I graduated in 2011 from an Ivy (see username), 3.8, 1500+ SATs, etc. I worked at MIT/Sloan for a year doing operations research, specifically startup strategy, helped a prof write case studies and develop a curriculum, and from there I went to work at a startup, developing its operational and marketing strategy. I've been doing that for 8 months, and - surprise! - it's starting to tank. It's a tough world out there.
I want to get into consulting now, specifically management or strategy (or geo-political strategy). I've never really had a go at this, save for one final round interview with BCG back in 2010, of which nothing came. I'm great with interviews and cases, perhaps shittier at networking. My question is:
How difficult is it to transition into consulting after ~1.7 years of relevant job experience? Ideally, I'd like to get into MBB, and I am willing to network/brownnose the shit out of countless leads to wrangle an interview - but 1) is this actually possible or likely, and 2) would they stick me into their incoming analyst class, or what? Is that conventional for a somewhat recent college grad? Or should I pack up and look elsewhere?
One option would be to go get an MBA from a top 10 (or so) program. Depending on the GMAT, you'd definitely be a great candidate for many of them. Otherwise, you'd just have to network your ass off and would probably come in with new undergraduate hires.
I agree with janou, I think that your best bet is MBA at top school and then from there it would be easier to get into consulting without starting too low.
Getting an MBA is probably the easiest path, but I'm constantly surprised at the number of people on here who default to on campus recruiting as the only way to get into these firms.
Yeah, it's probably the easiest but networking your way in is also entirely do-able....you just have to be good at it. Develop a strong story around why you want to lateral into consulting now, and then work absolutely every lead you have into these firms. If you've got a strong track record in industry, they'll bring you in at the level between undergrad and MBA hires.
You'll also have way more luck at the elite Tier 2's than you will at MBB.
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