Hello,
I currently possess and undergrad degree and 3 years of full-time experience in investment banking.
My question: when applying for consulting roles, should I apply for the typical post-MBA position at each firm? Would the post-MBA role be ambitious or just right for someone with my background?
Thanks!
It really depends on the firm and geography. For McKinsey in most locations, you would probably join as the role between entry-level analyst and post-MBA role - specifically Senior BA or Junior Associate.
Do you have the skills and experience they ask for in post-MBA roles? If yes, definitely apply. You can stretch yourself a bit and aim higher but be prepared for a stiff experience during the application process.
Hi there,
The answer depends also on the office, but in general you cannot target directly a post-MBA position. As also mentioned by Ken, possible positions you can target are:
(Names are different as the entry-level position has different names at McK compared to BCG and Bain).
With such position, after 1 year you can be promoted to the post-MBA role.
Hope this helps,
Francesco
Tbh, I would assume the MBBs would classify you as an industry hire, but not the post-MBA role. That is typically 3 years into your consulting career and they usually don't account 1:1. So you might be looking at an MBA -1 role.
Hi, I confirm it depends on the office. An entry-level position with 1 or 2 years of seniority can be more probable based on your cv
Best,
Antonello
Hi there,
I agree with Ken - it depends on many factors, such as geography, company, your skills, education, and experience, your ability to sell yourself, etc. Consider getting some sessions with a coach - it'll help you understand where your stand and provide you with the training needed to get into positions you prefer.
Good luck!
GB
Hi there,
I agree with the rest - the post MBA role is likely overly ambitious. The entry-level role is under-ambitious. You would likely come in in between the two roles.
As Francesco mentioned, that would be Senior BA/JA for Mck, and Senior Associate/Junior Consultant at BCG.
Good luck, and don't forget to network!
Hello!
It depends, but you should 100% go for the associate position in the application -meaning, in McK, post-MBA-. If then they hire you for junior Associate, that also works.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Ok. Since it depends, would you recommend aiming high (e.g. apply for Junior Associate) or be humble (e.g. apply as senior BA)? I do not wish to be rejected for not being qualified, however I do not want to be "knocked down" one year. Thanks!
It also depends on your profile. If you are a top performer at a bulge bracket IB with top grades from a target school then your CV will likely be read properly even if you aimed high. HR will calibrate and propose an appropriate entry point if they feel you are a strong candidate and so I wouldn't worry too much. Frankly if you are not coming from consulting, the one-year buffer could be beneficial.