Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Specialist vs generalist in consulting?

Just got a question about consulting in general.

I understand that people start off as generalists, doing work in all sectors, but need to specialize in a particular industry or function soon. When does this specialization begin? Is it a choice made by people or must everyone do it? What if I want to keep working on different projects throughout my career? Is that possible?

requesting experts to please share their experiences and opinions

1
6.7k
53
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Deleted
Coach
on Jun 03, 2016
Ex-Bain & Company Case Team Leader * Placed 40+ MBB candidates as Partner in Europe's leading top-tier Consulting recruiting firm

Each consultancy has people specialise at its own level and within a company some offices are different and individuals are different. Generally though for MBB you're looking at specialisation somewhere a bit before or a bit after Manager promotion. Most specialisation is by industry (e.g. oil & gas, financial services), but there is also capability specialisation - mergers and acquisitions, cost control, etc. Within each area there is of course a ton of variation (oil & gas could be growth, turnaround, innovation, acqusition, etc etc.).

As you get more senior and go through your career you're not necessarily stuck in one place either - People move around due to business and personal needs and so you might develop a speciality in a couple different areas, or you might more from one to another. 

Similar Questions
Consulting
What Are the Best Management Consulting Firms After MBB?
on Mar 25, 2025
Global
7
400+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
20
7 Answers
400+ Views
+4
Consulting
Got a lower offer from BCG than expected, should I take it?
on Mar 26, 2025
Global
8
1.8k
Top answer by
Mattia
Coach
Bain & Co | 100+ interviews | Free 30-min alignment call | Experienced Hire | SDA Bocconi MBA
101
8 Answers
1.8k Views
+5
Consulting
Expected Salary for Corporate Strategy role - Senior Associate in Dubai (UAE)
on Nov 12, 2024
Global
6
3.4k
Top answer by
Pedro
Coach
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session
77
6 Answers
3.4k Views
+3
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.