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Transitioning from Market Research to Consulting

Hello everybody,

I have done my Master's in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management from a non-target school in the United Kingdom. I have been working in a market research firm for 1.6 years in India and have 8 months of experience in an Edtech startup (UK). I have strong extracurricular activities as well in my CV. 

I am a bit confused about which position should I apply for. From my research, I came to know that entry-level positions recently got closed in September. Should I network and try to get a referral for an entry-level position now or should I wait for September and then apply or should I apply for a senior consultant position in tier 2 firms by getting a referral? 

The preferred location is the UK and India. 

Please guide me and feel free to give any suggestions. 

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Top answer
Clara
Coach
on Dec 27, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

First of all, having referrals is something that is always going to help, period. Regardless of geography or firm, always accelerates processes and opens doors. 

This said, you could either apply to consulting positions or also to market research ones! In McKinsey, for instance, there are tons of roles in specialized market research positions. If you liked it so far, that would give you points in the race. 

Feel free to PM if you have questions, I worked quite a lot with the McK research people. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara 

on Dec 27, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

My suggestion would be to do as much as you can to get your dream job. Where would you like to work? MBB or tier 2?

I think you have plenty of time to approach the job hunting in the right way and succeed.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me to getsome tips on how to network effectively and start preparing for your interviews.

Best,

Antonello

Gaurav
Coach
on Dec 27, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there,

all the options are good, but it's easier to choose a path when you know what you want. My advice would be to start networking and see if you can get any hints/tips/referrals from experienced people in the field. 

Consider taking some coach sessions since it'll save you time and money and will help you set your goals and find the right strategy. 

Don't hesitate to write me if you need a further advice.

GB

Vlad
Coach
on Dec 27, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Most companies are recruiting for entry-level all year long, however, you should talk to HR to get the specifics of the particular company

Best

Udayan
Coach
on Dec 27, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Hi,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but reading about your background right now it is difficult for me to see how you can get into MBB in either UK or India at this moment. Your competition is essentially IIT/IIM or Oxbridge undergrad and Top 8 MBA programs. Of course people get in outside of that but they generally have a 'spike' they can talk about that makes them a good candidate (e.g., being the founder of a reasonably successful startup). 

I would advise you genuinely think about which firms you have a good shot at, what roles make the most sense given your background and only after that research to go ahead and network to apply.

Best,

Udayan

Deleted
Coach
on Dec 27, 2020
Experienced strategy consultant

Hi,

I would suggest start to network and talk to people from the different firm to have a sense of where you should apply. Different firm and different office might have different requirements.

Referal will be a good way to enter but really need to ensure your networking game is strong.

Best,
Iman

Deleted user
on Dec 27, 2020

Hey,

Based on the details you have given, very likely you will qualify for entry level positions at MBB and Consultant level in BIG4/Accenture.

Best way now is to network and get a referral. I know BIG4 are hiring at the moment in UK, so keep an eye on them, attend any recruitment webinars etc.

Have a killer CV ready. Give me buzz if you need any help.

Good luck.

7
Ian
Coach
edited on Dec 27, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

So, you're likely going to come in at entry level. It's worth a discussion with HR, but I can already tell you you're extremely unlikely to get the senior consultant position.

Now, as mentioned, get talking with HR whenever makes sense for you. In terms of networking, there's literally no harm in starting now! Talk with a range of consultants to better understand the roles, etc. Make sure you have a solid CV on hand and understand how to go about "playing tag" and getting referrals.

Good luck!

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