Lateral hires MBB

Hi A!

1. What role do I apply to? 
Consultant at BCG and Associate at McKinsey.

2. When do I apply? Do I go through the regular recruitment cycle for associates and consultants at McKinsey and BCG?
I would transparently ask the Recruiting Manager of each office. If an office is growing very quickly, they may be actively recruiting right now. In that case, they may ask you to apply ASAP. This applies to few offices right now but it's always worth asking.

3. I didn't make it past the first round of McKinsey interview in 2022 and last round of BCG interview in 2021. McKinsey and BCG were the only firms I applied to, and despite my best efforts in preparation, I wasn't mentally ready then during my intense PhD program. How long is the ban period? 
Normally, it's one year. Sometimes, if you ask, they will let you apply sooner. I would suggest you consider coaching because it's usually less work to apply once and go all-out than to apply several years in a row.

Best of luck!

Hi A!

Happy to provide a perspective.

1. I'd recommend you check directly with the recruiters from the office, but most likely, you'll have to apply for PhD / post-MBA entry level (which for McKinsey would be Associate). 

You should also investigate whether there are roles that you could apply for where you could leverage your existing experience. For instance, in a practice where your semiconductor knowledge could help you have a stronger value prop. 

2. You're an experienced hire, which means that you are not part of set recruitment cycles. 

For most offices across the world, you can apply at any point. But you need to check this directly with the firm and the specific office you are targeting. I know it's a bit tedious to do that, but this is how you get high-quality info straight from the source.

3. The ban is around 1y, but it's not set in stone. 

Considering when your last rejection was, you should be eligible to apply again. 

Here is a guide you might also find useful about how to develop an application strategy:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Good luck!
Cristian

Hi there,

Exciting industry to be in!

1. What role do I apply to? 

Highest level would be consultant level. But, they may make you come in a step lower (JC). Network a bit to gauge as it may change for each firm/office.

2. When do I apply? Do I go through the regular recruitment cycle for associates and consultants at McKinsey and BCG?

If, by regular, you mean the external/experienced hire process, then yes. Though, ideally, you have a referral and go through that process.

3. I didn't make it past the first round of McKinsey interview in 2022 and last round of BCG interview in 2021. McKinsey and BCG were the only firms I applied to, and despite my best efforts in preparation, I wasn't mentally ready then during my intense PhD program. How long is the ban period? 

First, probably consider coaching. Einstein once said insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.

The ban period is generally 1 year.

Make sure to get your resume in a better place, network better, time your application/office selection, and apply to more than just McKinsey and BCG!

Hi there,

1) What role do I apply to? 

This might be Junior Associate or Associate (McKinsey levels) / Junior Consultant or Consultant (BCG/Bain levels), depending on the country. In order to be sure, you can check on LinkedIn the positions for which similar candidates joined for your target office.

2) When do I apply? Do I go through the regular recruitment cycle for associates and consultants at McKinsey and BCG?

Given you already graduated, you should not have a specific recruiting cycle, unless otherwise indicated on their site. Ideally, you can look for a referral and apply according to their indication. You can find more on referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

3) How long is the ban period? 

Usually between 12 and 18 months.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

1. With 3 years of full-time work experience, you would usually apply one level above the entry level (e.g., ASC with McK).

2. I would apply off-cycle with a proper networking effort before to a. gauge the current recruiting situation and b. score a referral.

3. You are way past the ban period now. To increase your chances of getting a re-invitation, score a referral and update your resume to reflect significant changes since the last application (work, education, extra-curriculars).

All the best,

Florian

Hi,

Here's my thoughts on your questions:

1. What role do I apply to? 

• In BCG, you would quality for an Associate, maximum Senior Asociate (in countries that have it)

2. When do I apply? Do I go through the regular recruitment cycle for associates and consultants at McKinsey and BCG?

• Given you are working already, you no longer qualify for OCR
• You will apply through the experienced hire route which is typically on a rolling basis

3. How long is the ban period? 

• Firm/office specific
• I have known bans as short as 6 months to as long as 12-24 months

All the best!

1. You apply to entry level or experienced analyst. 

2. You can apply anytime. As an experienced hire you don't go through the University recruitment cycle.

3. Ban period is 12 months. So long time overdue. But this time make sure you apply to many more consulting firms. More interviews mean more chances (and when you fail you are adding up to your interview and case experience)