Urgent - i have been on the beach for 3 weeks at an MBB, how to turn things around ?

Question

Hi everyone,

I joined an MBB firm three months ago, but my performance so far has not been stellar. Here’s a summary of my experience so far:

1. First Project: I was removed after two weeks because the team informed my staffer that they didn’t have time to coach a new joiner.

2. Second Project: This project went better. The feedback was that I performed well in Excel but needed to improve my page-making speed and gain more client exposure.

3. Current Situation: I’ve been on the beach for three weeks now, and my staffer has indicated that I shouldn’t expect any staffing for December, which is concerning.

What Concerns me

1. Performance Could Have Been Better: I know I could have done better, especially given my prior industry experience. Unfortunately, I was dealing with heartbreak when I started. Now, I’m fully focused on my career. During my beach work, I’ve seen significant improvements in my confidence and performance. I feel ready to excel if given another opportunity.

2. Project Preferences: Early on, I requested not to be staffed in banking, despite having prior experience in the industry. In hindsight, I realize it wasn’t the industry itself but the nature of the work I didn’t enjoy. After working on a strategy project in this industry during my beach time, I’ve discovered a passion for strategy and growth initiatives, especially in fintech, payments, and insurtech.

3. Missed Opportunities: My last project manager referred me to another manager for staffing, but I declined because I wasn’t interested in the industry. I also turned down another project for similar reasons. Now, after three weeks on the beach, I’m starting to regret those decisions.

4. No Clear Opportunities: My staffer has been unresponsive to my concerns. When I told her I wanted to turn things around, her response was, “There is nothing to turn around,” which left me even more uncertain

My Questions

• Am I in trouble? Could I be let go based on my performance during my first two projects?

• How can I turn things around?

Answer 1

Hey there,

Here are some of my thoughts....

(1) On your first project: You will encounter many things out of your control, and joining a team with limited capacity is one of them. If anything, I think this was a positive thing because you don't want to be on a team and not get adequate coaching. So don't take this situation to reflect any wrongdoing on your part.

(2) On your second project: In general, there will always be something to improve on and the feedback culture in these firms is designed to always make you better, regardless of how "well" you may have done. I recommend you embrace feedback to improve and even seek it. The feedback you got there sounds typical for most consultants on their second project

(3) On your current situation (on the beach): In your consulting journey, you will encounter a variety of economic cycles where there will be periods of high and low activity in engagements and this is something out of your control. So whilst being on the beach because of there not being any opportunities is not ideal for you, it is also not your fault or something you need to take as indication of your poor performance at this stage (and based off what you shared from first two encounters)

In conclusion, It doesn't sound like there's a problem as such, but rather just a slow period of engagements. That said, going forward, I recommend:

Network with leadership (Partners and Associate Partners/Principals) to put yourself on their radar for future opportunities
Network with peer consultants (including Engagement Managers/Project Leads) to improve consulting toolkit to be more efficient and reduce friction in your next engagement
Do the best beach work you can at the moment as this will still count towards your performance reviews and also can open a pipeline of opportunities for yourself in the future with the people you are working with
Develop growth mindset based off seeking and embracing development feedback. There will always be areas to improve on, and going after it and being hungry to learn and grow in the early stages of your journey will serve you well

All the best

Answer 2

Hey!

You’re not necessarily in trouble yet, but the combination of being on the beach and past mixed feedback could raise concerns if it continues. Focus on these steps to turn things around:

Be proactive: Let your staffer and mentors know you're ready to be staffed and open to a broader range of projects, including those you previously declined.
Upskill and network: Use beach time to improve specific skills like slide-making and client communication. Reach out to colleagues for advice and visibility—this worked well during my time at McKinsey.
Clarify preferences: Express a clear interest in strategy and growth projects while showing flexibility to take on other areas to contribute.
Stay visible: Volunteer for internal initiatives or support ongoing projects to demonstrate commitment and build confidence in your abilities.

Focus on showing improvement and adaptability, as this will help counterbalance early challenges - at least that helped me int hat situation!

Best, Alessa

Answer 3

Hey there,

You’re asking the right questions, and it’s great that you’re focused on turning things around - many people have been in similar situations and bounced back.

Are You in Trouble?

It doesn’t seem like it. MBB firms invest in their people, and as long as you show improvement, you’re likely fine. But being on the beach for too long isn’t ideal, so let’s focus on getting you staffed.

How to Turn Things Around

Be Open to Any Project: let your staffer know you’re ready to take on any project, even ones you weren’t excited about before. Right now, flexibility matters more than preferences.
Network Like Crazy: reach out to managers you’ve worked with or anyone you would like to work with based on your DD. Let them know you’re eager to get back on a project and ask if they need help.
Level Up Your Skills: use your time on the beach to practice slide-making by doing LOPs. This not only helps you improve your slide creation skills but also shows your willingness to help and stay engaged. Reach out to your PD or manager to see if there are any LOPs you can assist with. It's a great way to contribute while honing key skills.
Circle Back on Missed Opportunities: If you declined projects earlier, consider reaching out and saying you’re now interested... it’s never too late to reconnect.

You’ve got this! Focus on staying proactive and flexible, and things will turn around soon.

Best,
Oumar

Answer 4

Be proactive and network to find staffing opportunities. Considering your situation, try not to be overly selective with new opportunities that come your way.

Make an effort to connect with second-year analysts to enhance your consulting toolkit.

Best,

Alberto

Answer 5

Hi! I wouldn't worry about them reneging on the offer. Through the background check, they rather want to understand... (read entire answer)

Hi! I wouldn't worry about them reneging on the offer. Through the background check, they rather want to understand whether you purposefully tried to hide something or lie in t... (read entire answer)

Answer 6

Hi there, Exciting times! You’ve ask a couple of good questions. Let me try to answer them together. At some po... (read entire answer)

Hi there, Exciting times! You’ve ask a couple of good questions. Let me try to answer them together. At some point, the firm needs to take N number of applicants and disti... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

Hi there, I would say a typical timeline from submitting your application to ultimately receiving an offer (if that w... (read entire answer)

Hi there, I would say a typical timeline from submitting your application to ultimately receiving an offer (if that were to happen) is often between 6-8 weeks. If you apply in... (read entire answer)