MBB after Tech+MBA

MBA MBB tech
New answer on Mar 19, 2021
8 Answers
1.3 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Mar 16, 2021

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?

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Allen
Expert
updated an answer on Mar 17, 2021
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best

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

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 17, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

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

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 16, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

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!

Was this answer helpful?
Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 17, 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

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

Was this answer helpful?
Denis
Expert
replied on Mar 17, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

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!

Was this answer helpful?
Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 19, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

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

Was this answer helpful?
Raj
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 17, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

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

Was this answer helpful?
Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 17, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

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

Was this answer helpful?
Allen gave the best answer

Allen

Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best
205
Meetings
1,871
Q&A Upvotes
8
Awards
5.0
72 Reviews
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely