Joining MBB soon: how to position myself in the firm?

Question

Hi all, I am joining an MBB firm soon (Post-MBA role), and would like to seek your advice on how to "position" myself, in order to navigate networking introductions and drive the discussion with staffers.

Most of the people in my firm have a specific background. In my position, other colleagues have mostly done an MBA and have worked in a single industry (or function) for many years (4-10 years), and have strong domain/ functional knowledge.

Compared with them, I have an extremely diversified background (worked in multiple functions within an industry, and then working in consulting but covering multiple industries).

In this situation, how should I position myself when I first join the firm? I am worried that positioning myself as a "generalist", would let me lose edge, even though I am joining a generalist role. I assume that managers would prefer to seek someone with the specific skillset/ knowledge that the project needs.

Since the first few projects are essential, I would like to seek your view on how to position myself smartly. (P.S. I do not have a strong view on the project types or industry that I want to work on. My objective is to get great feedback/ reviews and build a foundation for future success.) Thanks for your advice!

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming consulting career start!

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

First of all, I would highly advise you not to worry. You joined as a generalist for a reason, and your colleagues will know very well what to expect from you and what not.
Moreover, the first few projects are as important as the next few projects. Please don’t put yourself under so much pressure, especially as you’re not the (only) one to decide on the projects you’re being staffed on.
Lastly, I would advise you to focus on building strong relationships from the start. Networking within the firm will not only help you integrate but also allow you to showcase your varied skills and knowledge.

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

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hey! From my MBB experience, I would advise you to:

Leverage Your Unique Experience: Your diverse background is an asset. Rather than presenting yourself as a "generalist," emphasize the breadth of your experience across multiple industries and functions. This can be positioned as versatility, which is highly valuable for consulting. You can say, “I’ve had exposure to various functions, which allows me to adapt quickly and tackle complex, cross-functional problems.”
Tailor Your Value to the Firm’s Needs: While positioning yourself broadly, highlight specific skills or experiences that align with the firm's current priorities. For example, if you've worked in operations, finance, or digital transformation across industries, you can mention your capability to drive operational efficiency or digital innovation, focusing on what the firm is pushing within client engagements.
Proactively Ask for Development Opportunities: Instead of waiting for staffers to suggest projects, take the lead by asking about projects that allow you to expand in areas where you want to grow. Mention how your past experiences make you adaptable to different types of engagements, but express a desire to focus on areas that will give you strategic exposure or development opportunities.
Build Relationships with a Focus on Learning: When networking with partners and senior consultants, communicate a willingness to learn and adapt. Let them know that your diverse background makes you flexible, but you’re eager to dive deeper into specific industries or functions where the firm is strong.
Be Clear About Your Short-Term Objectives: Even if you don’t have a strong industry preference, mention that your immediate goal is to deliver excellent results on initial projects. Position your flexibility as a benefit by stating you are open to different kinds of projects and that your primary objective is to develop a strong reputation for delivering value.

Hope this helps,
Alessa

Answer 3

Hi there,

When you first join consulting, it's perfectly fine to be a generalist for a while. This gives you the chance to explore different industries, functions, and types of clients. You'll discover what kind of work excites you and who you enjoy collaborating with.

All of this becomes only clear after you are inside the company. The whole specialization topic is an organic process that happens gradually once you have joined.

I've actually written a book called Consulting Career Secrets that goes into this in more depth, so if you're looking for more insights, you can check it out on Amazon.

My overall advice: don’t stress too much. Let the journey unfold and see where it leads you based on the people you meet, the events you attend and your interests that might develop over time. I have seen great careers of friends and peers who came in touch with a random industry or function for the first time in consulting without any knowledge and a couple of years later they became one of the few global experts on the topic.

Don't rid yourself of this opportunity.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

Positioning is all about finding the people you like to work with.

Meet as many people (partners) as you can. Ask them for a quick coffee. No one will say no.

Leverage your previous experiences to select the projects with the people you want to work with. Invest heavly in building a close network you can trust and you enjoy working with.

Landing in an industry / practice you like with people you don't like is a recipe your burnout and leave the firm sooner than later.