Consulting Recruiting
What are some backups to consulting recruiting? I am currently a junior undergrad and am recruiting for consulting, but I only started 12 days ago. I've been grinding every day, but just in case it doesn't go well, I need backups to consulting recruiting. What are other positions I should consider, considering I want the best exit options?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, if consulting recruiting doesn't pan out, there are several strong backup options you can consider that still offer excellent exit opportunities:
Investment Banking (IB):
While consulting and IB are different career paths, IB provides strong exit opportunities into private equity, corporate development, or even strategy roles. If you're open to the grind, this could be a great alternative.
Asset Management or Private Wealth Management:
These roles may not have the same prestige as consulting or IB, but they still offer solid career trajectories and can serve as feeders into MBA programs or other finance-related roles.
Corporate Banking:
While not as glamorous as IB, corporate banking offers a more balanced lifestyle and can still lead to opportunities in corporate finance or treasury roles.
Corporate Development or Strategy Roles at Startups or Corporates:
These roles allow you to work on strategic initiatives and M&A activities, which can be a great stepping stone to private equity or venture capital.
Boutique Consulting Firms:
If MBB or other top-tier firms don't work out, consider smaller boutique consulting firms. They often have less rigid recruiting timelines and can still provide strong exit opportunities.
Tech or Startup Roles:
Fast-growing startups often have roles in strategy, operations, or business development that can provide valuable experience and open doors to venture capital or corporate development.
Federal Consulting or Public Sector Roles:
Firms like Deloitte Federal or Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) focus on public sector consulting. While the pay may be lower, these roles can still offer meaningful experience and exit options.
MBA as a Long-Term Backup:
If none of the above options work out, consider pursuing an MBA from a top program. This can reset your recruiting opportunities and open doors to consulting, IB, or other high-finance roles.
Remember, the key is to stay focused on your preparation and networking efforts for consulting while keeping these options in mind as a contingency plan. Good luck!
Sources: Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, 2019 Sumer Analyst Recruiting Starts, Why Consulting - Answering the Interview Question, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice
The world is your oyster!
First, you could look at other consulting firms, there are hundreds, apply to many.
Second, if you still want a similar corporate flavor, apply to a leadership development program.
Third you could go for startup ops/ biz dev roles out of undergrad (make sure you are judicious about which startups you want to join)
Fourth you can go to Finance. May be harder if you don't have prior experience but depending on your school and location (e.g. if you are in Europe), you may have a chance at off-cycle opportunities.
With more info I can suggest better!
not op but follow up question
what's best if you want to land mbb full time (in the US)
also, ran out of most t2 consulting firm as options (i do have an internship return offer from a corporate role that competes with t2)
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