Client to MBB - Is it possible?

Is it possible? Have any of you MBB folks ever hired/interviewed anyone from a client you were consulting? I know it typically works the other way around, and the fact that the client might feel like you stole his talent is an issue, but has it been done? I am talking about analyst-level roles.

Any specific advice on how to do it? I understand the obvious in terms of keeping in touch and networking, but anything else?

Edit - if it matters, this is an MBB that I previously interviewed with for FT analyst for an international location. Failed 2nd round due to insufficient language skills for the location.

 

Highly unlikely.

In the contracts we sign with clients, it specifically says that we will not poach each others' employees without first seeking and receiving approval from decision makers.

And don't ask anyone on-site "Are you guys hiring?". It is very awkward and a bit annoying.

 
PhD2MBB:
2x2Matrix:
PhD2MBB:
And don't ask anyone on-site "Are you guys hiring?". It is very awkward and a bit annoying.

Funny, I don't see anything of the sort in his post.

How else do you interpet "Any specific advice on how to do it?"?

Umm, I interpret it the way that the English language does, and the way that it's used here. The OP is asking if there's any advice that other people have from their own experiences as recruitees or recruiters that might be applicable to the OP. That's the whole point of WSO. He's not asking for a job.

And to the OP, even if MBB has a contract with your employer that precludes them from poaching employees, it's possible that your current employer will give permission for you to leave for MBB, but you'll have to really, really impress the consultants you work with for them to even think about it. There might, however, be a period after which employees are fair game for poaching (e.g. 12 months after your involvement with an MBB engagement ends). There's really no playbook for this one because it's so rare. But it has been done.

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Best Response
2x2Matrix:
PhD2MBB:
2x2Matrix:
PhD2MBB:
And don't ask anyone on-site "Are you guys hiring?". It is very awkward and a bit annoying.

Funny, I don't see anything of the sort in his post.

How else do you interpet "Any specific advice on how to do it?"?

Umm, I interpret it the way that the English language does, and the way that it's used here. The OP is asking if there's any advice that other people have from their own experiences as recruitees or recruiters that might be applicable to the OP. That's the whole point of WSO. He's not asking for a job.

And to the OP, even if MBB has a contract with your employer that precludes them from poaching employees, it's possible that your current employer will give permission for you to leave for MBB, but you'll have to really, really impress the consultants you work with for them to even think about it. There might, however, be a period after which employees are fair game for poaching (e.g. 12 months after your involvement with an MBB engagement ends). There's really no playbook for this one because it's so rare. But it has been done.

Thanks 2x2, appreciate the advice.

 

Well I asked how to do it, not how not to do it. But in fairness I guess your answer could be helpful to a complete moron. Which I suppose you don't know that I am not. So fair enough.

I mostly made the post to get helpful hints of how to subtly express interest and what you guys would respond to well from the other side of the table, so if you have any of that I would appreciate it.

Thanks

 

It's possible. It will not be easy, especially if you are in a more senior role. For a junior (post-BA or post-MBA) role, here's how I would play it:

1) While the consulting engagement is ongoing, work with the MBB team and impress them by GETTING STUFF DONE. The #1 problem in MBB engagements is not creating "insight", it's actually changing things and overcoming inertia

2) Build real relationships with the MBB team. This should be easy because every consultant is 'graded' on building client relationships (even at a junior level), so just ask them to lunch or something

3) DO NOT mention that you want to be a consultant during the engagement. Instead, pick one person and email them 2-3 months later. Give them an update on their project's impact, express your appreciation for them and the team, and be direct about an interest in consulting. That person will forward your email to the case team and partners and if they're interested they will likely speak to the senior clients about it before offering you an interview.

You will need to be both good and lucky to have this work out, but I think it's possible.

 

You are absolutely free to apply via normal channels. In that case, the firms will be very discreet (i.e., will certainly not mention to your client, or even to the partners in charge of your client). However, as indicated above, don't plan to apply through the people who worked with you. Honestly, if you made it to the second round, I'd reach out to the recruiters you originally worked with. I wouldn't be surprised if they were willing to take another shot.

P.S. I'm a manager at MBB and work a lot with recruiting.

 

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