Lateral to MBB from Boutique

Hey guys, started at a boutique FT this summer and was looking to lateral in the near future (ideally at the 1 year mark) to MBB as I want to do growth equity eventually. I'm at a good strategy shop but we don't do CDDs and the prestige gap would likely preclude me from making the switch to GE anyway. Wondering how to best prepare for this and the process for doing so. 

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MBBs do take laterals, but the economy is a bit uncertain and they've been hiring big classes, so you'll have to deal with lack of consistency on availability / hiring / timing - the eternal challenge for laterals. 

Interview process would be the same as any other - assuming you're post undergrad and not an MBA. Biggest difference would probably be networking - referrals help a lot and you'll need to be plugged in to know when they do start lateral processes. Lateral availability may be more office / region dependent as well, so spread your net wide.

 

Definitely want to reach out to alumni soon but don't want to appear too eager as it's not been long since I've started. When do you recommend reaching out and setting up chats? How should I be framing these convos - normal networking calls or being direct with my interest? 

 
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