PhD and now researcher in Sociology at uni - Fit to join an MBB?

Question

Hello

I'm 38, I graduated from my PhD in Sociology in 2016, based in the UK, and have been working in academia since 2018 as a research fellow. I want to join one of the MBBs because I want to acquire a broad knowledge and experience of the business world hands-on and have more room for career progression. If I was to start from the bottom, I don't mind working under people younger than me and very happy with the work hours, which will certainly be less that the 100-110 I have been doing (90 as a researcher, and the rest for my other job). I still have two questions:

1. What hiring route you think is best suited for me: entry level or experienced hire? (Can't take AD route since I'm not a student anymore)

2. Would I be assigned an industry sector based on my CV (like Education), or can I choose a different one (let's say I want to work on AI related matters for example)?

Here are more details about my journey, although I have no clue whether any of these would make me a strong candidate:

BSc in Chemistry
MA and PhD in Sociology.
Working for 6 years in a Top 10 UK university
Research speciality: small organisations governance, DEI, staff retention, public impact and conflict resolution
Published 2 books as single author with top publishers.
Won a £350k grant (5% success rate, the most competitive in my industry)
Published 10+ peer-review articles and book chapters
Set up my own videography business in 2012.
Produced Documentaries and Fiction films (research related), secured public and private funding for them, premiered at official institutions (embassies) and acquired by a streaming service
Set up a YouTube channel (But only 16k followers so far, which is nothing on YT)
Secured funding for photographic documentary in South America
Co-director in a DEI startup (we're 3 of us, and I only have delivered trainings and workshops, not given strategic advice)
Initiated and organised on-campus events for students with brands like Canon and Toyota.
I've also setup a detailing business in 2019 - now sold.
I've applied with a business partner to some innovation funds grants, which received positive feedback despite not getting the grant.
I've also recently got an entry level qualification in cybersecurity, just in case.

Down side:
My only employed role is at my uni. I've been in the same position for 6 years, and I fear it will be perceived as "stalling" - academia is a very slow, saturated industry with little room for progression.

Do you think my profile fits anywhere in particular within the MBBs?

Many thanks for your advice!

Answer 1

Hi William,

Thank you for sharing your background, and congratulations on your impressive accomplishments!

Hiring Route: Given your extensive experience, particularly in academia and entrepreneurship, the experienced hire route seems more fitting for you.
Industry Sector Assignment: While MBB firms do consider your background (e.g., education, governance) when assigning industry sectors, there's often flexibility to explore different areas. If you're particularly interested in AI or other emerging fields, you can express your preferences during the recruitment process.

Your profile, especially your blend of research, entrepreneurship, and creative projects, shows strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills, all highly valued at MBBs.

Best of luck, and feel free to reach out with any other questions or if you need help with your CV (I always offer a first 30-min free check)!

Best,
Kairavee

Answer 2

Hey!

I would say that your profile has a unique mix of academic and entrepreneurial experience that could fit well within MBB as an experienced hire, especially given your strong research background, leadership in DEI, and project management skills. You could potentially enter as a specialist or consultant rather than at entry level, leveraging your experience in governance, staff retention, and public impact. While your CV might suggest certain sectors (like education), MBB firms are generally flexible, and you can express interest in areas like AI or other industries you're passionate about. Your achievements, such as securing competitive grants and running your own businesses, show strong problem-solving and initiative, which MBB values.

Good luck!

Alessa :)

Answer 3

Hi there,

Great question!

A couple of thoughts in no particular order:

There could be a potential fit, although most academics who move into consulting do so at an earlier stage of their career
You would definitely be an experienced hire, however, without significant leadership experience you would likely enter at the Associate level
Keep in mind that all project leads/EMs and many partners will be younger than you
There are many potential avenues, e.g., generalist consultant, specialized consultant, expert track, etc
If you want to go down that route, the key thing would be getting discussions going with recruiters and consultants from each firm to see where you would fit best and how that route would look like

Reach out for more tailored advice. Happy to help!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

Hi William,

First of all, congratulations on your career trajectory thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, considering your significant academic and work experience, I would advise you to apply as an experienced hire rather than entry-level.
Moreover, even if your background is a natural fit for the education sector, most consulting firms will give you the flexibility to (re)discover your favorite industries and topics, unless you apply directly to a specific practice.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming applications, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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