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

canada Entrepreneurship MBB
Recent activity on Apr 05, 2017
1 Answer
3.8 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Apr 03, 2017

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

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Francesco
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replied on Apr 05, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

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:

  1. Solve complex problems
  2. Develop great communication skills
  3. Acquire knowledge of multiple industries
  4. Reach challenging goals with a set time frame
  5. Become a team player
  6. Master Excel and Power Point
  7. 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:

  1. 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
  2. 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

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Francesco

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