I've worked 2 years as a Strategy Consultant at a Big Bank (JPM, WF, Citi) - I want to enter Consulting - Where do i start?

Hello - I am a noob on the forum and have been looking around.

My background: my first year at the 'big bank' I worked in a high-talent development program. I completed that program and got promoted to a Strategy Consultant, where I support an executive leader on strategic initiatives. In this role, I am a subject matter expert of a technology platform and have strong interpersonal and powerpoint skills - my excel skills are average. I have been doing well but want to try for a more challenging/fulfilling role. I have an undergrad in Finance at a regional University.

My question: where do I start so I can break into consulting? Do I start by networking with alumni contacts at 2nd tier firms? Do I shoot for Deloitte or PWC? I realize that I don't have the resume (role or undergrad) to break into McK or BCG.

5 Comments
 

Not too familiar with many people with your type of background but I think it would depend if you are looking to be more of a technology expert or more generalist consultant. Your finance background would be more valued at a firm with a strong finance or technology practice (Bain, Mck, OW). Also, this would also depend on your YOE. If less than 2 years, I would say the generalist route is the more likely transition for you.

 

I’d recommend connecting with your school’s alumni in any firm you can find and or try to see if someone in your network knows consultants. All you need is a referral and good casing skills and you should be fine. Try to target entry level roles at Deloitte or Accenture since they have a huge analyst class

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 98.9%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.9%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (113) $232
  • Manager (170) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 1st Year Associate (577) $121
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (390) $104
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1163) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (208) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (632) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”