I don't see why you need to quit in order to apply to consulting firms.

I would apply to consulting firms and remain at the current job in the meantime.

Recruitment for consulting is not easy right now, and I don't think you want to be explaining in 6 months not only why you were at a niche consulting firm but also why you don't have a job anymore. Moreover, consulting firms will not be impressed by the fact that you believe not to be able to do both things at the same time.

I would recommend that you start applying while still in the current role. 

Unless you have a very strong reason to leave immediately, having an income and the mental stability a job gives you will help with the recruitment process. 

What you need to do as a first step is to identify all the firms that you want to target (reach out for a template for this if you'd like), then the target office and role. 

Then you need to start having conversations with the recruiters from each firm to understand what role they believe would suit you best and when to apply. 

You can also leverage this guide on how to build an application strategy:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

In parallel, you should start actually doing cases and preparing for the personal fit interview. A couple of resources below to help you with that as well:

• Expert Guide: Mastering Structuring & Brainstorming
• Video Course: Master the McKinsey PEI

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

I would personally stay in the role while you recruit. Not only is that a safer option, but it looks better while applying + networking.

That said, some people need the fire and urgency behind them to actually take action (e.g. some may never actually look while they have a job).

It's a personal choice, based on how YOU operate. I would personally not quit, but that's me.

Hi there,

Q: Should I stay in the firm or leave and at what stage (time duration, event (once I get an interview), etc.)?

I don’t see reasons why you should leave your current firm from what you shared. Unless you have specific reasons to leave now, I would prepare the applications for the other firms while keeping your current job, and leave once you have secured an offer. 

Good luck!

Francesco