Hi, I am a Software Engineer with 2.5 years experience working at a mid-size product company. I've always been interested in management consulting, but thought it'd be safe to enter the industry as a Software Engineer after my Master's degree in Computer Engineering (from a non-target top-45 school in the US with a 3.74 GPA, decent extra-curriculars and a couple internships, one of which was as a tech consultant for a couple start-ups). Following are the possible scenarios in my case, and I'd love to get your insights-

1. Do I stand a chance to get an interview at MBB/Tier-2 firms as an entry level Consultant? (I'm willing to drop a couple years of my experience if it means I get to work in MBB/Tier-2)

2. Also, I'd love to be on the strategic/business side of consulting and not on the tech side since I believe I want to explore those areas. (I've been preparing for case-interviews since a while now and feel pretty confident about them). Is an MBA my only option to get on the strategic/business side of things?

a. If an MBA is necessary, I'd like to continue working as a Software Engineer for a steady income flow and enroll in a part-time MBA. Will the part-time MBA help me with my goal of breaking into strategic/management consulting?

3. If I don't get a chance to enter MBB/Tier-2 without the part-time MBA while I'm a Software Engineer (current situation), and end up joining a boutique consulting firm for a year or 2, will it help me to transition to the big players? Or is a part-time MBA still suggested after a year or 2 at the boutique?