Starting your career at Booz Allen Hamilton

First post guys...

I was wondering if anyone could lend some insight into BAH. I'm a senior at a non-target (3.7 biomedical engineering). I have an offer as a health analyst and I plan to do an MBA down the road. A couple questions...

1) I'm worried that I may limit myself to get into a top B-school because BAH doesn't really compare to MBB and other elite boutiques. I have an offer at an engineering firm with similar pay. Which would be better in terms of a route to B-school?
2)Would it be possible to make a lateral move into a more commercial focused consulting firm after two years?
3)Should I just go to med school lol

 

Re:3 - NODON'TDOIT (!!!!!) In all honesty, don't go to med school unless you REALLY want to be a doctor.

Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 

Hmm...Whats your ultimate goal? I like the dynamic nature of consulting and post-MBA I would definitely look toward one of the MBB's. I have a friend (engineering but went to target) who did a stint at a MBB and then went on to PE/VC. I know those are entirely different but PE/VC is something I would consider if I could get in.

 

I like the dynamic nature of consulting and post-MBA I would definitely look toward one of the MBB's. I have a friend (engineering but went to target) who did a stint at a MBB and then went on to PE/VC. I know those are entirely different but PE/VC is something I would consider if I could get in.

 
Best Response

I'll be straight up with you - If you choose BAH, it will be difficult for you to join any PE/VC fund unless you move to banking or end up at MBB after a few years. Even for MM PE, they'll want the pedigree because PE funds have the luxury of being very selective. I think VC firms are a bit more open to consultants, so maybe there's an angle there (particularly if you get really good at life sciences consulting with an engineering background you could target biotech VCs).

If you get into a M7 business school, MBB will be definitely achievable post-MBA. It is extremely difficult to break into PE post-MBA. It's already an uber-competitive industry and they'll want prior PE experience or an elite resume i.e. banking or MBB -> HBS, or similar). Again, can't shed too much light on the VC world as I have no involvement. I hear they generally prefer top-notch consultants and entrepreneurs who have already created companies themselves.

With this in mind, you should maybe look into the feasibility of getting into a top MBA program from BAH. Hopefully your GPA is solid and you can rock the GMAT - from there with BAH on your resume you should be a strong candidate. Probably worth looking into how many people leave BAH to go to business school each year, and where they end up.

 

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