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State of hiring for MBB/T2 in Europe

hiring
New answer on Aug 04, 2023
3 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Aug 03, 2023

Hello! I have recently noticed quite negative state of hiring/utilisation of consultants but I am not sure whether this is global or more local (US) thing. From my experience, some firms (T2) still hire aggresivelly in my (European) location.

Do you have any idea about state of consulting in Europe, regarding hiring? Especialy MBB/T2. If outlook isnt good, when do you expect things to improve?
Thanks

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 03, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

This is indeed global. That said, hiring is still happening.

For example, I have a close contact at a specific Bain office in the US that is hiring like mad. (Can't disclose which one here).

That's all while multiple other people are reporting that Bain US is saying it's not hiring.

Lesson? Keep pushing/hustling. Even if there is a down period, hiring still happens. Networking is key not just for improving your chances of an invite but also seeing which offices have openings for your role and which might be interested in you.

Here's some reading to help (internships tips are same as full time tips): https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/application-tracker

 

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Andi
Expert
replied on Aug 04, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires

Hi there,

it varies quite a bit by specific market. Overall, most firms are still (or again) hiring, while not as much as the during the previous peak period. Some systems, e.g. Germany (largest consulting market in Europe) are doing just fine.

Feel free to reach out via DM, if you'd like to discuss about a specific firm / geography.

Regards, Andi

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 04, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

It's global. 

Of course, some markets are more affected than others. 

From my contacts, I know offices that are now fully staffed in MBB and offices where a third of the consultants are on the beach. 

There's not much that you as a consultant can do about that, but typically it helps to:

  1. Keep in close contact with staffing on new opportunities
  2. Make sure that you are subscribed to all the staffing newsletters from different practices and industries
  3. Widen your range of industries and topics that you're interested in (basically be willing to do any project)
  4. Widen your range of geographical focus (basically be willing to do a project anywhere) - I went from Germany to Papua New Guinea for 4 months after being stuck on the beach for 5 weeks
  5. Reach to Partners that do projects in the areas / topics that you're interested in
  6. Reach out to former contacts from previous projects that maybe need consultants to be staffed on their team.

And if none of this works, then take the time to work on your skills. Here are two guides that work through what it takes to be a distinctive and happy consultant:


Best,
Cristian

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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