When is the time to change from t2 to t1 Consulting?

In my opinion, the best time window for your application to a T1 consulting. company. is between 1 and 2 years of seniority in your current T2 firm

• Less than 1 years of experience in a company is not particularly significant and could even backfire (e.g. they could have the impression you are a job-hopper and therefore not reliable)
• More than 2 years of experience in the current company plus the 2 years in the industry makes you a bit too senior for an entry-level position but not senior enough for a Consultant (BCG) or Associate (McKinsey) position. 

An exception to my above recommendation would be if you are developing very vertical and deep know-how on some sectors/niches that the T1 consulting companies need to cover. In that case, also a longer experience (e.g. 3 or 4 years) would be a value-added for your resume.

Hope it helps,

Franco

FIRST: When you have a referral.

Plain and simple. If you know some people that can get you referred, then go for it. There's no downside (except for a temporary "ban", which gets you to the next period in which you should apply)

SECOND: Once you have a promotion under your belt and a project or two managing a team. Having demonstrated/signalled your abilities via a promotion and a number of good-looking projects, you will be much more marketable to MBB.

Good luck!

2-3 years. Ideally when you show consistent promotions and increasing levels of responsibility in your current role, indicating that you are a strong candidate.

Udayan

Hi, 

If you think you have enough experience to demonstrate the skills & values T1 firms look for, then go for it now and dont wait. Get your CV reviewed, talk to consultant/coaches to review your profile and get an idea whether you have what it takes NOW to put up a good fight. Tell a good convincing story through your CV, Cover Letter, Referrals & then the interview process.

If not, wait it out, pick up more skills/experience/title and then try again in 12-18 months. 

Firms wont hire you for having a fancy title or a particular brand on CV (it does help a bit nonetheless), but competition is fierce and you need to be able to demonstrate the skills & attitude they are looking for.

Hey A!

Honestly, I would suggest you work at least for one year at the company you are now in. Switching companies only after 10 months is not a good sign for employers. 

Then, if you are sure of your skills and abilities - you start the process of applying for T1 company. But, once again, the good time to apply for T1 is the time you are sure you can do it. 

If you have any other questions - reach out!

GB

Hi there,

If you want to apply at the earliest possible time, I would wait a full year, then apply. You can also apply later if you prefer. Keep in mind you will normally lose some seniority when you switch in any case.

It is definitely a good idea to apply via referral as Ian mentioned, you can find more on that at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

I agree with the other coaches. The key consideration is whether your CV was strong enough for T1 before you started your current T2 role. A year is a minimum for you to be able to show any incremental achievement on your CV but ideally a promotion where you can objectively show that you are a top performer at your current firm.