In the last 3 years, I have been working (product management) at a leading digital scaleup in the EU. I'm planning to apply for an MBA at a US target school (intake 2022).
1) My experience in tech will constitute an advantage or a disadvantage for landing a job at MBB after the MBA?
2) Could I become a "generalist" consultant at MBB? Or is it more likely to be hired for the digital practice?
To answer your question quickly:
1) The experience itself is neither. Any advantage or disadvantage will be due to your success at identifying transferable skills, especially analytical skills, as well as the impact you had, particularly due to leadership and teamwork.
2) Generalists are hired not for their knowledge, but for their skills and talents (see above and also the careers section of any large consultancy). So you could certainly become a generalist. If you have particular skills or knowledge you could choose to apply for the digitial practice. I have not heard of any MBB pushing an MBA-level candidate to apply for a specialist position straight form school, unless the candidate wants to.
Hope this helps!
Allen
Hey there,
1. Definitely not a disadvantage. :-)
2. Yes. There is a chance that they try to persuade you to change tracks during your application. Still, you decide what you want to do and where you want to go. Keep that in mind. Funnily enough, most generalist MBB projects have some sort of digital component in them nowadays anyway (nice upsell...)
Cheers,
Florian
Hi there,
Why don't I tell you about my experience as someone who did tech and an MBA, and ended up at BCG :)
As you may have guessed, yes, you can 100% become a generalist consultant at MBB coming from Tech and getting an MBA!
That said, there is no inherent advantage or disadvantage to a tech background. If you have been able to lead projects, lead teams, work with clients, work across industries, and even manage a P&L, then yes this an advantage. Just working in Tech is not an advantage in-and-of-itself!
If you go to a top 8 MBA program you can apply for any post MBA role at MBB so I would not worry about that now.
Udayan
With a good MBA all cards are on the table - also - the MBA serves as an equalizer. MBB wont care too much what you specifically did before MBA - unless perhaps PE or hardcore IB at an elite boutique or bulge in M&A. If not - no upsides / downsides should be available to you. Probably easier for you to convince partners / clients when staffed on Tech projects.
Generalist track would, hence, be open!
Good luck with and enjoy your MBA!
Hey there!
As the colleagues fairly mentioned, the tech background wouldn't be considered as an advantage or a disadvantage per se. However, it definitely won't hinder you from entering the generalist position. They might, however, offer you a place in a more digital direction, but will never insist.
If you have any other questions - feel free to write me,
GB
Getting into a strong MBA programme, say M7 you'll have a good shot at any MBB / IB role regardless of prior experience. That said your PM experience if relevant and at a well-known scale-up will if anything be an advantage
Hello!
This totally aligns with MBB, particularly if you are applying from a top MBA.
Feel free to PM me, I am familiar with the American MBA business :)
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
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