Hello,
Just trying to get a sense check of if it is achievable to break into consulting with 6-years of Finance industry experience? Most of my experience has been on the credit research side across sell-side and Buy-side. I have a bachelors from a stateschool and I’m a CFA holder as well..
What are my chance? Be realistic.
P.S: not trying to go to B.School.
Hi there,
You would be considered as an experience hiring, your background is attractive for projects in the finance sector, which almost all relevant consulting firms have, specially in some specific locations.
Your immediate next steps are (1) craft a strong CV highlighting your achievements in the proper consulting way. (2) get referrals so that your CV can actually be reviewed.
Fee free to reach out if you need guidance to craft a consulting-ready CV and to develop a network strategy based on your target companies. I’ll be happy to assist you!
Best,
Mari
Hi there,
Q: Just trying to get a sense check of if it is achievable to break into consulting with 6-years of Finance industry experience?
If you target a company with focus on Financial Institutions (eg Oliver Wyman), that should be feasible. Completing an MBA could increase your chances with some firms, but you mentioned that's not something you are keen to do.
To maximize your chances, I would recommend focusing on three things: a good CV, a strong Cover Letter and a referral. You can find more below:
▶How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation
Good luck!
Francesco
Yes, it’s definitely achievable — especially if you play it smart. Your 6 years across buy- and sell-side credit research, combined with the CFA, give you a solid foundation. You’ve built deep company-level insight, understand industries at a granular level, and likely have strong exposure to senior stakeholders. That’s valuable in consulting — more than you probably realize.
Where You Stand
• MBB: Not out of reach. While they prefer MBAs for mid-career hires, expert tracks (e.g. Corp Fin, Due Diligence, FS) are real entry points for someone like you. Generalist roles are harder, but not impossible with networking.
• Tier-2 (OW, Kearney, etc.): Strong shot. They often hire experienced professionals and value financial depth, especially in FS and restructuring.
• Big 4 Strategy (EY-P, Monitor, etc.): Very good fit — especially in their DD, valuation, or FS practices.
• Specialist firms (A&M, FTI, LEK): Possibly your best match. They love candidates with credit and deal experience who can hit the ground running.
What You Need to Do
1. Craft a tight story – Why consulting, why now, and how your credit work translates into strategic value.
2. Target the right roles – Focus on FS, PE/DD, or turnaround practices where your background gives you an edge.
3. Network intentionally – Use your CFA network, LinkedIn, ex-colleagues — warm intros matter a lot, especially for MBB.
4. Prep cases properly – You’ll still need to crack the interview. Case skills are learnable, but they take time.
Bottom line: You’re not a traditional candidate, but that can be a strength if you position it right. Skip the MBA — you don’t need it. With the right pitch and focused effort, this move is absolutely doable.
Hi there,
coming from somebody who switched from Finance to Consulting as well, however, with only ~3 years of tenure in Finance:
It is possible but be prepared to (a) loose quite a bit of tenure or (b) accept that you move into a specialist role at the company:
(a) BCG for example very rarely recruits PL and above. I do not think you have a substential chance to get into an equivalent level as you currently have. In Germany they would likely offer something like Consultant. Carefully consider if you want that (with a lot of your peers and superiors potentially younger than yourself)
(b) MBB have expert roles that sometimes (e.g., in BCG case) cannot become equity partners but have more predictable work styles and focus on knowledge building
Best,
Sebastian
Expert case by
