Sales/Business Operations and Strategy Teams

I notice a lot of people from consulting backgrounds go into 'Sales Strategy and Operations' or 'Business Operations and Strategy' teams at firms after gaining 1-3 years experience.

If you could enter one of these teams as a graduate (though extremely rare from what I have seen and require 1-3 years banking/consulting experience) would you?

Can you transition from Sales Strategy/Ops to Business Strategy/Ops (and vice versa) within the same firm? Or does this only happen at senior levels?

For promotions, would you be at an advantage or disadvantage if you had worked at the firm for a few years in one of the above teams, compared to someone coming in from the outside?

If you work in one of the teams above, at a specific firm, are the exit opps limited?

Thanks in advance!

 
Best Response

I accepted a role in 'Strategy and Business Development' at an F50 out of school. Since then, I've also worked in 'Strategic Sales.' Would I do it over if I were to make the decision again? Yes.

If you're bright, you won't ever have trouble lateraling because of your talent. The challenge will be to transition when; A) it's convenient for you, and B) there is a business need. It's all about knowing the people, and making sure the right people want you for their team.

Would you be at a disadvantage against an outsider? Depends on the firm. For example, Disney does not hire external candidates for senior roles. Sometimes senior leaders are looking for 'fresh blood' for new perspective. If you're top talent, and the senior leadership knows it, they'll want to keep developing you and putting you into larger roles. All else equal, their X years at McK will trump your X years in a single strategy group.

I'd say you can exit to pretty much any company within the industry. As you work, you see plenty of people come and go - your network slowly expands and you're aware of many more opportunities. Again, if you're good, the opportunity will find you.

I'll do what I can to help ya'll. But, the game's out there, and it's play or get played.
 

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