Switch MBB location Tier 3 -> Tier 1
Hi all, curious about the opportunities to switch locations within MBB firms. Currently at a Tier 3 location though have college ties/family/previous internship experience at Tier 1 locations (ie. NYC/SF/LA)
I heard the key factors are:
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Being a top performer
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Having ties to location (SO/previous background)
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Having at least 1 year experience
Was curious if networking with that location's people is helpful at all or what the location transfer process is like for people who have gone through it?
Based on insights from the Wall Street Oasis forums, transferring within firms, including those in consulting like MBB (McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company), often involves a nuanced process. While the context provided doesn't directly address MBB firms, we can draw parallels from general advice on internal transfers and office relocations within professional services firms. Here’s what you need to know:
Being a Top Performer: Excelling in your current role is crucial. High performance not only makes you a valuable asset to the company but also strengthens your case for a transfer. It demonstrates your commitment and capability to contribute positively in a new location.
Having Ties to the Location: Personal connections to the desired location, such as family, significant others, or previous work/internship experiences, can support your request for a transfer. These ties can indicate to your firm that your move is well-considered and likely to enhance your long-term commitment to the company.
Gaining Experience: Having at least one year of experience within the firm before requesting a transfer is often seen as a minimum. This period allows you to prove your skills, build a network, and understand the firm's culture and processes, making you a more adaptable candidate for relocation.
Networking Within the Desired Location: Engaging with colleagues and leadership in the target location can be beneficial. It helps in understanding the specific needs and dynamics of that office, making you a more informed and attractive candidate for a transfer. Networking can also lead to advocates within the desired location who may support your transfer request.
Understanding the Transfer Process: Each firm has its own policies and procedures for internal transfers. It's important to familiarize yourself with these, which can often be found in internal HR documents or by speaking with HR representatives. Knowing the formal process, including any necessary applications or interviews, will help you navigate the transfer more effectively.
Communicating Your Intentions: Open and honest communication with your current leadership and HR department is key. Discussing your desire to transfer, while expressing your commitment to the firm, can help in finding a supportive path forward.
While the context doesn't specifically mention MBB firms, these general principles are applicable across various professional services firms, including consulting. Networking, performance, and clear communication are universally recognized as key factors in facilitating a successful location transfer.
Sources: How To Pull Off An Internal Transfer, How to ask to switch offices?, Q&A: I grew up in Consulting and reinvented my brand 3 times, Moving to a new city by yourself? Can anyone share experiences?, How To Pull Off An Internal Transfer
You’ll need strong pull from the office to be able to move over. Essentially you need SPs who will vouch for the fact that they want you to work with them and that you won’t simply move over to the larger office to just end up on the beach
As someone that transferred offices, I can tell you it’s definitely possible after a year
that being said id suggest staying in the T3 location.
i was at a t2/t3 global location with senior level support and a big fish in a small pond
I want to a T1/T2 us location and found I was just a number lost in a sea of mediocrity and frankly got worse staffing assignments
I know personal life is important and if you are young you want to be in the action. But you might find you get higher grades quality assignments in a more niche market
example: at MBB in Pittsburgh you might get premium assignments across the Midwest working on top strategic assignments; transfer to nyc and you’ll be doing ccars and hating life
not discouraging you from pursuing your passion if you want to move, but just trying to give a different perspective
Just curious (not from the US), but what qualifies as Tier 3? I reckon I have a good view of T1, and some T2, but unsure what would be T3.
^
There’s no such ranking it’s something OP artificially made up. Tier 1 is NYC/SF/CHI and maybe LA, and everything else is relatively the same. With that being said I echo that being in a non nyc/fs/chi location is super enjoyable for me. I get to enjoy good weather, LCOL, a more chill office culture, better WLB, and better assignments
Bottom half of this list:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._metropolitan_areas_by_GDP
So Dallas would be tier 1 then?
Curious what’s a t3 location
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