It's great to hear about your aspirations and determination to pursue a career in top-tier strategic consulting firms. While you may have not secured a position at your desired firms initially, it's important to remember that there are multiple paths to achieving your goals. Let's consider the options you have and what recruiters of MBB and Tier 2 firms typically look for:

1. Job at a Very Small Strategic Consulting Firm in Belgium: Pros:

• Exposure to strategic consulting projects: Even though the firm is small, you will have the opportunity to work on strategic consulting projects, gaining hands-on experience and building your skills.
• Close-knit environment: Working in a small firm allows for more direct interaction with senior professionals, enabling you to learn from their expertise and receive personalized mentorship.
• Ability to take on diverse responsibilities: In a small firm, you may have the chance to work on various aspects of projects, giving you a broader exposure to different areas of consulting.

Cons:

• Limited resources and network: Small firms may have limitations in terms of resources, client base, and industry connections, which could impact the breadth and scale of projects you work on.
• Potential for limited career growth: In smaller organizations, career progression opportunities may be limited compared to larger firms, which could impact your advancement in the field of consulting.

1. Job in Sales/Business Development at a Tier 2 Consulting Firm: Pros:

• Established brand and network: Working for a Tier 2 consulting firm with a prestigious name can provide you with access to a broader network of clients, industry experts, and potential future employers.
• Exposure to client relationships: Sales/Business Development roles often involve building and managing client relationships, which can give you valuable insights into client dynamics and needs.
• Transferable skills: Skills developed in sales and business development, such as relationship-building, communication, and negotiation, can be highly beneficial in consulting roles.

Cons:

• Divergent focus from your ultimate goal: If your ultimate aim is to become a strategic consultant, taking a role in sales/business development may not align directly with your desired career path, potentially requiring you to transition later.

When recruiters from MBB and Tier 2 firms assess candidates, they typically consider a combination of factors, including academic performance, relevant experience, problem-solving abilities, leadership potential, and cultural fit. While the specific preferences may vary across firms, they generally seek candidates with strong analytical and communication skills, a track record of achievement, and a passion for problem-solving.

Considering the options you have, it's important to weigh the pros and cons against your long-term career goals. Reflect on the skills, exposure, and growth opportunities each option offers, and assess how they align with your aspirations in strategic consulting. It's also worth considering the potential for career progression and the transferability of skills from each role to consulting.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and long-term goals. Whichever option you choose, be proactive in building your skills, expanding your network, and seeking opportunities to demonstrate your potential in the consulting field. Remember that career paths are rarely linear, and each experience can contribute to your overall growth and preparedness for future opportunities.

I wish you all the best in your decision-making process and your pursuit of a successful career in strategic consulting!

Hi Yentl,

There are 2 questions to think about:

1. What role are you recruiting for & what will get you shortlisted for this role?

2. What will help you prepare better for the consulting case interviews?

If you are recruiting for a post-MBA entry level role i.e., Associate at McKinsey or Consultant at BCG/Bain, I recommend to go for the reputed Tier 2 consulting firm, based on the following:

• When shortlisting for entry level roles, consultants at MBB seek achievements irrespective of the type of experience, and they expect that you would be trained on the job for case work, so prior consulting experience does not really provide lot of value
• Moreoever sales/BD role at a consulting firm, prepares you well for future roles (AP/Partner)
• My sense is that a BD role at Tier 2 consulting role will give you lot more bandwidth for interview preparation

Hi Yentl,

Excellent question and clear context. 

In short, go for the former. 

When recruiters evaluate your profile, they'll care more about what you did than where you did it. 

So if you want to be a consultant in MBB, starting as a consultant at a boutique firm will be a LOT more helpful than starting as a non-consultant in a bigger consulting firm. 

Then, what you need to do in the next year or so is do an amazing job in your new role. Here are some materials to help you prepare for that (from somebody who crossed from being almost to being a top performer in MBB):

• How to Survive Your First Year as a Management Consultant
• The Truth About Consulting Work Hours: What You Need to Know

Then, you need to start applying for jobs again in 9 months or so. Use the following guide to help you design an application strategy:

• Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

Best,
Cristian

Opinion on this question will always be divided because we may never officially know what is in the recruiter's mind when they actually look at ‘your’ CV.

However, among the 2 options you present - (1) will be more rewarding in terms of dynamism of experience and overall learning - you might even get some quick promotions; while (2) will be better from the perspective of looking like a good brand on your CV

Given that (2) is already not your dream role, (1) might still work out better. More so, perhaps you might continue to stick with (1) even longer than you anticipated if it clicks.

Final choice is yours though.

Hi Yentl,

I think #2 is more likely to help you get in the door with MBB, however I think both experiences are valuable for MBB, and you'll certainly be able to craft a narrative to position yourself as a candidate with either. 

I would say that in general it would be better to do the job you want to do, even if not at the firm you want to work for.

Of course, by working at that business development function, I would expect you to learn some relevant things as well, and understand the company's environment.

But in honestly, I find it difficult to answer your question as you state it. In reality, I think I can be more helpful by questioning the information you have.

Starting with the later, I am not sure what is a business development function at a Tier 2 firm. I am skeptical about it. Usually consultants help in the business development. It can be used to train consultans. Why are they hiring for a role they can staff with consultants that are on the beach? Something is off. I don't get it.

Starting with the former… I am not sure what is a strategic firm doing 5000€ projects. Maybe it is a typo and it is 50.000€ - 200.000€. If it is not a typo, then I doubt they are doing strategy). Once again, something is off here. Make sure you understand in detail what they are really up to. If you don't get this clear and you can't be sure they're doing strategy, then T2 business development is likely to be a better role for your career aspirations.

Hi Yenti,

You are asking which one will be most likely to get you MBB in terms of resume screening/interview invites in the near term. Therefore I will answer this question only (objective-driven!)

Option #2