Quitting consulting for a technical role

consulting MBB
New answer on Dec 22, 2020
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Dec 21, 2020

Hi all

I've been at a consulting firm for the past 18 months but I feel as if though this job is not for me and that I would prefer to specialize within a more technical role such as software engineering. While I do have a background in a technical subject, I do need to brush up on my coding skills and 'close the gap' with what would be expected from a software engineer.

I wanted to understand from the community here if it "would be ok" if I decided to quit consulting and use the spare time that I have to focus on my coding skills or would the fact that I have quit my last job be looked down on unfavorably by potential employers?

In an ideal world, I wouldn't quit the job in order to focus solely on coding but would instead complement my job with coding on the side. However, given the demands of this job, I'm afraid the majority of my waking hours go towards casework and I have little time left over for much else.

Thank you very much!

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Anonymous replied on Dec 21, 2020

Hi,

As long as you have a good reason to support a clear purpose, I don't think yo need to worry at all.

When you decided to get back to work, and able to demonstrate the updated coding skill that you learn during your career break, quitting your last job will not matter at all.

Best,

Iman

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Adi
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replied on Dec 21, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey there,

I feel you...but my blunt advice is this: Unless you can REALLY afford to, don't quit your job in these crazy times without having another confirmed offer!

If you are absolutely convinced consulting is not for you, then stick it out for a little longer till you find something else. Please try and create some openings and timeslots in your weekdays/weekends to fill the capability gaps you have indetified. COVID situation is not going away for another 6 months at least and you never know how long it might take you to get something- could be very quick or could be very long. You can't predict the future.

Take some time off (2-3 weeks) if this is possible. It will help you reset a bit.

Other option you can think about is change of project/role in your current company to do more techie stuff?! Can you not discuss with your line manager/partner/director and ask for their help to make this happen?

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Anonymous A on Dec 21, 2020

Thanks for your reply! Financially speaking, I can afford to take the time off. My main issue is that I need a solid month dedicated to programming in order to be in a position where I can ace the interviews at the companies I am considering and finding the time for this is proving to be very challenging. Regarding filling time on the weekdays/ weekends - weekdays are practically impossible to find any time (working 16hr days on average and I've tried sacrificing sleep for some coding time but I'm afraid it's not very productive or sustainable). RE weekends, yes, there is more time here and I have been devoting as much time as possible but it's also very difficult to maintain any semblance of WLB with this. Unfortunately, there is no access to tech style cases in my geography at the moment, and even if there were, I'm afraid it would not help me bridge the gap with my coding skills. I realise the situation is far from ideal for myself, but I'm certain that consulting is not for me and I ultimately wanted to understand how a prospective employer would view this and it seems as if though that won't be too much of an issue which is reassuring. Thank you for your time once again!

(edited)

Adi on Dec 21, 2020

Right, sounds okay then. Go for it!

Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Dec 21, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Honestly, I wouldn't take this exact route if I were you. This is particularly true if this consulting firm is not MBB. I think MBB is the only one who's brand may be able to counter-act this gap in your resume.

The prefered alternatives are:

1) Find another job with fewer time committments(either actually in a technical role, or just a less stressful one levergaing your existing toolkit)

2) Apply for and get accepted into a coding academy. At this point you can quit without having a gap on your resume. Furthermore, the academy can both certify you and lead you directly into that technical role you're looking for.

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Anonymous A on Dec 21, 2020

Thanks for your reply. Fortunately, I am at MBB.

Gaurav
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replied on Dec 21, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there

Given the fact you're already asking this question, I assume you can afford quitting your current job in consulting to be able to freshen up your coding skills.

Regarding your potential employer: as long as you have a clear reasoning why - which in this case you have - I don't think you need to worry about it.

Hope it was helpful,

GB

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Anonymous A on Dec 21, 2020

Thanks for the reply - Fortunately, I've been able to save up a fair bit so I won't be pressed financially.

Clara
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replied on Dec 21, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I get these decisions are like jumping into the darkness... and super difficult to make.

However, if you feel the job is not for you, then 100% is worth to think about changing.

Hope it helps! Best,

Clara

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Francesco
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replied on Dec 22, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I would leave the job only as last resort - it would be one more thing to have to justify to future employers. If possible I would consider the following:

  1. Take a vacation
  2. Take an unpaid leave
  3. Delay the application process some months coding during weekends only and use a tech coach that can help you to speed up the learning

Best,

Francesco

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