Can you swap from one MBB to another?

Hey guys! I'm just starting my second year post-MBA at an MBB. I'm performing decently at my current firm and people recognize I could be a good manager. I'm running into some logistical issues (getting the right experiences on cases) in terms of promotion timing, and unfortunately it seems that the promotion may not happen for me. Therefore, I'm wondering - is it possible to switch to another MBB? I haven't really heard people switching among the MBBs. Has anyone done this switch before or know of anyone who has? Do I need to worry about non-compete clauses? I don't really care about keeping my tenure (it's only ~12 months), so taking a step back doesn't bother me.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 
Best Response

Current MBB here, I wouldn't recommend it for a couple of reasons. No offense, will give it to you straight -

  1. Leaving MBB before two years is up is a big red flag. If you are leaving after 1 year because you didn't get the opptys you wanted / aren't on a fast track to promotion, you will quickly be labelled as entitled.

  2. Staffing and promotions in consulting are a huge function of luck. There is no guarantee that you will not feel the exact same way at another MBB

  3. Assuming you interview, have a good reason, and accept an offer - you will reset your clock and start all over as a 1st year analyst at another firm. If your whole issue is promotion timing, can't see how this would make sense.

Really wouldn't recommend it.

 

There's really only one way to make the narrative make sense, and that is if you have a compelling personal reason to move to another city where your current MBB doesn't have an office. "I was at Bain Boston but needed to move back to Pittsburgh to be closer to my elderly parents, so I transferred to McKinsey because they have an office there." I think that's literally the only way to do it. If you're not going to get promoted at your current firm why would one of the others want to hire you?

 

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