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MBB in Italy?!

Bain BCG exit opportunities exit options italy MBB Mck Perks Travel
New answer on May 11, 2021
4 Answers
2.7 k Views
Anonymous A asked on May 10, 2021

Hello everybody,

I am a Bocconi graduate student interest in pursuing a career in the Italian office of one of the MBBs. I have read a lot of contents with regards to different culture, industries and wlf but I have found nothing addressing this "specific" questions:

  • Do consultants travel a lot also in the Italian offices or they spend a large part of time in Milan? If the answer is affermative, do you travel a lot abroad or mainly inside Italy?
  • In terms of salary juniors tend to earn around 40k (source: Glassdor), a part from that what are the main perks offered by each firms? (i.e. free dinner/taxi if you stay late, mobile phone, laptops…)
  • I have read that, after a few projects, is possible to ask for specializing in a particular industry. Is it also possible to specialize in a particular practice rather than a sector (es: corporate finance and strategy rather than automotive/energy/aereospace…)
  • Is PE really a possible exit opportunity?
  • Given that is quite difficult to transition in another country's office, which are the most common method to find a job abroad after consulting?

Thanks in advance :)

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 11, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

  1. Depends on the project and company (easier to be staffed in Milan for financial service), but in general yes, you will travel a lot. Mainly in Italy but possible also abroad (I did both)
  2. Standard ones, you can find a list here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/starting-at-mbb-mckinsey-9860 . If you are staffed in Milan and your office is Milan, you get dinners and taxi if you have to stay in the office after a certain time but usually no lunch paid
  3. Yes but usually once you are close to manager level
  4. Yes but not easy as it is very competitive. VC as well (that’s where I moved)
  5. Most people in my cohort did the following: MBA abroad, then managed to move to the local office (US and UK) after that

Best,

Francesco

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Anonymous A on May 11, 2021

Ciao Francesco, thanks for the response. If it is not a problem for you I would ask additional questions. A part from PE and Vc, which are the main exit opps from mbb in Italy (not a lot of other firms pay so well young people...). In conclusion could you provide me with some insight on the MBA sponsorship process?

Francesco on May 28, 2021

Hi there, apologies for the late reply, there was an issue with PrepLounge notifications. Please feel free to PM me and I would be happy to provide details. Best

Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 11, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

In addition to Antonello's answers, also note that these are great networking "excuses"/questions (minus the salary/perks question). Make sure to ask these types of questions while having informational calls!

In regards to your Question #5 it's actually not as hard as you may think to transfer (either short term or long term) to another office! Here are my tips (assuming you speak the language there of course):

1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy/gal" for xx

2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.

2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!

3) Look out for opportunities - as mentioned in this Q&A already, look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.)

4) Practice patience and be flexible - how long have you tried for? This might take a year. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.

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Antonello
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replied on May 10, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,
1. yes, but most in Italy. Only in banking engagements most of the clients will be in Milan. The policy (out of the Covid) is spending 4/5 days a week at the client
2. I confirm that salary. iPhone, laptop included. Every expense when you are out of Milan. In Milan only the dinner.
3. Yes, especially after 2+ years of seniority. Otherwise, you can directly apply for a specific practice
4. Yes, especially with a financial background and with internal expertise in PE practice. Look on LinkedIn how many ex MBB are now at the top PE

Best,
Antonello

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Anonymous A on May 10, 2021

Hello Antonello, thanks in advance for the quick response. If it is possible a would ask something more. With regards to traveling, are there firms/practices in which it is more probable to travel abroad? Moreover could you please give me an insight about the fifth question? Thank a lot :)

Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 11, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Ciao!

My thoughts:

  1. All consultants do travel a lot, so you should accout for at least 50% of the time out
  2. Yep, approx. Perks are the usual + amazing diets when you travel -italian ones are particularly good-
  3. Usually starting in your 2/3rd year
  4. Yes, know quite some poeple who have done it
  5. Transfering to another office in another country withing the same firm is actually super feasible :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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