Going from no-name boutique to MBB? Advice?

Hi everyone,
I'm a recent graduate whose started at a no-name consulting firm. We work with project management with a few large blue chip tech companies. I'm learning a good bit here but I am really interested in going to a top tier B school in a few years. I know they don't recruit from here but what is the best way to get into MBB. booz, Deloitte, Accenture l or heck i do like smaller workplaces, so maybe lek, mercer, etc. Just a company with more name recognition so I can be in better position for bschool.

I do have a 3.2 gpa from a top tier LAC so I know that puts me at a disadvantage but where should I start. If i'm an experienced hire then the GPA won't hurt as much right? How long till I can be an experience hire. Anything else I should be doing? any exams I should take? CFA?

 
Best Response

Two options:

1.) If you just specialize for two or three years and weave the right story, you can get to a top B school. Kill it there, and you'll have a shot at MBB. And yes, I've seen this happen.

2.) If you aren't in the industry you want to cover, its far easier to lateral now to an analyst role at a specialist industry consulting firm. Work your way up and all the while network with industry groups at MBB. When there's an opening, pounce. Openings will likely be at a mid tier level so just be patient and kill it while you wait.

 

same, i heard its pretty much impossible to get into MBB as a lateral. It's jst the way consulting recruiting is set up I guess or there is not much turnover like investment banking.

best choice is to do well and go to a good MBA school and then recruit for MBB. especially with a 3.2, not to be a dream killer or anything, your chances look really slim.

if you dont mind a tier 2-3 consulting firm (Booz, deloitte, accenture), i think that is more manageable.

 

The real question here isn't "how do I get into an MBB" it's "how do I get into a top tier B-School." First off, how do you define "Top Teir B-School"?? I think the easier route would be to prove yourself at your current company, and receive an out of turn promotion, or to try to impress a client and end up with a job at one of those blue chip tech companies.

Moving into an MBB at this stage is worth a try I guess, but don't put all of your eggs in that basket. If every consultant and each of the top B-Schools was from an MBB it would be a pretty boring place...

 

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