MBB application

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your situation—your dilemma is quite common for people in similar roles looking to transition. I’d like to break down a few points to help you decide if applying to MBB is right for you.

1. Clarify Your Goals

You mentioned that your ultimate dream is to start a tech startup and live the entrepreneurial journey. MBB consulting can be a great stepping stone toward this objective, given your exposure to various industries, strategic problem-solving, and a high-caliber network. However, you need to ask yourself whether the journey at MBB aligns with what you want in the short term:

• Skillset: Do you feel there are critical skills (e.g., strategic thinking, quantitative analysis, stakeholder management, etc.) that you need to build before launching your own venture? If so, MBB could provide that.
• Network: MBB firms offer a vast network of industry leaders, potential co-founders, and investors. However, it is not the only way of building that network. Your access to the right people will also depend on the geography and practice areas you get exposure to at a given firm.
• Credibility: The MBB brand can indeed boost your resume, making it easier to attract investors or talent in the future. However, this should not be your only reason to join—consulting is challenging, and without a genuine interest in the work, it can be tough to stay motivated.

2. Consider Your Fit

You’ve mentioned not fitting in at Deloitte and feeling disconnected from the culture. MBB consulting firms, while offering a different environment, also have a high-pressure, high-performance culture. Given the nature of client-facing work, the need to "put on a mask" may not go away. You'll be asked to get up to speed on industries and concepts very quickly and will be expected to present yourself confidently even in situations where you may be second-guessing your level of expertise (been there!).

Before applying, reflect on whether you’re interested in the core aspects of consulting—solving complex problems, working long hours, and being adaptable to new industries. If this feels just like another checkbox for you rather than a genuine interest, it might be worth considering other paths that align better with your startup goals.

3. Explore Alternatives

If building a tech startup is your primary goal, consider alternatives that might offer a more direct path:

• Joining a Startup/Tech Company: This can give you relevant industry experience, a better understanding of product development, and exposure to a different culture—all of which are critical for a future founder. This will be much more targeted at skill building vs. MBB.
• Joining an accelerator program: Why not jump right into your dream? If you can find some incubator program, it might be the first step to building that dream company and living out that passion.
• MBA Programs: If credibility and network-building are your main reasons for considering MBB, an MBA from a top program can also provide these while giving you time to refine your business idea and find co-founders.

Bottom Line

Applying could be a worthwhile step if you genuinely believe that MBB will provide critical skills, a valuable network, and credibility that directly contribute to your entrepreneurial goals. However, if your primary motivation is to "prove you can get in" or because you're dissatisfied with your current job, exploring other opportunities that align more directly with your passion for tech and startups might be better. Good luck, and I’m happy to help with any further questions as you navigate this decision!

Based on your premise, there is no downside to applying. So why not? 

Hi there,

Q: Given these reasons, should I still apply?

I guess the alternative would be to launch your own business now, is that correct?

If that's the case, I would say it depends on your risk tolerance. It is very likely that the first business someone launches won't succeed (this was the case for me as well), but at the same time, you will learn a lot and lay the basis for the next one.

Working at MBB, you will likely learn less about how to run a business compared to the direct experience; however, it will provide value to your CV and reputation thanks to the brand name (thus making it possible, for example, to do fundraising more easily later on).

Your idea of staying 1-2 years in MBB might be a good compromise to benefit from the brand name and, at the same time, avoid delaying the entrepreneurial path too much. If you don't have a clear idea about which company to launch, it could also give you time to find and validate an idea.

If instead the alternative is simply to stay at Deloitte, based on what you shared, there are no reasons not to consider a different company.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

At the end of the day, that's a purely personal decision. 

Let's look at some pros and cons of doing MBB, then entrepreneurship:

Pro

• You build a war chest of savings that can keep you afloat for a bit
• You will learn a lot in terms of managing your work and others, resilience, problem-solving, analytics
• Network and credibility
• You might enjoy it and stay longer
• New opportunities might come up

Con

• You potentially waste two years on something that's not meaningful to you
• The same problems might arise as at your current employer

You need to weigh them yourself and decide what's more important for you.

All the best on your journey!

Cheers,

Florian