Experience Hire - Expert of Generalist

These are great questions. 

Happy to provide my perspective. 

1.) Should an experience hire always be applying only for Expert roles? I assume there are no barriers preventing us from applying for generalist roles too?

No, you can also apply for Generalist roles. 

It's more advantageous to apply for expert roles because the competition tends to be lower (though generally more qualified).

And it depends a lot on how much experience you have. If you've spent the past decade working on one particular topic, you need to have a good story in your cover letter that explains the transition to generalist. 

I've seen it happen you just need to be great at pulling it off.

2.) What age range are the more older candidates that joined as associates?

I've had colleagues joining as Associates at 40+, typically coming from academia or some science-focused backgrounds. 

3.) Should the following quote from another website be ignored, given how subjective this is?  

This is true, in the sense that people who join MBB after several years of work experience struggle a bit more to adjust to the culture and expectations there. It's quite different from anywhere else. 

On the other hand, I also notice that they tend to be more appreciative of what they get in return (compensation, benefits, experience, exposure, etc.). I've seen lots of mid-20-year-olds complaining about this 5-star hotel being worse than the other 5-star hotel, but most experienced hires know that this is by no means normality and appreciate it more. 

Good luck!
Cristian

Hi there,

1.) Should an experience hire always be applying only for Expert roles? I assume there are no barriers preventing us from applying for generalist roles too?

Not at all!

Experienced hire = NOT through university. That's it

Expert role = Expert in a topic

If you're been working 4 years, you're not an expert yet (unless recruiting for Platinion/Digital for example). Therefore, you should apply as a generalist in this scenario

2.) What age range are the more older candidates that joined as associates?
Late 20s.

3.) Should the following quote from another website be ignored, given how subjective this is?  

Honestly, the quote has a lot of truth to it.

But, like with anything, the individual circumstance is different.

Muscle mass declines starting in your 30s. And yet Arnold Schwarzenegger is still super fit. I could give a million more examples.

Yes, age is a factor. Yes, you need to think about how flexible you are in learning. However, I've also had plenty of candidates in their 30s join (and succeed) at MBB

Like with anything, you need to work smarter and harder (like a 40 year old at the gym), but you can still get there. How do you do this? Get a coach!

Please read the following to get started:

The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation
 

Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
 

How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case

Hi there,

I am sharing my personal views on your questions:

1.) Should an experience hire always be applying only for Expert roles? I assume there are no barriers preventing us from applying for generalist roles too?

Yes and no. On one hand, an experienced hired coming from consulting or from any industry can perfectly apply to a generalist position and I have seen plenty of cases at McKinsey. 

On the other hand, the more experience you have, the more value you can add from your industry or functional expertise so it makes more sense to apply as expert. Again, in my personal experience I've never seen anyone with +8-10 years of professional experience joining McKinsey as generalist (and not coming from other consulting firm!)

2.) What age range are the more older candidates that joined as associates?

I've seen people up to 35-36 yo joining as associates. This situation is changing since consulting firms, specially MBB's, are more open these days to recruit in manager and above positions.

3.) Should the following quote from another website be ignored, given how subjective this is?  

It is true that MBB operate with a very particular culture and operating model and it might be easier from people without professional experience to get used to it. In my personal experience, I joined McKinsey with 8 years of previous consulting experience and I have a great and fast career there. So you can ignore the general quote since everyone is absolutely different :)

Best,

Alberto

—

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

As an experienced hire, you have the flexibility to apply for both Expert roles and generalist roles at MBB firms. There are no specific barriers preventing you from pursuing either option. It ultimately depends on your background, expertise, and career goals. Expert roles typically require deep industry or functional knowledge, while generalist roles offer a broader scope of work across various industries and functions.

The age range of older candidates who join as associates can vary widely. MBB firms value diverse perspectives and experiences, so age is not a determining factor in the hiring process. What matters most is your ability to contribute effectively to client engagements, demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, and fit into the firm's culture.

While the quote you mentioned may reflect the opinion of the author, it is important to note that MBB firms do value diverse experiences and perspectives. While it is true that consulting firms look for candidates who can adapt to the specific culture and mindset of the industry, this does not mean that candidates with significant experience are automatically at a disadvantage. MBB firms recognize the value that experienced hires bring in terms of industry knowledge, leadership skills, and a broader understanding of business challenges.

It is important to highlight your ability to adapt, learn, and apply the hypothesis-driven problem-solving approach that is valued in consulting. Emphasize your transferable skills, your ability to work in teams, and your passion for making an impact through consulting. Each candidate is evaluated on their individual merits, and age or experience alone should not be seen as a limiting factor.

Remember, as an experienced hire, you bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the table. Showcase your expertise, highlight your ability to learn and adapt, and demonstrate your fit with the consulting industry and the specific firm you are applying to. Good luck with your application process!

Hi,

1.) Should an experience hire always be applying only for Expert roles? I assume there are no barriers preventing us from applying for generalist roles too?

Not necessarily, you can absolutely apply for generalist roles as well, but having extensive experience in a certain area makes it more likely for you to receive a specialist offer.

2.) What age range are the more older candidates that joined as associates?

The oldest student I coached who joined MBB as an Associate was 41 at the time. He enrolled on a specialist track, though.

3.) Should the following quote from another website be ignored, given how subjective this is?  

No, it should not be ignored as there's truth to what is told there. It shouldn't keep you from trying, though.

Good luck!
Nick

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, it's important to understand that each candidate's journey is unique. Consulting firms value diverse experiences, and being an experienced hire does not limit you to expert roles only. You can certainly apply for generalist roles as well. Each role has its own merits and challenges, and it's about finding the right fit for your skills and aspirations.
• Moreover, regarding the age range for older candidates joining as associates, it varies. Consulting firms do hire experienced professionals at various stages of their careers. The key is to demonstrate how your experience adds value to the role and the firm.
• Lastly, about the quote you mentioned, while there's some truth to the preference for a "blank slate" in consulting, it's not a hard and fast rule. Firms do value the fresh perspective and deep expertise that experienced hires bring. The challenge is to show how you can adapt and thrive in a consulting environment, regardless of your years of experience.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

1. As a lateral hire, it is easier to showcase your value proposition to the firm if you come in with a certain expertise (industry or functional) that the firm has use for. That differentiates you from all the undergrad and MBA “generalists” applying there as well. As a generalist, it is mainly about applying a methodology and approach to a wide array of topics and areas. If you don't have prior consulting experience, you will have to spend time acquiring this “consulting skillset” regardless. On the expert track, however, you can already leverage something from day one which can be an advantage
    
2. That is dependent on geography really. In the US, people in their late 20s are considered “older” for associate level positions. In places like Germany, early to mid 30s would be considered older. Also, after a certain amount of work experience in industry, your compensation is probably higher than an associate level consulting position so that at some point, such a transition won't make financial sense
    
3. Certain things ring true from that quote. And yet, experienced people with subject matter expertise are sought after. When entering consulting though, such candidates have to be okay with being expected to make their own slides (and adapt to the firm's standards in that regard), run their own analyses and do actual content work, report to managers likely younger than them, actively work on incorporating the feedback they receive. I have experienced “experts” joining consulting firms who were then “shocked” that they were expected to produce own output rather than just giving a “brain download” to a note taker or delegate away the tasks. As long as you enter consulting with the right mindset and with reasonable expectations, you can still succeed after 10-15 years of non-consulting experience

Best

Hi there,

1) Should an experienced hire always be applying only for Expert roles?

No, it mainly depends on your experience and interests. Depending on that, you could apply also for the generalist track.

2) What age range are the more older candidates that joined as associates?

Most candidates join as Associates up to their early 30s, but it doesn’t mean you cannot join after that. The opportunity cost to switch to an Associate level when you are 35+ is usually significant though.

3) Should the following quote from another website be ignored, given how subjective this is?  

I don’t see the quote recommending a specific course of action (eg apply to expert roles only). 

I agree with the quote that for several people it becomes difficult to adapt to a different environment after a certain age. However, this doesn’t mean that in your case you cannot apply, join and succeed at an MBB in your 30s – it has already been done by many.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi,

Very relevant questions for experienced hires - here are my thoughts on your key questions:

1) Should an experience hire always be applying only for Expert roles? I assume there are no barriers preventing us from applying for generalist roles too?

• There are no barriers preventing you from applying for a generalist role
• To be specific in the BCG context, there is an Expert Track, and a Generalist Track. The progression, pay and role does differ between these 2 tracks. However, you can still be in the generalist track but aligned to a Practice Area (e.g. Financial Institutions, Telco etc)

2.) What age range are the more older candidates that joined as associates?

• In BCG SEA, I have seen people join as a Consultant (post-MBA role) ranging from 30-39 years old
• So there really isn't a hard and fast rule here, more whether you fit the bill and want to make the switch

3) Should the following quote from another website be ignored?

• There is -some- truth to the quote from the website
• You could generalize to say that it is harder to unlearn and relearn the older you get. The reality is that someone who has joined consulting out of college and worked for 5-8 years will have a better grasp of the ways of working, mindset etc, than someone who has spent that same amount of time in a drastically different setting
• However, this does not mean that you cannot be successful if you are an experienced hire. Sure the ramp up period will be tough but with the right mindset, attitude and abilities it is possible to make it work

All the best!