Moving from Strategy Consulting to Investment Banking – Advice?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in a gap year post bachelors and wrapping up my second internship in strategy consulting (T2 firms, think OW, Kearney, ecc.– 10 months total across the two), and while I’ve gained a lot of valuable experience, I’m strongly considering transitioning into investment banking.

A bit of background: • I recently graduated cum laude from my bachelor’s, and I’ve been quite involved in extracurriculars throughout uni (student consulting clubs, leadership roles, case comps, etc.). • Next year, I’ll be pursuing a master’s degree at a semi-target uni (ESCP) in London.

I’ve always been drawn to fast-paced, high-stakes environments, and IB has been on my radar for a while – I just initially chose consulting for the broader exposure. That said, I’m now confident that I want to make the switch and start building my career in finance.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s made a similar transition – or from people currently in IB – on the following: • How realistic is the transition post-master’s, especially coming from a semi-target with a consulting background? • Are there specific teams/groups within IB where a strategy background is more valued? • Any tips on networking or positioning myself during applications?

Appreciate any advice you can share!

2 Comments
 

Unfortunately here is the truth:    

  • There is basically 0 point going to a semi-target for Masters in London solely to break into IB
  • Bankers don't give a sh*t about consulting backgrounds (It actually might work against you in initial HR screening, or during interviews interview stages with AS1/2 or VP's. 
  • Frankly, there is no reason for you to want to go into IB when you're already on a consulting pathway and could do a masters and leverage into an MBB in London. Honestly, atm you just look like another disgruntled tier 2 consultant trying to maximise early career capital before committing to FT work.
  • You had a chance to gain valuable financial experience during gap, but you decided to do consulting internships. 
  • Your background is weak - tier 2 consulting firms, irrelevant extracurriculars throughout uni (student consulting clubs, leadership roles, case comps, etc.).  - f*ck has consulting frameworks or casing exercises have to do with modeling, valuation, or closing a deal? 
  • Networking is non-existent in UK - HR control the wheel 
  • Maybe you can break into a regional boutique, but 99% of the time they don't sponsor visas for Internationals  

Listen bud not trying to be harsh, i just don't want people to waste their money on masters degrees hoping it will break them in and then blame DEI hires. Frankly at this stage your profile below par and non relevant for a SA, or an off-cycle in IB in London for most BB's, and EB's.

 

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