 years experience, for a better chance at successful MBB on-campus recruiting?

7
1.1k
14
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Feb 07, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Is 2.5 years experience + top MBA enough for post-MBA recruiting?

Yes.

2) Would there be any benefit for such a student to defer to 3.5 years experience, for a better chance at successful MBB on-campus recruiting?

I cannot see any real benefit unless this allows you to get into a better MBA.

Good luck!

Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Feb 07, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Marginal benefit. The only benefit I can see is if, during that period, you got a promotion and subsequently led a lot of impressive projects/teams.

Even, then, I honestly think the marginal benefit is lower than the marginal cost.

Ultimately, just being in the MBA is the most important. Then, make your resume shine with what you have and network optimally. You can also mitigate this 2.5 years “risk” by doing a number of pro bono consulting projects (through school or other programs in those 2.5 years of work)

Hagen
Coach
on Feb 07, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

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

  • Yes, in my opinion, you would have a highly desirable profile for strategy consulting after completing your MBA.
  • It's not so much about the number of years you have spent in non-strategy consulting, but the combination of your consulting experience and the MBA degree that will make you a strong candidate for strategy consulting roles. Therefore, I don't think there's a strong argument for deferring your MBA for another year, unless there is a high likelihood of getting a promotion in that additional year.

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

edited on Feb 06, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

I don't think that additional year of experience doing the same thing is going to make your CV a lot stronger than it was otherwise. 

If you wanted to spend the year doing something different or adding on something that makes you stand out / demonstrates the relevant skills, then yes I would say it would make sense to defer.

Florian
Coach
on Feb 07, 2023
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

It is definitely enough and adding another year to that would not change the outcome positively while adding opportunity cost.

All the best,

Florian

Deleted
Coach
on Feb 07, 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG

Hello A,

Yes, it is enough! And on top of that, it shows that you are a great achiever and MBBs love this. Being amongst the youngest of your cohort is something you should include in your CV.

Good luck!

Best,

Victoria

on Feb 08, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Why wouldn't you just apply now? If it works, great. If it doesn't, you can just reapply after a year. You're likely to learn more from applying anyway than not doing it. 

Best,

Cristian

Similar Questions
Consulting
Do consultants use AI for PowerPoint or excel or anywhere in the Process??
on Aug 24, 2024
Global
7
2.4k
Top answer by
Nilay
Coach
Former McKinsey Sr Engagement Manager | Trained McKinsey interviewer (100+ interviews, 500+ coaching sessions)
50
7 Answers
2.4k Views
+4
Consulting
MBB Internship: Is less work better?
on May 09, 2025
Global
8
200+
Top answer by
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions
17
8 Answers
200+ Views
+5
Consulting
Corporate Strategy or MBB Knowledge
on May 09, 2025
Global
6
200+
Top answer by
Daniel
Coach
Ex-McKinsey, Bain & Kearney | 5+ yrs consulting, coaching & interviewing | 95%+ candidate success
11
6 Answers
200+ Views
+3
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.