Pivoted from consulting to M&A - ask me anything
Had been in consulting a few years at one of the big fours. Not a fan of the environment and people surrounding me, also felt stuck and like I wasn’t going anywhere. Then I discovered my interest in M&A and gradually took on opportunities that got me closer step by step. Wasn’t an easy switch but eventually it happened and it was the best thing I have ever done for myself.
I now work in M&A at a $2+ bn global start up. People are mostly equally entitled but smart as hell, not to mention hardworking. The deals never stop coming and there are so many exciting opportunities happening.
Happy to share more about my journey if you have any questions (/ if you are hoping to make the same switch). Ask away.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your journey from consulting to M&A is a common aspiration for many professionals seeking a more dynamic and deal-focused environment. Here are some key insights and advice for those looking to make a similar switch:
Leverage Your Consulting Experience: Highlight transferable skills such as financial modeling, strategic thinking, and client management. These are highly valued in M&A roles.
Networking is Key: Many successful transitions involve building relationships with professionals in the M&A space. Attend industry events, connect with alumni, and seek informational interviews.
Target Relevant Opportunities: Start with roles that bridge the gap between consulting and M&A, such as corporate development, transaction advisory services, or strategy roles in M&A-heavy industries.
Upskill Where Necessary: If your consulting role didn’t involve heavy financial analysis, consider taking courses in financial modeling or valuation to strengthen your technical skills.
Be Persistent: As you mentioned, the switch wasn’t easy. It often requires patience, strategic positioning, and a willingness to start at a slightly lower level to gain relevant experience.
If you’re open to sharing more, others might benefit from specifics like: - How you identified and pursued opportunities to transition. - Challenges you faced during the switch and how you overcame them. - Advice for those currently in consulting but unsure how to break into M&A.
Feel free to elaborate or answer any specific questions from the community!
Sources: Q&A: I grew up in Consulting and reinvented my brand 3 times, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/managed-to-pivot-into-ma-advisory-in-a-small-boutique-instead-of-tech-consulting?customgpt=1, How to transition from Technology Consulting at a Tier 2 into MM Private Equity?, Thoughts on Starting Investment Bank/M&A Advisory for my Company, From trader to consultant
Tell us how you got in? Interview or network? Do you struggle to keep up with the work there?
The job itself it was just through a standard interview process - 3 rounds and modelling + a deck. And I did put in quite a lot of work, so that was something that my manager really liked (it was obvious I was from consulting but it’s the effort that counts).
Before I landed the role, I did quite a bit of networking to get some PE/VC / investment exposure so that I can have more relevant experience to draw on. Essentially getting staffed on relevant projects at my consulting role at the time, which i thought was the more sensible option, than landing a new job which is neither here nor there.
It is definitely a steep learning curve, everything comes fast and you have to learn even faster. Definitely not easy going from being really familiar with my role consulting to knowing so little in M&A. You’ll have to put in the work for sure but it’s a good challenge. Be okay with making mistakes and learning from it, speak up & ask questions, show initiative and that you are willing to learn - these are what really helped me, for me to pick up faster, and for the team to be more accommodating and offer me opportunities to step up.
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