Lateraling into MBB help!
Hi all -
Question for everyone: how often (or even possible) is it to transfer into specific product verticals at MBB from an industry role.
My Profile:
I have 2 yrs exp in commodity trading (physical ags). Outside of trading duties, I have worked on bus dev, off take agreements, logistics, infrastructure investment. I have a very strong network in the US and Europe in ags and broader commo world
2 yrs exp doing bus dev in eastern european ag markets in derivative sales (grains). Now have EU passport as well
Semi Target Southern School, 3.5ish GPA, varsity athlete
LT goals: returning to industry or moving to ag investing role
Long story short, I love ag business and I feel like I have a unique prospective compared to more typical guys a 3-4 yrs out of school. I have a strong network that could win business down the road.
I tried for IBD in college and had good success cold emailing and linkedin networking. Does it work the same way in MBB? Is it worth firing away at some of the partners and trying to get a few mins to speak with them? Any tips or strategies?
Thanks all!
dont have anything to add, but commenting this to follow
Bump. any thoughts?
I’m not trying to be harsh, but you asked honestly so I’ll reply honestly: my thought is that you come across as astonishingly naive.
You’re what, 25-26? You have 2 years of experience in a specialized field? You have a network? Why do you think any of that would bring value to MBB?
MBB partners that do ag work already have a network. When they want to add to that network, they hire well connected old guys as senior advisors, not 26 year olds.
I’m not saying you don’t have a chance of making the switch — you’re probably a bright guy who works hard and has an interesting story. But you need to start thinking of yourself as being entirely average, not a special guy with special insights and a valuable network. If you get into MBB, it’ll be because you’re smart and have demonstrated an ability to work hard and think in a structured way, not because you have a network that might bring in business whose value you are almost certainly overestimating.
Also, to be frank, now is the absolute worst time to be making these kinds of reach outs. It should be obvious why.
I appreciate the insight...not sure what merited the bringing the heat but no worries
I am looking for business analyst/AC roles, not as if I am going to be snagging engagements and slanging deals for senior guys. I am not sure where that impression came from in my post
What I am still looking to be answered is how frequently you see people come across into junior pre-mba roles at MBB from industries relevant to past exp. What color do you have on that?
Never. That’s my point.
I’m not saying people never lateral in to MBB from industry. What I’m saying is, 2 years of industry experience is basically irrelevant from an MBB recruiting perspective. All of the MBB firms hire into a generalist pool at the level you’re looking at. You may by coincidence be staffed into a project in that industry, and certainly you can express an interest in focusing on that industry, but you will not get hired for your industry experience.
I don't know about the US,, but I know several regional overseas offices in APAC where at least 1/4 of junior level consultants would have some sort of industry background (usually 2-4 years, and usually in a narrow set of industries). In these offices, there is also increasing desire to hire direct from industry with 5-15 years exp--obviously you fall out of that range, but just an observation. Usually these offices also have some talent churn problem and are in economies where there are only a few dominant sectors, which means being a 'generalist' is much less broad than if you were based in NYC.
IMO you won't be hired for your industry experience, but that experience informs your 'story' and that is no small benefit. Overall though, don't think it makes sense to move into consulting if your goal is to stay in industry. If you want to get into investments side, you'll need to make the switch asap or get into sector coverage for IB first then recruit after two years.
Commenting to follow as well. From my understanding at least with Bain, it is hard to lateral in at the AC level if you weren't taken out of undergrad. Not sure if this holds for the other MBB firms.
I know a few people that have lateraled into BCG from T2 consulting/Banking with 1-2 years experience (had to take cut back to A level). But they probably aren't looking now for obvious reasons.
I know people who have lateraled in due to specific industry experience with 2 total YOE. It's 100% possible but hard - you will need a referral.
More common in EMEA/ Asia than in the US. Still a minority of cases there, but it can happen. Keep in mind that you generally start at the entry level again.
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