Second tier consultants

Question

Hi there,

I never get invited by the top tier strategy conusulting firms (like McKinsey, Bain, BCG). Therefore I was thinking first to apply for second tier firms and if this works then try top firms again after 2-3 years.

Due to my IT background I was only invited in the following firms: Accenture, BearingPoint, and Capgemini (not strategy, blue one).

How should I prioritize them and what other options would you suggest

Thank you

Answer 1

All these are well known international IT Consultancies. I personally would go for Accenture first, Bearinpoint second and Cap last, but others may disagree.

Going to a Tier2, Tier3 or Boutique for a couple of years is definitely a solid strategy. You may like it and want to stay there, you may decide to go back to school for additional education, or you may try MBB again. Meanwhile, you will get a solid comp, good career development and great resume builder.

It doesn't look like you have much choice anyway, but these options you laid out are very sensible.

Answer 2

I generally agree with Guennal about order of firms - however, note that these firms offer many different types of roles within IT consulting, so I would also look at this before making a final decision.

In terms of other options - IT practices at MBB are actually growing very fast, and I know several ex-accenture that were headhunted to join the IT practices at my firm. Therefore, after a couple years, you will have a good change of switching to MBB.

Good luck!

Alessandro

Answer 3

Hi A,

I like your way of thinking. Having a couple of years of background in a good IT firm will be a great advantage when preparing your resume and great proof of your professional growth.

Applying to MBB later should be not as challenging as now.

As for priorities in order of firms, I have to agree with my colleagues but you are the one who will make the final decision.

Best, André

Answer 4

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to on... (read entire answer)

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to once you have made it past the initial filters. HR will assist... (read entire answer)

Answer 5

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best... (read entire answer)

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best people regardless of their background. Yes, some roles are... (read entire answer)

Answer 6

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significa... (read entire answer)

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significant time working for or with all three, how can you truly com... (read entire answer)