Hi there!

You're in a privileged position to be even having these options :) Good for you!

Let me take your questions one by one. 

1. Wondering if it makes sense to try and apply for entry roles this fall (sept/oct).

Yes. Do it. The fact that you have a T2 offer already shows that you are a top candidate. Aim to grow even more to have a higher probability of passing MBB interview. Worst case scenario - it doesn't work - you'll still learn loads from the experience and apply again next year. 

Alternatively, you can also consider working with a coach. Once again, since you have a T2 offer, it means the gap to MBB is not that big and a great coach could help you close that gap rather quickly. 

Lastly, make sure you apply broadly to MBB (basically, to all of them). This way you play your chances a bit more. Here's a guide that explains how to build a winning application strategy:

• Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn
   

2. Should I add my experience at the T2 to my CV?

Well to my knowledge you haven't started working there, so I wouldn't add them yet. Once you've started and have some highlights you could share in the CV, then by all means do it.  

3. I have some contacts in MBB firms I can ask for a referral from if I really wanted to but is this better used in the future?

Frontload. If you can ask for a referral, do it now. Worst case scenario you can ask them again in a year. Don't postpone these things.

By the way, here's an article that explains how to best conduct coffee chats to get referrals:

• Your Guide to Consulting Coffee Chats

Best,
Cristian

 

Hello,

Congratulations on your new job offer! If you're planning to apply to MBB with an eye to starting later (e.g., summer 2024), I think there's nothing wrong with applying now. In this case, I think it's ok to put the T2 on your CV, as long as you make it clear that you're about to start there but haven't started yet. 

If you're looking to start ASAP, there's nothing preventing you from doing that either, but it might burn some bridges with the T2 if you were to leave so soon. In this case, I would not mention the T2 on your resume since you won't have had much experience there before leaving.

Regarding the referral, definitely ask for one - it's the one way you can definitively improve your chances of getting an interview.

Unable to follow the issue here. 

1. Are you asking if it is better to apply now vs later given the economic situation/hiring slowdown? - While no one can predict the future, it does look like hiring is better than what it was for the first half of the year….
2. Or are you worried if it is the right thing to do/will look bad if you barely join and leave to go to MBB? - yes it will look bad but people will understand it and you will be fine
3. Or are you asking whether it makes sense to get work experience at the T2 firm and then apply? - this is a very plausible route…assuming you do good work and in an area you are interested in you can always leverage your experience to get into MBB later.

All the best,
Udayan

Hi there,

Congrats on the T2 offer!

Look, if this is what you want to do, you can. Just note you do risk burning bridges if you're looking to jump ship right away. I'm not saying what you should/shouldn't do, but just keep in mind this does carry some risk.

In my view you can/should add the role to your resume. At the end of the day it will come up in the background check/interview anyway.

Additionally, your choice is basically:

1) Have nothing on the resume where you “look” unemployed

2) Have “proof” on your resume that you're a capable person with consulting experience

#2 is a much stronger position to be in!

Just be prepared to defend/talk to this in the interview. You should definitely expect them to ask.

Good luck!