Networking

Hi there,

Q: Should I keep networking with partners outside of my city or should I network with manager level consultants in my city?

You can be referred by someone also from a different office. If you find connections in your target office that’s great, otherwise you can leverage your connections with partners from a different one. I was referred by a BCG partner in the US for the Milan office and it worked.

Between local manager and “foreign” partner, I would personally go for the partner, in particular if he/she is related to your industry, but the local manager could also work.

For more information on referrals you can check the following:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

A few thoughts here:

1. Why limit yourself to Partners? I wouldn't (project lead + principal also works)
2. A global partner referral is amazing. A region partner referral is even better. A country partner referral is phenomal. A same city-/office partner referral is the best possible referral you can get…..so, yes, but also just a Partner referral period is something to be very very happy about

Your networking strategy can depend on your specific objectives, but it's generally beneficial to have a diverse network, both in terms of geography and role.

Networking with partners, regardless of their location, can be very advantageous. Partners are often influential and may have broad connections within the firm, which could help you learn about different opportunities or gain different perspectives. Furthermore, a recommendation from a partner can carry a lot of weight in the hiring process.

However, networking with consultants at the manager level in your city can also be beneficial, especially if you're specifically interested in working in that location. They can provide a closer look at the work culture, the types of projects commonly handled in that office, and the specifics of working and living in your city. Their insights can be incredibly valuable as they're likely more involved in the day-to-day work and might have more time to mentor or guide you.

In summary, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to your question. It could be beneficial to continue networking with partners outside your city while also building relationships with consultants in your local office. This way, you can benefit from the partners' broad connections and influence, as well as the local insights from consultants in your city.

Hi there,

don't limit yourself in terms of the networking you do. Speaking with manager level consultants will give you a pretty good idea of the operational side of things and the day-to-day. When you talk to partners, you are likely going to hear more about the strategic angle. Both is useful but even better when you can get a combined view.

As for referrals, the higher the seniority and the longer the tenure of the person referring you the better (usually). Also, consulting is usually not limited to a “city”. It is very common to work on teams comprised of consultants from different city offices in the same country or even from different countries within the same region - or even across regions. The geographical aspect is therefore not that important.

Since you have many years of professional experience, you are likely an industry or functional expert of some sort. So it would make sense to network with partners/managers who are active in the space that you would see yourself in if you joined a consulting firm.

Best of luck

Hello,

Here's my advice:

• If you've developed a good rapport with partners who are not from your city, why not ask them to connect you to a partner in your city? That would resolve your question!
• I fully agree with the advice you're getting from other experts on not limiting yourself in networking - contacts are always useful to have, even if they are more junior than you.
• If you are looking to get a referral, a partner referral carries a lot of weight, even if they are not from your city. I would go for out-of-city partner over in-city more junior consultant for referral purposes.

Hi there, 

That's a nice problem to have. 

Assuming you're not very strict with your time, I'd network with both. 

But perhaps the biggest potential is in getting the Partners you know from other offices to connect you to their peers in your target office. Just ask them for it. Then you wouldn't need to connect with the managers anymore.

Best,
Cristian

 Networking with partners outside of your city allows you to connect with experienced professionals who have likely established a vast network of their own. These connections can provide valuable insights, opportunities, basket random and mentorship. Maintaining these relationships can be advantageous for your career growth and development.