“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Reasonable, give it 5 years or so to get to manager level before applying to B-school.
Interesting, thanks a lot for the advice.
I did an internship at one of the Big 3 HR consultancies. I've interned in both HR and management consultancies, but I ended up choosing a leadership program at a Fortune 500 instead. PM me for details.
Is this an internship? If so, maybe try to get yourself staffed on a more quantitative projects to prove you have the capability. Then try to leverage your consulting experience for FT at a management consulting firm. If you want to do management consulting long term, might as well try to get in now.
No, it's not an internship. It's a FT offer.
I would love to get into management consulting now. I've been tentative because I don't have the ivy league resume. Hence, my plan was to follow the path I laid out above which involves a "re -branding" via an MBA.
I am going to submit my resume and cover letters online at the top management firms though, hell, why not.
Also, what do you think of boutique management firms v. HR consulting as a a path to the top management firms? Which do you guys feel is the better route?
Human Resources Consulting to Management Consulting (Originally Posted: 12/07/2010)
Hello, I am a college senior. A human resources consulting firm seems to be interested in offering me an analyst position in their Executive Compensation department.
So far it seems to be my best chance but I am primarily interested in management consulting. Would you say if there's the possibility of a career change after 1-3 years from HR to Management consulting?
And how is the chance of getting into a top MBA program with HR consulting analyst experience?
Thank you very much.
Only tangentially relevant to your question, but one friend who interned with Mercer HR had no trouble getting MBB interviews.
what firm did you get offer from, towers watson, mercer? both of these could probably help you in getting into a good mba. now, if its like hewitt, hay, etc....it maybe a little harder. as for transitioning, no clue.
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