MBB Canada: No Big Brand Names, but Impressive Schools?

Question

I am from a target school, but professionally my experience is unconventional as I started my own company, and have been working in it for 2 years. I am looking for:

1) Opinions on whether my profile stands to be rejected automatically for lack of big brand names. Graduate and Undergraduate schools are impressive however.

2) Would I have a better chance at getting interviewed if I go with the entry-level positions?

I am mostly interested in Canadian offices.

Look forward to some insights.

Thanks

Yasir

Answer 1

Hi Yasir,

As for your question #1, you can definitely get an interview with your profile; although entrepreneurship is a path consultants tend to follow AFTER consulting, you have likely developed several skills you would have developed in consulting. In particular, what you can expect to develop in consulting is:

Solve complex problems
Develop great communication skills
Acquire knowledge of multiple industries
Reach challenging goals with a set time frame
Become a team player
Master Excel and Power Point
Prioritize activities

It is likely you have developed all of them except for #3. (You can find a full post about what you can learn as a consultant here if you are interested: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-can-you-learn-from-being-a-consultant-355#a725 )

Since your profile is a bit unusual for MBB, I would suggest to work on two areas specifically:

Try to find referrals to strengthen you application, so that you can have someone confirming you have the skills they would expect from a former entrepreneur
Prepare a good answer for “Why didn’t you apply for MBB before” and “Why you do not want to go on as an entrepreneur”

As for your question #2, I would say your profile should fit a position equivalent to someone with at least 1 year consulting experience; assuming you managed to do fundraising/develop a revenue model for your company, applying as entry level after your experience may let them undervalue what you have done, therefore could even be counterproductive. Also, if they would try to put you in such an entry level after a successful interview, I would definitely try to negotiate an entry with a 1-year seniority at least.

Best,
Francesco

Answer 2

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to on... (read entire answer)

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to once you have made it past the initial filters. HR will assist... (read entire answer)

Answer 3

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best... (read entire answer)

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best people regardless of their background. Yes, some roles are... (read entire answer)

Answer 4

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significa... (read entire answer)

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significant time working for or with all three, how can you truly com... (read entire answer)