Is it feasible getting into the country first and then get into MBB?

Question

I want to go and work as a consultant in a foreign country (not my home-country and not one of those conutries where I studied in). I know that that office is full of foreigners like me but I need a work permit to work there. I am applying to second tier and boutique firms in that country in order to start in January 2019, Those companies know well my university program so I feel I can have a better shot with them.

My objective however would be to enter into MBB.

Can I still be considered appealing for an MBB in the short term if I start to work from Jan onwards at a 2tier firm or boutique firm (which is anyway fairly known in its field since I saw many people at senior level switching to an MBB) in that country I am targeting?

More specifically,

1) If I work my way starting from Jan, is there any chance I could work for an MBB by June 2019 in that country?What is the min amount of time I can leave the current firm?Isit based on the duration of my project?

2) Could I justify myself by saying I wanted to enter into this market as priority #1 and now I am trying toget into my dream company?

3) How can I manage interviews with one MBB?Since I will have to take days off from my current work?I do not feel like lying but I do not want to get caught by some of my colleagues...

Sorry for such a long message: I really want to get into consulting and I would love to get into MBB but I am too afraid to get rejected just because I have no whatsoever link with them if I apply only thrugh the website.

Answer 1

Hi Anonymous,

I generally agree with Vlad. I would say you have two options to land an MBB invitation:

Start to work now on referrals for MBB and apply through them with the goal to start in Jan 2019
Start to work now on referrals for second tier/boutiques and apply through them with the goal to start in Jan 2019. Wait a minimum of one year, then apply for MBB.

To move in Jun 2019 to MBB from a second tier you would have to apply in March - and would just sound strange to see three months only in the first company in your CV.

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi,

1) If I work my way starting from Jan, is there any chance I could work for an MBB by June 2019 in that country? What is the min amount of time I can leave the current firm?Isit based on the duration of my project? - There is no min amount but it would look really strange for the HR reviewing your resume. So chances are high they will not invite you for the interview. I recommend spending a year in the 2nd tier company

2) Could I justify myself by saying I wanted to enter into this market as priority #1 and now I am trying toget into my dream company? - you can not write it in the resume and chances are high they will not review your cover letter. And still from the point of view of the interviewer it will look awkward

3) How can I manage interviews with one MBB?Since I will have to take days off from my current work?I do not feel like lying but I do not want to get caught by some of my colleagues... There is no solution for this if you don't want to lie

Best