Google Sales to Top 15 MBA to MBB
After 4 years in YT ad sales (probably similar work to tech consulting) at Google I am off to a top 15 MBA (700 GMAT, 3.5+ undergrad GPA). I want to transition to an MBB (backup tier 2) but I'm worried about my barely 700 GMAT and my lack of consulting industry knowledge. Any recommendations for positioning my previous experience to a fit in management consulting?
Not necessary. You go to a likely target and you meet the general GMAT cutoff where no one will question the score. Just network and you'll be fine. People transition via MBA from all kinds of backgrounds. You don't need some special story for yours.
Thanks! Thats comforting to hear.
And the word "Google" on your resume will do a surprising amount for you. Business tends to go through phases where they think that everyone who works at X company is a genius. It used to be IBM, then it was Goldman Sachs, now it's Google.
Haha - my hope is that this phase lasts at least another 2 years while I start and finish my MBA.
Agree that nothing from your resume/background will be disqualifying, but MBB (and even tier 2) is by no means a sure thing. You still need to put in the work on networking, case prep and crafting your story, and the competition will be more fierce at a T15 vs. an M7 (e.g., more interested candidates per spot available), especially for internships.
In terms of what you can do from here, I would make sure to have a solid "why consulting" story ready for even the first interactions you have with firms. I would definitely highlight your experience at google and make that sound as sexy as possible without being disingenuous but also come up with clear/concise examples from your time there that made you realize that you wanted a broader (e.g., cross functional / cross industry experience). I also would try to take advantage of any opportunities to do consulting-like work prior to recruiting, for example experiential learning classes or consulting for a non-profit. That can help you add "x experience really confirmed my passion in consulting" to your story as well. Finally - if your school has grade disclosure, work hard to get that 4.0, it could be what puts you ahead of someone else for that interview slot.
Thanks!
After what felt like an uphill battle to get into a T15 (thank you gmat score inflation) I've realized that Google on my resume is an asset but def not a guarantee of anything. I appreciate the thoughts on identifying my turning point or 'lightbulb' moment as well as some experiential justification that I actually would enjoy a consulting environment/role.
Also I suspected that as much as some 2Y's at my new school have talked down my GPA concerns it actually would make a difference to nudge me to the front of the line - nice to have that thought confirmed.
Thanks again!
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