1 year in boutique consulting move to MBB/Tier 2

Hi there,

I am a former Lateral Hire interviewer at an MBB. Happy to help.

1. I would suggest staying 1-2 more years if you want to be sure they view you as lateral hire. 1 year is very often not enough.

2. That is related to the fact that they apply a ratio to what share of your experience they „count“. 50% is typically as high as it gets. That means that, best case, they will give you a 6 months faster promotion (tenure credit) right now. Typically, similarity of activity is good for your %, Consulting experience is the „best“ in that context. But reputation of the firm is another %-driver, here a Boutique is often not as well received as a MBB where they fully understand what you learned and thus what they get.

3. Given the current selectivity, that hiring environment reinforces the idea to wait a bit.

4. They consider your interview performance in determining the position they offer you. So approach the preparation wisely, utilizing optimal sources and potentially expert support.

Hope that helps!

Best,

Gero

If you have more than 2y of work experience, then you can apply as an experienced hire. 

My strong recommendation would be that you reach out to the individual recruiters from each firm-office and you give them an understanding of your background and align on what role would suit you best (and what is the timeline for the application). 

You might find also this article helpful in helping you prepare your application strategy:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Q: I am keen though to move to MBB / Tier 2. I was wondering if I could come in as an experienced hire at these firms or if I would need to apply at the entry level in the Autumn?

With 1 year of experience, you will still match the entry-level role (Business Analyst at McKinsey, Associate at BCG/Bain). To move up to the next level (Associate at McKinsey, Consultant at BCG/Bain), typically you would need either (i) an MBA or (ii) 4/5+ years of experience, so, from what you shared, it doesn't seem to fit your experience.

If you apply for the entry-level role (Business Analyst/Associate) and receive an offer, they might acknowledge some seniority and allow you to join recognizing some months of seniority.

Good luck!

Francesco

They will likely treat you as a new hire, as they are unlikely to recognize just 1 year of experience. 

However, if you join a company with a 6 month evaluation cycle you may be able to be promoted right after six months (the alternative being getting a “jump” in your early review if you perform highly above your current  level).

Please note that waiting 1 year will not change anything. You wait one year and you may be treated as someone who has 1 year of experience (instead of 2). It's similar to joining now and getting 1 year of experience in the new firm.

Now don't take this as written in stone. If you are able to show a certain maturity during interviews you may be able to get your experience recognized.

Hi there,

one year of experience is typically not enough to make a lateral move to MBB/Tier 2 - you would be slotted in with the entry level folks. Recognizing tenure would be based on good will and your performance at the new company - they will likely not make any commitments to fast-track promotions in writing.

However, if you do join MBB/Tier 2 in a certain practice where your current boutique focus is of high relevance, then you might have some leeway to negotiate either a slightl higher entry level or at least a higher signing bonus. Any subsequent promotion will again depend on your actual performance once you are there.

Best

You need 2-3 years of experience for a tier 2 and 4-5 for MBB to join as senior consultant / associate. 

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

You can definitely leverage your experience to land a role at MBB, although in this market it is going to be a bit tricky. Given that you went to a target school it would be helpful to get recommendations from alumni, especially those at a partner level.

In terms of promotion - I have seen people get promoted quickly but it's based on your performance not on your past experience. You may have great past experience but if you do not perform in your role it will not  lead to accelerated promotions.

All the best,

Udayan