T2 Lateral

Incoming at a T2 next fall (LEK/K/OW/S&/EYP). Didn't land MBB this year but want to lateral and get an MBA sponsored by them ideally a year or two afterward. Anyone have experience with lateraling? When is the best time? And how?

I know this is severely early, but I don't want to miss any opportunities when the market picks back up. Thanks

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, lateraling from a T2 to MBB is definitely possible and can be a strategic move for your career. The best time to make this move would typically be around the 1.5 to 2 year mark of your current job. This is because MBB firms often promote to the post-MBA level after about 2 years, compared to T2 firms which usually take around 4 years.

In terms of how to lateral, networking is key. Reach out to MBA classmates or contacts who are in the office or specialization you're interested in at MBB. Ask them for a quick introduction to the recruiting manager, and then follow up with that person directly.

If you're set on getting an MBA and would like it to be sponsored by MBB, it's important to communicate this during your lateral move discussions. MBB firms are often open to sponsoring MBAs, especially for employees they see as valuable long-term assets.

Remember, every journey is unique and these are just general guidelines. The most important thing is to ensure that any move aligns with your personal career goals and aspirations. Good luck!

Sources: Lateral hire from another consulting firm to MBB, Q&A: MBB, BB S&T+IB, Top MBA, US/Global, PE Lateral Recruiting Advice/Stories/Help?, Lateraling into MBB help!

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I'm not understanding your timeline. You're incoming into first year associate at a T2 but you want to lateral and MBA in 1 to 2 years?

Average YOE at MBA is 5 years. From MBB it's generally 3-4 and happens when you hit L3/L4. And if you are able to lateral within a year in your t2 role, MBB will reset you back to L1. So you're not looking at an MBA for 4 years minimum. 

 

Mollitia hic ipsam adipisci voluptas voluptas. Est facere explicabo nulla eius consequuntur occaecati esse earum. Et numquam hic cumque voluptatibus illo.

Labore ut nesciunt velit omnis. Est qui consequatur praesentium voluptate sed incidunt eos. Velit facere ipsa hic molestiae cupiditate nam quibusdam adipisci. Est aut est dolorem consequatur commodi doloremque. Vero dignissimos atque voluptate qui nemo vel recusandae. Est et animi exercitationem corporis sit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • 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 99.0%
  • 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 99.0%
  • 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 (54) $246
  • Engagement Manager (113) $232
  • Manager (170) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • 1st Year Associate (576) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”