Switch from boutique to MBB

Boutique consulting firms MBB
New answer on Feb 07, 2023
7 Answers
200 Views
Anonymous A asked on Feb 06, 2023

Good morning, 

Because of the ongoing economic downturn, MBB but also Tier 2 consulting firms are not urgently hiring. Hence, I am considering applying to boutique strategy consulting firms (entry-level position) and then make a switch in 2 years. How feasible is that?

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Benjamin
Expert
replied on Feb 06, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience

Hello,

Here's my take on this:

Is it feasible? Yes

  • As I mentioned in another recent thread, it is definitely possible to move from boutique to MBB
  • I have seen this from a few from boutiques who get hired for their expertise
  • Even if you don't have a specific expertise yet (i.e. because too junior), if you have a strong application and referral, there is definitely a chance

Are there other alternatives? Yes

  • However, you don't need to have a boutique background specifically because it gives you a ‘consulting background’
  • In my time at BCG, I've known doctors, lawyers, police officers, civil servants who have all made the transition successfully
  • So, there are many other paths for you right now 
    • Going to a ‘hot’ industry now - whether its AI, or Tech (relatively still hot, once this macro environment turns around imo)
    • Going to a target MBA

All the best!

Was this answer helpful?
Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 06, 2023
#1 McK Coach by rating & recommendation rate| Honest feedback: no sugar-coating | Success stories ➨ tinyurl.com/43rkxa8f

Hi there, 

Not only is it feasible, it's also smart. 

When the market is contracting, you should aim to go as wide as possible. The whole point is to maximize your current benefit within the current restrictions that you have. So that could mean going for a boutique firm and gaining additional experience as a consultant and then reapplying, rather than not getting work experience at all in this time. 

You need to develop an application strategy to navigate this with clarity and maximize your chances of getting at least one offer. Happy to walk you through this. 

Best,

Cristian

Was this answer helpful?
Dennis
Expert
replied on Feb 06, 2023
Seasoned project leader with 7+ years of consulting and recruiting experience in USA and Europe

As the name suggests, boutique firms are much smaller than MBB or Tier 2 and they have fewer openings - even in good market conditions. So the logic to go there because the big consulting firms are not hiring much is probably flawed. 

If you want to end up in consulting, then you should be applying to all sorts of consulting firms that interest you right now and see where you can get in. That's likely the most feasible approach in such a situation.

Was this answer helpful?
Hagen
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 07, 2023
Ex-Bain and interviewer for 7+ years | >95% success rate | mentor and coach for 6+ years

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:

  • First of all, it's important to note that while there may be a slowdown in recruiting among strategy consulting companies, this might not be the case for the specific company and office you actually want to apply, and this might very well also be the case for the specific boutique consulting company and office you are going to apply.
  • Still, in my opinion, it is a good idea to increase your chances of securing a job in strategy consulting by also considering boutique consulting companies (in fact, boutique consulting companies offer very similar experiences and opportunities what you can also read about in this article I wrote). This way, you will gain valuable experience in strategy consulting which will make you an even more attractive candidate for major strategy consulting companies in the future.

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

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 06, 2023
MBB | 100% personal interview success rate (8/8) and 95% candidate success rate | Personalized interview prep

Hi there,

Have MBB given you an offer? 

Well, then why are you presenting yourself with a false decision/dilemma? :P

Network and apply to as many firms as possible.

Even in great economic times, it's foolish to just apply to the best 3 firms…they might not even given you a chance to interview!

You 100% should apply to as many boutique (and Tier 2) firms as possible! Worst case scenario you get a lot of practice. A more likely scenario is you find a firm you really enjoy working at.

Was this answer helpful?
Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 06, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | 5 years @ McKinsey | Author of the 1% | 120+ McK offers in 18 months

Hi there,

If MBB and tier-2 firms are slowing down or even freezing hiring, then boutique firms are even more affected.

If your goal is MBB and your resume is strong enough then try MBB right away (especially in the current market)!

Cheers,

Florian

Was this answer helpful?
Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 06, 2023
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Boutiques are even more impacted given they are not diversified and are niche. Be careful there

Was this answer helpful?
Benjamin gave the best answer

Benjamin

Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience
16
Meetings
1,199
Q&A Upvotes
3
Awards
4.7
3 Reviews