ACTION PLAN

Question

I recently graduated from Bocconi with aspirations to work as a strategy consultant (goal Tier 1) in the US, particularly in cities like NYC, Boston, and Miami, in order of preference, but open to other cities. I'll have my green card in under two years, but lack consulting experience. I am based in Milan currently with an EU visa. What steps can I take to achieve this goal? I'm open to any suggestions and willing to do whatever it takes.

Answer 1

I see three options.

1. Apply directly for jobs in the US.

Chances of success are low because their market is already super saturated and you'd need visa sponsorship.

2. Study first in the US

This has better chances. Basically, getting in a MiM program in the US and using that as a ramp into a consulting job.

3. Getting a job in Europe, then transferring in 2-3 to the US

Highest chances of success, especially if you've graduated from a good European school.

A few tips here as well that you might find helpful:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

And sorry for being straightforward, but ideally you wouldn't be in the situation where you receive 20 rejections because you only applied to US firms directly from Italy.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 2

Are you currently working? Or are you planning to go to B School? Either way - how you spend the two years professionally will greatly impact your chances of getting into consulting.

Answer 3

Hi there,

use the time it takes for you to get the green card to gain consulting experience in a place where you have work permit (so sounds like EU). So try your best to get a job with MBB or a Tier 2 company in Europe first.

After those 2 years, you can either try to transfer to the US internally within the consulting firm you work for (assuming they have a presence in your desired locations) or apply directly to US offices as an experienced hire with US work authorization.

Right now it does not make sense for you to apply to the US directly because you don't have consulting experience and you would need visa sponsorship. These are two very unfavorable characteristics in a tight market environment like we are currently seeing.

Best

Answer 4

Hi there,

Q: What steps can I take to achieve this goal?

I would recommend joining in the Milan office first. After a few years, you can (i) try to move internally (difficult) or (ii) do an MBA, ideally in the US, and then continue your career there (more doable).

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 5

My suggestion is that you apply to a consulting job in Italy and in 2 years, once you have the green card, you ask to transfer to the US.

Answer 6

Hi there, The timeline you've outlined for the application process at firms like McK, BCG, and Bain is quite accurate... (read entire answer)

Hi there, The timeline you've outlined for the application process at firms like McK, BCG, and Bain is quite accurate. Typically, the recruitment process from submitting your re... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

Hi there, 1) Is everyone who applied invited to take the game? It depends. Depending on the application channel, they... (read entire answer)

Hi there, 1) Is everyone who applied invited to take the game? It depends. Depending on the application channel, they could do CV screening also after the test. 2) How long shou... (read entire answer)

Answer 8

Hi Theo, Congratulations on the offers! In terms of your question: Q: I wanted to ask to any of you that might have... (read entire answer)

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