Can I transition from real estate strategy consulting to a Tier 2 generalist consulting role without an MBA?

Hi,

I believe you can maximize your chances applying without MBA by focusing on the networking part. It's very beneficial to get a referral before applying. I recommend reaching out to people on LinkedIn working at the firm with similar (work or study) background. For now, I would not exclude MBB and still give it a try.

Let me know if you need further help.

Mattijs

Hi there,

Your approach makes sense, and I believe the transition is possible. However, I would recommend taking the following steps to maximize your chances:

1. LinkedIn research: Use filters to find professionals who have successfully moved from a specialized consulting role to a Tier 2 generalist position without an MBA. Pay attention to their career trajectories, skills, and any common patterns in their transitions.
2. Networking & outreach: Actively reach out to current staff at Tier 2 firms (both in consulting roles and HR) to gauge hiring preferences and potential opportunities. This will give you a better sense of how open firms are to lateral hires without an MBA and what skills/experiences resonate most with recruiters.

In addition, you should emphasize your strategic and problem-solving experience in your application and interviews. While your background is industry-focused, many of your projects (feasibility studies, portfolio optimization, expansion strategy) align well with strategy consulting work. The key will be framing your experience in a way that highlights structured problem-solving, client impact, leadership, and adaptability across industries.

If the direct transition proves difficult, another option could be to position yourself for roles with broader strategy exposure within your current firm or a similar one, which could make the eventual jump easier.

Would be happy to discuss further if helpful!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

1) Has anyone successfully made a similar transition from a specialized consulting role into Tier 2 generalist consulting without an MBA?

I helped candidates before moving from boutique consulting firms to Tier 2 and even MBB. The likelihood depends on how well known is your boutique firm. You can check on LinkedIn if alumni of your company have done the transition before; if that’s the case, it should be feasible. If not, you might still try now and worst case, do an MBA and apply again.

2) Any advice on how to best position myself, what experience to highlight, or steps I should take to maximize my chances?

You will need three key things to maximize your chances: a great CV, a great cover letter (if required) and a referral. You can find more on that below:

▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

I agree that an MBA right now would be a stretch considering you have an already good profile for a T2 (I would try a T1 one also actually).

Any advice on how to best position myself, what experience to highlight, or steps I should take to maximize my chances?

1. Create a great CV that highlights your achievements in the right format

2. Get a referral (follow the steps stated by other coaches)

3. Be prepared - maybe 1 and 2 move to fast and you get yourself an interview without being fully ready. Take this into account. Be sharp on your case and prepared for behavioral stories.

Let me know if you need professional advice, will be happy to have a 15min free consultation :)

Best,

Mari

Hi,

Building on what has already been discussed, consulting firms are increasingly focusing on specialization and market positioning based on expertise. In the past, the typical path was to start as a generalist and only develop industry specialization at the managerial or principal level. However, the trend is shifting—firms now expect consultants to make that choice earlier in their careers.

The opportunity is there, but it’s up to you to conduct thorough research, leverage networking, and identify the right niche. When the opportunity arises, a well-prepared and structured interview approach will be key to standing out!

Best,
Andrea

Hey there,

Here's something to remember about consulting firms when apply for generalist role: They hire you for your brain, and not your knowledge

What this means is that they want problem solvers and people who have the ability to use a range of effective problem solving techniques to many issues. So if you can show that you possess this ability, your specialised consulting background won't be a hinderance. 

And as for the MBA part, you should know that is just one part of your profile that could be an advantage, but passing screening doesn't solely depend on it. You can show a strong CV and strong profile without MBA and get it. Many people have done it, and you can too :-) 

So for now, networking and seeking to get a referral and developing a strong CV and profile is what I'd do as the next steps! 

All the best!  

Hey there 😊,

Yes, transitioning from real estate strategy consulting to a Tier 2 generalist consulting role without an MBA is absolutely possible—but it requires strategic positioning.

1️⃣ Why Your Profile is Strong for Tier 2 Consulting

✅ UAE location: The Middle East consulting market is growing, and Tier 2 firms (like OW, RB, ATK, LEK, EY-P, and Strategy&) hire experienced professionals from niche backgrounds.
✅ Strong academic credentials: Summa Cum Laude and international exposure make you a standout candidate.
✅ Relevant strategy work: Though real estate-focused, your experience in feasibility, portfolio optimization, and expansion strategy demonstrates transferable problem-solving skills applicable to generalist consulting.

2️⃣ How to Position Yourself for Tier 2 Generalist Roles

🔹 Reframe Your Experience: Focus on the strategic elements of your projects rather than the real estate industry itself. For example:

• Instead of real estate portfolio optimization, highlight corporate portfolio strategy and asset allocation.
• Instead of highest and best use studies, focus on market entry & expansion strategy.
• Instead of retail expansion strategy, emphasize growth strategy & competitive positioning.
  🔹 Leverage Your UAE Market Knowledge: Tier 2 firms value regional expertise, especially in sectors like infrastructure, urban development, and economic diversification, all of which overlap with real estate strategy.
  🔹 Network & Get Referrals: Tier 2 firms are less rigid than MBB in hiring experienced candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. Networking with consultants in these firms will be key to getting interviews.
  🔹 Ace the Case & Fit Interviews: Since you already work in strategy, develop a structured consulting-style problem-solving approach that translates your industry experience into general business cases.

3️⃣ Do You Need an MBA?

• If you apply strategically and gain relevant transferable experience, you can get into Tier 2 without an MBA.
• However, an MBA would increase your chances of breaking into MBB later if that’s a long-term goal.

4️⃣ Next Steps to Maximize Your Chances

🔸 Target firms like Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger, Kearney, Strategy&, and EY-Parthenon, which are more open to specialist-to-generalist transitions.
🔸 Highlight the strategic aspects of your work, not just real estate expertise.
🔸 Network aggressively—Tier 2 firms value referrals, and a well-placed introduction can make all the difference.
🔸 Practice consulting-style case interviews to align with Tier 2 expectations.

Final Verdict: YES, you can make the switch without an MBA, but you need to position yourself well. Let me know if you need help refining your approach!

Best, Alessa 😇