I have been lurking here for a while and think I now have my own question to ask!
I'm currently a lawyer in the UK with 3 years' work experience in corporate and competition law at a top 5 City firm, looking to apply to MBB this year as the equialvent of McKinsey's Business Analyst or Junior associate level.
Background:
- 10A* GCSE
- 2A* 1A A level (all humanities)
- 2.1 from Oxbridge (philosophy)
- distinction (top grade possible) postgraduate law diplomas.
Being frank, what are my chances of making it to interview as an experienced hire, and what's more likely to be successful: Business analyst or Junior Associate level?
Also, are there any weak points on my potential application I could work to mitigate?
...
Good chances of getting interview. Especially if you can find someone on the inside to recommend you.
Greatest weakness will be lack of business experience and education, which you will have to spend some more time studying to cover.
Not sure if you would come in as BA or JASC. Would suggest just asking HR at McK directly.
Another AC from my start class has nearly that exact profile. So, chances for interviews should be good, as long as you can demonstrate the required skills on your CV / cover letter. Referral wouldn't hurt, and of course prep for the online test.
Be warned, if I'm not mistaken, given what little I know of lawyer salaries at top firms in London, this is going to be one hell of a pay cut.
FYI, with us you'd come in as an AC (so the BA equivalent at McK).
You’ll probably be asked about your lack of quantitative background / exposure. And you’d be looking at Associate-level at BCG
If you're credentialed like you say and have those three years of experience, especially in corporate and competition law, I'd conjure the idea of JA for sure. Just brush up on those MSFT Office skills beforehand since they'll test you on those (but being a barrister with 3 years and schooling behind you, I bet Word should be easy for you lol). Not sure about what specific focus you're looking into, but may need to make sure you know some SQL/XML/Python/Etc on top. Worst case, you show proper good faith effort and that even if you're not a wunderkind in those but willing to keep learning, you should be fine. If you have that legal background, (and not to sound rough, but this is also assuming you're good at what you're already doing and can demonstrate it) that should also go a long way towards expressing your logic skills and soft skills in dealing with people.
Just make sure you have a definitive idea of why you're looking to make that big of a lateral because they're going to question your motivation. Sucks, but it's reality. Also agree on doing some pre-application and interview networking if you can to help bolster your chances.
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