Hi,

1. Nope, you should still apply as an experienced hire (Associate - McK, Consultant - BCG Bain). All PHDs apply for this level

2. It gives you an advantage in a sense that you have the relevant expertise and you can sell yourself as an expert for healthcare / pharma practice

3. Yes, the interview process is the same

4. Even in the US it differs. You should reach out to the local office to check

Best

Hi! I just went through the advanced degree hiring process in the summer and will start at an MBB firm in the late summer of this year. Feel free to reach out directly and I can talk more about my experience. Onto your questions:

1. As others said, for MBB firms you would join at the post-MBA level or slightly below, depending on whether the country has a Junior Associate-type position (that's the name for McK).

2. When applying through the advanced degree track, which I recommend you should, everyone will have a PhD, JD, MD, or other advanced degree. You should mention the school and your academic achievements in your resume; it won't have much impact during the interviews, as your performance on behavioural and case questions are the main criteria.

When working on healthcare projects, the MD will be very valuable. I recommend talking to folks at all three MBBs about specialization, because the recommended timeline to specialize is different at the three firms and they don't all have expert tracks for consultants which you may be interested in.

3. Yes, the application process is the same and the materials online are still helpful for you. However, not all are worth your time/money or are good quality. Happy to talk more about what resources I used via direct message.

4. I don't know much about this unfortunately, but I know an advanced degree candidate applied to McK and was going through the Taipei process at the same time as I was going through the North American process. Recruiters can help you with this.

5. Yes, I applied to the summer advanced degree programs from all three firms. It's worth applying but know that the programs take very few people - fewer than will get an interview during the advanced degree full-time process. However, you can still be put on a "keep in touch" list if you don't get the summer program. Happy to talk more about these as well; networking before and after these summer programs will help too.

I'm not that kind of doctor/physician (PhD here), but I understand switching from something that most people expect you to do. Most advanced degree folks will have that, as consulting is not the typical path for lawyers, dentists, doctors, or academics. It's useful to ask about the transition when networking with current consutlants that have advanced degrees. Good luck!

1. Nothing for you to be worried about. MBBs acknowledge the years and rigour of MD training and will consider you as an advanced degree candidate (e.g., Junior Associate for McKinsey)

2. Yes it will definitely be an advantage where MBBs will acknowledge the achievement. More pratically, healthcare consulting projects are always on the lookout for MDs

3. The process is exactly the same unless you are applying to be a healthcare dedicated consultant which sometimes is an option at certain MBB offices (e.g., McKinsey London)

4. For your profile, they will be open to a year-round recruiting. Having said that, they will have batches to ensure that they are considering multiple candidates in parallel

5. I personally don't know anything about the Bain programme but other MBBs also offer similar programmes although I don't know for SEA specifically

My suggestion for connecting with other MDs in consulting would be to just reach out to MBB partners/consultants in SEA who work in healthcare. As I said, they are always on the look out for MDs and should be willing to make to to speak as well as connect you with consultants who have recently made the transition. Having worked quite extensively in McKinsey SEA, my sense is that there aren't many although I know a few in North Asia and Australia.

Good luck!

Hi there,

1. With a PhD-equivalent degree, you join normally at post-MBA level. However, some countries let you join at pre-MBA level with some seniority (Italy is one of them)
2. The University brand will definitely help to get interviews. It will give you a direct advantage if the company is looking to expand on healthcare projects
3. Yes, same process. Your Fit stories should reflect your years of experience compared to an undergrad though
4. I would check the specific office, as it may differ according to the country
5. All the programs targeting Advanced Degrees give you preferential access so definitely take advantage of it if you can

I helped a good number of doctors to join MBB, please feel free to PM if you need more help.

Best,
Francesco

Hello!

To add on top of what has been said and not be redundant: it is perfectly possible to join consulting without a business background.
I am exhibit A, I am an architect, the only one in the Madrid office by the time I joined McKinsey.

If you play it correctly, it can become even an asset in your applicaiton. PM me to chat more about it if you want :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi there,

First, good luck!

Now, to answer your questions:

1. I would actually say Consultant (BCG/Bain) and Associate (McKinsey. So, the MBA level
2. From the top medical school, absolutely! It's not as good as an MBA for MBB, but it is certainly respected/appreciated
3. More or less, yes. Definitely still helpful to review those materials
4. Most offices around the world have rolling recruiting - you should be fine BUT you can always network and ask HR :)
5. Yes! I helped someone in that program in Chicago...it's a great pathway to an offer

Some other Q&As you might find helpful:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/doctor-pre-mba-career-advice-8818

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/medicine-to-consulting-9013

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/transition-from-dentistry-to-management-consulting-7910

(edited)

Hi!

I have seen several people make this switch myself while at Bain so its definitely doable and do not see why it would not be feasible also in the SEA region.

I would recommend that you try to talk to some recruiters at your target firms in the locations you are looking at to get a better understanding about what level you would come in at and what the timelines would be.

Best,

Axel

Hi there,

1) You can apply to more senior positions, like candidates with PhD

2) Of course! You can sell yourself as an expert in healthcare industry

3) It's the same

4) It depends too much on the geography in general. But the recruitment cycles matter more for candidates who recently graduated, for you it might be not that important and you migh be able to apply the whole year

5) Anything that can bring you closer to your goal is worth considering!

Good luck! Let me know if I can be of any further help for you.

GB