Getting into MBB now? How?
Hello WSO,
Background:
- Top 50 undergrad at a state school (not a target for anything though)
- Finance major with 3.5 GPA
- Spent 1 year as an analyst at a top tier BB in FinTech in NYC
- Approaching 2.5 years in strategic planning at a highly regarded tech firm (Oracle/Apple/Qualcomm etc)
I'd like to now move into MBB in strategic consulting. Is this possible without me going to get an MBA? What level would I come in at? My current job is both strategic and financial in nature and I really enjoy the strategic part.
What is the best way to break in? I have no contacts at these firms (and no alumni), can I use a headhunter?
Thanks in advance.
Without an MBA, you don't have much of a shot at MBB.You don't have the credentials to be post-MBA, but have too much experience to come in pre-MBA...maybe you get 12 months tenure credit.
Maybe if you meet the right people in a tech-focused MBB office, you have a shot, but your chances would increase tenfold with a top-tier MBA. Does your firm hire consultants? That might be a good way for you to meet the right people.
How does an MBA all of a sudden make OP a great candidate for MBB? The guy has already done banking and what looks to be corporate strategy at a great tech firm. Surely MBB love these type of people?
They just don't hire many people directly from industry at a junior level. Just not how recruiting is set up. If he had a network or ten years experience, it might be different.
There's nothing that's a particular "wow" factor here, and an MBA also offers a credential he doesn't necessarily have. If I'm being cynical, I look at his resume, and I'm not impressed by his school or GPA, I don't know whether FinTech is FO or BO but if he only lasted a year, maybe he couldn't hack it there. Oracle and Qualcomm aren't nearly as sexy or interesting as Apple, so I bet OP works somewhere like that.
petergibbons nailed it.
Also...
Why do you only say MBB in the first place? Looks like your background is more suited for Accenture. I feel that anyone that just associates consulting with MBB doesn't know enough about consulting to get into it for the right reasons.
PWC is trying to grow its strategy consulting department within technology engagements as well. These are just examples of things you should actually know if you actually did your research / are cut out for the field.
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No offense dude but I dont want to work at either of those firms, both would be taking a step back. And yes, FinTech was a coverage group in banking. I'm not sure how spending a year in banking makes you look like you couldn't cut it, more like you were actually decent enough to get an exit opp that was immediate start.
Yea I'd avoid Accenture and PwC.
Booz and Company might be a solid option. They have a strong tech strategy arm and prefer to hire individuals from blue chip firms. You'll also have a better shot at a top bschool from Booz.
OP, my bad, beyond the basics, I don't know banking groups that well, but I imagine it'll be clear from your description that it's FO.
That said, unless you're at facebook, Google or Apple, not sure it's going to outweigh the fact you didn't show 2 years of commitment to banking. A corporate strategy job at non-sexy F500 tech company is what someone getting the short end of up or out or couldn't handle the lifestyle at MBB might get after a year. You're going to be on your 3rd job in 4 years, and how am I going to know you won't jump ship for Google in a year?
That said, by all means try - most laterals I know at junior levels are either a) persistent but also super lucky or b) have really interesting/unique backgrounds. Think you're going to fall in the first bucket (which is what I'd be too).
i have to agree with others here, it's going to be hard for you as you lack the educational pedigree or an impressive work experience to be a Pre-MBA hire. Most MBB people I know that have switched into consulting from say engineering or another non-consulting field did so by using their alumni/classmate/friend contacts from a strong target school.
Am I the only one really confused here? The guy worked at a top BB, which I assume is GS/MS/JPM in Front office and now works in corporate strategy at a tech firm.....that's hardly what your average state school graduate has achieved in 4 years. Maybe I'm just deluded because OP has a similar path that I'd like to follow.
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