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Switching internally

MBB Consulting MBB Interview
New answer on Nov 30, 2021
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Nov 21, 2021

Hi,

I was just wondering how would the interview process be if I switch from a specialist role (operations) at one of the MBBs to their consulting dept, all within the same company. Would I still have to go through the usual number of case interviews (2 rounds with a min of 2 cases each) or will I be able to skip a number of cases since I'm already working there.

 

I am thinking of switching but wouldn't want to ask HR now as I haven't discussed with my immediate boss yet.

 

Thank you!

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Lukasz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 21, 2021
McKinsey | Manager | 200+ successfully prepped candidates | Case study | PEI | Fit interview

From my experience, Knowledge Analysts switching to Integrative Consulting roles at McKinsey were obliged to go through the standard recruitment process. They would have typical case study interviews conducted with managers/partners from another office as they were not allowed to interview with people they already knew.

This being said, knowledge of the firm and the fact that they were internal recruitees was usually a strong supporting fact and the majority of those that wanted to transfer would do so without the problem after going through the interviews.

Please note that the same rules might not apply to other firms or even differ by the office within McKinsey. 

To sum up, I would expect that HR/Partners will make some effort to test you for the new role before allowing you to make the move. Yet, as you already work for the company, I wouldn't get overwhelmed/too stressed with that.

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Clara
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replied on Nov 21, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Agree with Lukas in this one, in my times they went through the classical recruiting process. If you think it, this makes sense, since you want to compare them to the rest of the applicants that you can choose from. 

It´s also true that, since you already work in the company, they have more data points about you (positive of course ;) ), and this plays in your way. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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Pedro
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updated an answer on Nov 22, 2021
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

I can't answer for MBB, but I know of this cases in other firms and they went through the case interview rounds, and had to pass the case. The only advantage they had was in getting the interview, and this was only because of good internal references (so they earned it).

(edited)

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Francesco
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replied on Nov 22, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I agree with other coaches and I would expect you will have to go through the full process. It could be easier for you to secure an interview in the first place though if you have someone that can recommend you.

There may be differences based on the country/company, thus once you have aligned with your boss the best thing will be to clarify with HR.

Best,

Francesco

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Hagen
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replied on Nov 22, 2021
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • Generally speaking, you could expect to do the whole recruiting process for the simple reasons: 1) When entering your employer's operations practice, most likely you had a separate, focused recruiting process and 2) this recruiting process did not cover all required aspects for a (general) consultant.
  • Still, it might happen that the interviews are shorter in case they skip the personal fit part, for instance (in the end, it is still the same company).

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming (general) consulting interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

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Ian
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replied on Nov 21, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

The best way to get an answer here is to simply talk to HR! Ask them what the process is and how you can transfer internally.

That said, the most likely scenario is that they put you through the same interview process as other candidates.

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Marco-Alexander
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Content Creator
updated an answer on Nov 30, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

(edited)

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Lukasz gave the best answer

Lukasz

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