Hi there,

Q: Which option gives me better success rate?

If recruiters told you to apply as experienced hire it means you are not likely to be considered for the advanced degree path anymore (you can double-check with them if needed). If that’s the case, you should apply as experienced hire as they mentioned.

Whatever the path, I would recommend you look for a referral, the person referring you could also help to define the best option for the application. You can find more on that below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

Since you know that you want to pursue consulting, you should start applying to a variety of consulting firms to increase your odds of securing an offer. Try to ideally get interviews with some non-target firms first so you can use that as training ground before facing the showdown at McK or BCG.

In my opinion, there is no significant upside in waiting till June to apply - especially with all the recession fears and uncertainty as to what the hiring situation will look like 5 months from now. You'd be taking a gamble and wasting time.

In case you haven't already done so, ramp up your case interview preparation so that you are ready to roll when interview invites come in.

Best of luck

Hi there, 

Interesting situation. 

You need to come up with an application strategy and have a clear view on what your target firms are. Don't aim for MBB only. Use the other firms as a practice ground and/or potential fall-back options. Divide them into batches / waves and try applying with some now and with others in summer. There are so many variables that it's hard to control for them without having a portfolio approach to the whole recruitment process.

Best,

Cristian

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• Based on the information you've provided, both recruiters have advised you to apply as an experienced hire. Given this fact, I would follow their recommendation and go for option 1. This way, you can take advantage of the current openings and get your application in front of the recruiters sooner.
• Waiting until June to apply when full-time positions for advanced degree candidates open up may not significantly change your chances, especially as your profile and qualifications will likely be similar.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hello, 

My recommendation would be to apply now (assuming you will be ready for interviews if application is positive). 

A few additional points below: 

Typically Advanced Degree Recruiting is targeting people still in their program that will graduate in 1 or 2 years. The main goal is to help them identify this as an opportunity post PHD and to have the chance to try out an internship. You wouldn't be the best fit for this process given you already graduated and are ready to start NOW. 

Advanced Degrees typically have some dedicated people in each office / regions, I would make sure to connect with those people first. That will help make sure that your profile as an PHD already gets more attention and higher chances of interviews. => If you don't know who they are, ask the recruiters who would be a good person in X office to talk to as an PHD, they will give you the right contact. 

Best of success in the process ! Happy to help if I can! 
Cheers

Hi there,

They sound different but the role level is often equivalent e.g., Associate in case of McKinsey. This is something you should clarify. What's certainly different is the process, though not dramatically. Experienced hires sometimes get a bit more application support and flexibility with regards to scheduling interviews, due to the reality of being in a job.

In your case, I would apply now as suggested by Recruiting, unless you're not yet ready to be called for interviews in a couple of weeks' time. However, that's another question…

Hope this helps!

Moritz

This will depend a bit on what your background is. Do you have some work experience during or prior to your PhD? If so, it would make sense to apply now.

If not, you may be eligible for the advanced degree programme in certain geographies.

Obviously you want to have your CV and cover letter ready and have time in the next month or so to practice casing.

You should apply now. Honestly, it doesn't matter. They'll receive your CV and have a look at it. In either option. The first one is better because it is NOW.