Have you exhausted all options for applying to MBB or just at one particular firm? You may still have a shot but I’m not sure from your explanation. As for age - I got hired by McKinsey as an Associate at 33, so don’t worry!

If strategy is your passion, I see two options:

• There’s some great 2nd Tier firms out there where you can do strategy i.e. Roland Berger, AT Kearney, Oliver Wyman, Strategy&, etc. Would always apply at one level below EM because you’re more likely to be interviewed (and pass) and you will rise the ranks in no time at all.
• Corporate strategy is an option that should be available to you based on your background. If you have a preferred industry, browse some job ads and see if it speaks to you. I moved from McKinsey into that area and I think it’s great! 

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

I am sorry to hear that it didn't work out with the interviews at MBB so far. 

Most important is that you do what you love to do. If you believe that strategy consulting is your passion, then does it really matter whether you work at MBB or a Tier 2 firm? 

The chance of landing a job as an engagement manager without management consulting experience is possible, but again would you really want to wait this long? And then again there is the risk of being rejected?

I suggest that you list down what you really value in life and in your dream job and see what would be the best next steps in your case. 

Good luck :) 

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the rejections. 

1) Given that my passion is in strategy, should I continue applying to tier 2 consulting firms at this stage? 

If you are still interested in strategy consulting, sure. This can be useful for two reasons:

1. You can have a great career in a Tier 2
2. It will open doors again in MBB later on, possibly for a Manager role, in case you want to apply again

On the other hand, you should also consider if strategy consulting is really the fastest way to get where you want. Possibly there may be other paths that could lead you there faster.

2) If I continue to work at my current firm, which is not a pure strategy role, will I have a chance to apply for an engagement manager role in the future?

It is very difficult to move directly to a manager role without previous related consulting experience, plus it would be risky for you to start straight from that role.

I would recommend to apply for a Senior Associate/Consultant position and to try to negotiate a faster promotion to Manager instead of applying for a Manager position upfront. This should be easier to accomplish and also be safer for you as will give you time to adapt to the new job.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear about this - I can't imagine how exhausted you must be.

Now, the first thing I'll say is you should reconsider being “done”. Being over 30 and having several years of work experience has nothing to with it. I consistently coach people in their 30s, 40s, and even some in their 50s!

Take a long break, but if you made it to the final round then you're not that far off from actually making it in next time around.

That said, yes you can absolutely apply to tier 2 firms. You need to figure out where your weaknesses are though and resolve them. Tier 2 isn't just automatically easier - you still need to make sure weaknesses are mitigated.

Good luck!

Hey, 

Rejection is part of the game. Almost everyone if not everyone faces this. Every rejection gets you closer to where you really need to be.

Right now its important that you dont repeat the same things. Same things same result. Withdraw for a while, take a break and pay attention to yourself & the situation. Remove external pressures (peer group, lifestyle etc) and see for yourself what is the next best move. Which firm/role is a better fit. Dont write anything off but be open to doing something different. Appreciate all the good things you already have, feel grateful and make a new plan. 

Please have a look at this article for plenty of guidance & tips on your question- https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

All the best!

Dear candidate,

if you are happy at your current job then stick to it, but if you dont like it then yes consider tier 2 firms. Most important is that you do what you love and whether it is MBB or a different tier, really doesnt matter that much. So many people would give a lot to be able to join a tier 2 firm and also throughout your career you will find many who will leave MBB to join tier 2, it is absolutely fine. If you really want to do consulting, simply broaden your firm search and be willing to consider other tiers.

Best regards.

I dont' see why you wouldn't apply to Tier 2. 

But it is unlikely that they will give you the Manager role. In a Big4 you don't really get to learn the standard of what is required in terms of quality, performance. The perfectionism level is just so much higher and you need to get used to it. They will expect you to actually learn to DO IT, before you become responsible for other's people work and respective quality assurance. Otherwise, they will need to have someone else doing that for you… and that's not supposed to happen.

So the earlier you join the Tier 2 the better. 

Of course if you become a manager where you are, it doesn't prevent you from applying successfully to the tier2.