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Sustainable Consulting

 

Hi everybody!

 

Background

I am at the beginning of my undergraduate studies and am very interested in building a career in corporate sustainability (CSR as well).

 

Questions:

1. Could you please tell me if management consulting firms (MBB preferably) are engaged in this area?

2. How is their work organized in this direction (special devizions, groups)?

3. Will I have to apply for a specific role rather than pursue a generalist position?

 

Please don't judge my inexperience too harshly. Thanks in advance everyone!

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Top answer
Moritz
Coach
on Apr 04, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

Good question! I used to work with McKinsey's newly established Sustainability Practice and here goes my take on it:

  1. Yes, all MBB and Tier 2 firms are active in this area. It's obviously a hot topic for any client, and by implication for consultancies serving them. Clients include both private and public sector.
  2. MBB cover every aspect of sustainability and internal configurations depend on project need. Aside from projects, there are plenty of special interest groups and opportunities to do some research, publish, etc.
  3. Both generalists and specialists are in high demand. I worked as a generalist with many other generalists and specialists.

Really super interesting and I encourage you to pursue any opportunities in this space!

Best of luck!

Ian
Coach
on Apr 05, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

1. Could you please tell me if management consulting firms (MBB preferably) are engaged in this area?

Yes, but MBB rarely hire specifically for this. You'll have to really push for this and will likely have to be generalist for a while. Your Big4 and boutiques are more likely to hire directly for sustainability consulting.

2. How is their work organized in this direction (special devizions, groups)?

Highly highly dependent on not just the firm, but also the country. You need to network to figure this out more!

3. Will I have to apply for a specific role rather than pursue a generalist position?

Per #1 you're almost certainly going to have to go generalist if MBB. For a boutique or firm with a specific sustainability practice you'll be able to apply to a specific role. Per #2 this is so highly dependent on firm+region that you need to network to get a clear answer on a case-by-case basis!

Deleted user
on Apr 05, 2022

Hi there,

(1), (2) Indeed, as Moritz and Ian are saying, MBB has recently established dedicated sustainability practices in select offices and are actively looking to recruit specialised consultants. 

(3) So yes, it is possible to target the Practice specifically - in the offices where it is relevant enough of course. 

Good luck!

9
Lucie
Coach
on Apr 05, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

as a BCGer I can confirm there is a huge effort in the sustainability area and options for work in BCG at least. Sustainability is the top priority. I would recommend to reach out to the recruiting team in the office you would want to apply and ask what are your options. 

Good luck

Lucie

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