Lateral to MBB

Hi there,

1) Main question is what level should I apply for

When you join a consulting company without consulting experience (and often even with consulting experience), they normally let you start one level below what your years of seniority would imply. 

Thus, I would expect they would ask to join in a position below the partner one. In any case, if you apply with what is indicated under #2, they should be able to recommend what could be the position.

2) What would be the best way to reach out to recruiters for those levels

I would recommend one of the following:

1. If you have someone that could refer you, ask them to pass your CV to HR.
2. If you don’t have a referral, I would connect with a partner related to the industry you have experience with (ideally an alumnus of your school) and ask if you could have a quick call.
3. If nothing works, you can try to leverage headhunters.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Getting into MBB as a direct-entry partner is incredibly tough and you would need to be able to make a strong case how you would add significant value to the partnership through your skills and more importantly, network. 

Given your seniority, the two best avenues would be:

• Networking. With 20 years of experience, I am certain that you have direct contacts in the higher ranks of MBB. If not, you could also get an introduction via a 3rd party in your network. This would allow you to reach the right people and get informal discussions going.
• Headhunters. Look for headhunter-advertised positions and proactively call the ones you have been in touch with over the last few years.

Both would bypass the recruiters of the firms and link you more directly to decision-makers.

All the best,

Florian

Cool profile. 

MBBs have dedicated recruiters who deal with executive hires. Find them over LinkedIn or through your own network (if you happen to know people who already work in MBB). 

Prepare for the chat with them by having clarity over your value prop and how it could fit within that specific firm and location. Then see what opportunities they have or could create. 

If you have connections within consulting, try leveraging them before the call with the recruiters, so ideally they introduce you directly to the recruiter as a form of referral. 

I've worked with multiple candidates at the AP level, and in all cases, the recruitment process was a lot more random than for junior generalist roles. It's mostly because they do a long-term vetting of your profile and potential by putting you in touch with multiple seniors from the firm. 

Happy to help if you have follow-up Qs.

Best,
Cristian

Hi,

Sharing perspective having been a Principal at BCG. 

• It is highly unlikely they will take you as a Partner. The reason is because the Partner role is a commercial role, and its a very specific commercial role therefore typically they only lateral other consulting Partners
• Even if you are a commercial partner, partners also need to be part of delivery (esp junior partners), and if you have never had any consulting experience before, that will be a worry for firms
• It is more likely to come in as an expert track (will not lead to equity partner) focusing on Agile
• However whether its on expert or generalist track, it will be difficult for you to come in more senior than Project Leader 2
  • I know instances of MBBs who have hired Principals from industry and have been badly burnt, and are very reluctant to go down that route again

Happy to chat more if helpful - all the best!

Hi there,

It is highly unlikely you will be able to enter MBB as a Partner, coming as a Director from a F100.

This is especially true if you do not know anyone there. Recruiters are not going to be setup for this.

I have only ever heard of/seen ONE Partner ever as a external hire. And they had been with BCG years and years before leaving and boomeranging back. They were buddies with all of the other Partners.

As a stranger, you will not get made partner (or AP).

As such, you are most likely to join a Project Lead/Engagement Manager level, or, possibly, Principal level.

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on your career trajectory thus far!

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

• First of all, entering MBB at a high level is challenging but certainly possible with your background. Given your seniority and experience, aiming for an Associate Partner level could be more realistic initially.
• Moreover, I would highly advise you to reach out to the national/ global sector lead of your current industry and partners in general instead of recruiters to learn about the best role and the firm as a whole.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

They will not hire you are partner (nor as principal if you don't have consulting experience). Project Manager may be a good option.

You have to network with partners and headhunters to make this happen. (you may also network with lower ranks, particularly if they know you personally… sometimes a good recommendation to a partner is all it takes to get a hiring conversation being scheduled).

One very alternative route would be to find a boutique that would be willing to take you as a Principal, so you get the consulting skills. Would have to be a not-so-small boutique with a strong area of focus.