what kind of pre MBA work experience would be beneficial to get in to a management consulting profile at big three?

Question

consulting MBA workex

New answer on Feb 22, 2021

8 Answers

990 Views

Anonymous A asked on Feb 20, 2021

Background:

I(indian) have worked as a design/project engineer in renewable energy sector(hydro) until now. 2 years at a reputed big Austrian OEM in India and 2 years at a small japanese company(for international work-ex). I delayed my plans to get into an MBA program due to covid and still will be working untill the upcoming applications season, but am at a crossraods.

current situation, changing jobs

I have 3 options in front of me :

1. An engineering role at one of japans biggest engineering consulting and infrastructure firm.

2. An associate project manager role at a wind enrgy firm in japan.(10 year old big startup of sorts)

3. a renewable enregy financial consultant at a multinational consulting firm ( other than big 4 or big 3) but in new delhi India.

which one should I choose for maximising odds of landing a conulting job in the us or europe in the big 3 after an MBA later next year.

sorry for the long post and thanks if you are answering.

(edited)

Overview of answers

Sort by:

Only show saved answers

Related Cases

Expert case by Francesco

31.6k

Times solved

4.6

600+ Ratings

Advanced

Difficulty

Expert case by Francesco

13.6k

Times solved

4.1

100+ Ratings

Intermediate

Difficulty

Expert case by Francesco

8.0k

Times solved

5.0

< 100 Ratings

Intermediate

Difficulty

Expert case by Francesco

8.0k

Times solved

4.0

< 100 Ratings

Intermediate

Difficulty

Expert case by Francesco

7.6k

Times solved

4.3

< 100 Ratings

Intermediate

Difficulty

Answer 1

Best answer

Gaurav

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Feb 22, 2021

#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360 coach(Ex-McKinsey + Certified Coach + Active recruiter)

Hi there,

Congrats on your offers! That's not a small thing, and they all sound great!

If you're 100% sure of aiming at MBB, go 3-2-1.

And still, if you can choose something you are really interested in, don't throw away this option just because it doesn't promise you MBB - nothing can really promise you a place at MBB.

Do you need any other help?

GB

Was this answer helpful?

16

Book a coaching

Answer 2

Raj

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Feb 21, 2021

FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

If I was solving for the role that would have the closest affinity to consulting, and so help you position for b school recruiting, I'd go

#3
#2
#1

If I was solving for gaining intl experience in Europe/US before your MBA, I'd go

#3
#1
#2

If I was solving for the role that would present growth/promotion opportunities that would also position you well for b school recruiting, well that's for you to answer

As you can tell, what you are solving for here is something for you to figure out but this is the mental model I'd apply

Was this answer helpful?

15

Book a coaching

Anonymous A on Feb 22, 2021

Thanks alot for the suggestion Raj, I came up with a similar priority solution. haven`t consulted an admissions counsel yet but wouldn`t returning back to India after a 2 year stint abroad counter act on my resume for B-school positioning? a bit torn in between continuing the international work experience or profile aligning.

(edited)

Raj on Feb 26, 2021

I think it depends on the story you are telling with the move, but if its an upward move and aligns to post-MBA interest that wouldnt be a counter in my view

Answer 3

Adi

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Feb 20, 2021

Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey, firstly congrats on all these options! Hope you have reflected on this, celebrated & felt grateful.

I would like to challenge your thinking...why do you want to do things NOW with the aim of getting into MBB in future (which you can't predict anyway). Rather focus on doing that (NOW) which is a better fit your values, career aspirations & risk apetitie. Focus on that which will allow you to give your best and more importantly enjoy your time & effort. Get this right and MBB or better things will happen for you.

It would be wrong of me to pick one option for you. Its your life and you know it better, so great to get inputs from coaches & others you trust, but fundamentally make sure whatever you do, its worthwhile.

All the best!

Was this answer helpful?

14

Book a coaching

Answer 4

Ian

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Feb 20, 2021

Hi there,

I think #3 and #2 would fit best. That said, also be sure to pick the one that you genuinely think you'd enjoy most! It's hard to be at a job when it's not what you truly want (2 years is longer than you think!)

Was this answer helpful?

14

Book a coaching

Answer 5

Ken

Expert

updated an answer on Feb 20, 2021

Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

All sound like great roles! I general, I always encourage people to choose based on what you want to do and where you think you will learn & develop. MBBs care more about achievement and experience then the role/company. My thesis is that the more you enjoy the work (in a suitable environment) the more successful you will be.

Having said that, based on the three roles you shared, my impression is that of which the financial consultant role does seem to be most transferrable. The transferrability is less important in the sense of whether an MBB would see it favourably or not but more that you would more likely have acquired some relevant skills and experiences to do well in the interviews.

Good luck!

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?

13

Book a coaching

Answer 6

Florian

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Feb 22, 2021

Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

I'd consider 3 > 2 > 1 for your goals. If your goal is to maximize the odds of landing a consulting job in the US or EU that seems to be the most reasonable decision.

Is there anything else you have not considered yet that would influence this decision?

Cheers,
Florian

Was this answer helpful?

13

Book a coaching

Answer 7

Anonymous replied on Feb 20, 2021

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on securing the above options! All 3 sound very interesting and you will have some great time ahead.

To get to your question, my decision making would take into account the following:

Option 3 for sure will equip you with some valuable experience in terms of financial analysis and decision making, containing a bit more of a strategic component.
Option 2 on the other hand will give you a great perspective on team work, practicality, problem solving and people management. I'm sure the stories you can tell out of this experience during the fit portion of the interview will be quite strong and unique.
In my view, a specific background (e.g. strong financial analysis) is not as critical as having a unique profile that reflects well your capabilities and passions.
At the end of the day, fully agree with Ken's response, the most important thing is to choose 1) something you like, 2) something that you expect you will thrive at. That would be a great recipe for success that is sought after by the strategy houses.

I hope that helps and again congratulations on those exciting offers.

Konstantinos

Was this answer helpful?

12

Answer 8

Clara

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Feb 22, 2021

McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

A priori, points 2 and 3 seem more aligned with the role of a consultant for later.

however, people go to business school in many ocasions to change paths, hence don´t be scared to go and try consulting form something totally new. They are used to it and see the value in it, as long as you meet the bar.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Was this answer helpful?

12

Book a coaching

Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 452,000 Peers!

what kind of pre MBA work experience would be beneficial to get in to a management consulting profile at big three?

Overview of answers

Related Products

Related Articles

Consulting Career Path

BCG Case Interview

Consulting Industry Trends in 2023

What Is Management Consulting?

MBB Target Schools in the US

PowerPoint for Consultants

Working Hours in Consulting

M&A Consulting

Roland Berger Consulting Case Interviews

Free Guide to OC&C Consulting Case Interviews

Management Consulting Firms in Singapore

Consulting Lingo

Consulting Recruitment

Work-Life-Balance in Consulting – Everything You Need to Know

Coffee Chat Questions in Consulting

Consulting Survival Guide

Excel for Consultants

The Pros and Cons of Working at a Top Consulting Firm

How to Get a Consulting Internship - Tips and Tricks

Start Your Career in Consulting now

Consulting Salary in Australia

Overcome Your Weaknesses with ChatGPT for Your Consulting Career

What Is Sustainability Consulting?

Consulting Salaries in France

Become a Top Consultant: The Consulting Recruiting Process

Well-Known Tier 2 Consulting Companies

The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in Consulting

The Most Interesting Consulting Firms Besides MBB

What is Automotive Consulting?

Consulting Salaries in the DACH Region 2024

Consultant Salaries in Canada

What Is Change Management Consulting?

The Typical Terms in Case Study Interviews for Consulting Firms

What Is Leadership Consulting?

Remote Consulting: The Change in the Work Life of a Consultant

The Resignation Letter in Consulting

Is Doing an MBA or MiM Worth It For a Consulting Career?

10 Rumors About Management Consultants

Restructuring Consulting – What is it?

16 Personalities Test

Mastering Communication Skills in Consulting

Stay informed and navigate the future of consulting with confidence.

KI revolutioniert die Beratung! McKinsey, BCG, Bain und EY gestalten d

Smart Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow: AI in Consulting

What Are Decision-Making Frameworks And Why Are They Important?

Consulting Salaries in the United States 2024

Top Consulting Firms in the US - Best Firms to Work for 2024

Are you ready to embrace the next era of consultancy?

Top Consulting Firms in Germany - Best Firms to Work for in 2024

What Is The Difference Between Sustainability Consulting And ESG?

Related Cases

Related Case Interview Basics article(s)

Similar Questions

Decision Time Urgent Cambridge or HEC?

Do firms take Masters (MPhil) students for summer internships

BCG Consultant Roles Questions

Related Products

Break into Consulting

Related Articles

Consulting Career Path

BCG Case Interview

Consulting Industry Trends in 2023

What Is Management Consulting?

MBB Target Schools in the US

PowerPoint for Consultants

Working Hours in Consulting

M&A Consulting

Roland Berger Consulting Case Interviews

Free Guide to OC&C Consulting Case Interviews

Management Consulting Firms in Singapore

Consulting Lingo

Consulting Recruitment

Work-Life-Balance in Consulting – Everything You Need to Know

Coffee Chat Questions in Consulting

Consulting Survival Guide