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Break into MBB later

Hello everyone,

I received rejections from BCG and McKinsey. Currently, I have the opportunity to pursue a funded PhD at TUM in Munich or start as a Consultant at T3 / T4 like Horvath …

What would you recommend, to break into MBB later in my career?

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Top answer
Peter
Coach
edited on Jul 24, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Engagement Manager; 18/20 personal case record; ask me for my free cheat-sheet

I think this depends on whether you were rejected (1) at the application stage or (2) after an interview. 

  1. Even if you have a strong existing academic pedigree your application just might have not been competitive enough against others - if that's the case neither T3/4 experience or a PhD will likely land you an interview in the future unless there is significant difference in credentials (on balance).  If you had an offer to work at a T1.5/2 firm that would be more favoured by MBB.
  2. If your application was strong enough to land an interview and you were a bit unlucky in the process, then you will have to wait ~18 months to apply again. I would lean towards a PhD. That way after ~3yrs you could apply as an advanced degree candidate and enter at the Associate level (or equivalent). Work experience is also valuable, but if you decided to work for 1-2yrs in T3/4 you will still (most likely) need to enter MBB at the entry level (Business Analyst or equivalent). 

JMO - good luck! 

Florian
Coach
on Jul 25, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

It depends solely on your preferences.

From a theoretical perspective, both a PhD or a tier-2/3/4 would be a good starting position to try again, but at the end of the day, you need to ask yourself if that's what you want.

No coach can answer this for you. :-)

Cheers

Florian

Pedro
Coach
on Jul 25, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Private Equity | Market Estimates | Fit Interview

Both are equivalent.

But let me ask you a question: do you want to have a high-quality brand name in your resume, or do you want to be a strategy consultant (or at least experience 2-3 years as a strategy consultant).

Honestly I always lean toward getting experience in the industry (as long as it is a reasonably credible name) vs. more academics. Once you have experience in the industry and a good track record, then it is a good time to go for the academic route to support the transition to a better brand.

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