MBB - Shift from Middle Office to Front Office

Question

Hello all,

I currently work as a hybrid role (data scientist / M&A consultant) at a big data venture of one of the MBBs while my hierarchical role reflects loosely a post-MBA intake position before the managerial level begins.

My team regularly works with the strategy consultants so I accumulated a decently vast network of contacts on SM/EM level in strategy. Ironically I've been a strategy consultant with tier 2 firm for ~2 years before current position. My question is, would a move from this middle office position to a front office i.e. strategy be feasible? I have good performance ratings, contacts and the know-how, but I am utterly lost on how to tackle this matter:

1. Operationally, there are no standard procedures for such move in MBB to the best of my knowledge, at the tier 2 firm I worked previously at all the procedures for office/role transfers were neatly hammered out.

2. Without sabotaging myself at the current position, in the eyes of my direct superiors.

3. Also, without sabotaging myself much more directly as I've spent 1.5 year in current role and I am expecting a promotion in April 2024.

So all in all, any guidance on the this subject would be very much appreciated.

Answer 1

Hey,

The easier option for you would be to apply to other MBBs and Tier2 companies to avoid the hassle altogether.

If you still want to make a transfer within the firm, you usually need to:
1. Get the approval of your current supervisor;
2. Get the approval of the department you are transferring to (with, or without formal interviews involved).

The lowest risk option for you would be to get a coffee chat with an HR of your firm (preferably one you know in person) and express your wish to transfer. The HR can take it from there. You will still need to undergo all the formal selection steps (tests / case + fit interviews).

Also, maybe it's best to wait for your promotion in April, as 2 years and a promotion look more solid on your CV and it will be easier for you to express your transfer aspirations (e.g. in 2 years at this role you have learned all there is to learn and want to continue growing as a management consultant).

Good luck!
Nick

Answer 2

For many many reasons, MBB does not encourage this move from back to front office. As a result there is no explicit guide that you can follow. So does that mean it can’t happen? No but it requires a lot of patience and effort. A few things can work

1. Get staffed on client projects and deliver high quality work every single time

2. take on the responsibilities of a consultant even though you’re not one currently. If you do this part well, you will always be the first choice to be staffed on a client project when they need someone from your team

3. build relationships with the partners and senior partners on your engagements

4. after 1-2 years of working with them be honest about what you’d like and see if they would be willing to fight for you to move over

5. only if they truly agree do you have a real shot at making the move.

all the best to you,

Udayan

Answer 3

Hi!

Yes, it's possible.

I've seen it happen actually with two people who were mid-office (research analysts) moving on to integrative consulting, one of which is now EM, the other Assoc.

It's not easy. And they also don't encourage these sorts of moves. If anything, they're close to discouraging it.

Practically, you need:

have good rating and generally to be seen as being able to do the consultant role
have contacts who would be supportive of you making this transition
get your office leadership to support this move
get one specific Partner to take you on their project as a consultant (both of the people I know who made this transition did 2-3 projects before they ‘officially’ changed roles)

It all starts with you having an open discussion with the office leadership and expressing your interest and curiosity in trying out the consultant position.

But do persevere. Feel free to reach out and happy to also share what these people did that works for them.

Good luck!
Cristian

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Answer 4

Hi there,

I would say you should definitely wait for that promotion in April before you make any changes - that is just a good thing to have regardless of your next steps.

Secondly, you need to answer for yourself why you would even want to be a strategy consultant (again). You've worked in that role before, then decided to change that 1.5 years ago and now you are considering reversing that change. If you discovered that the consultant/project manager role is more in line with what you envision for yourself in the midterm, then you should definitely take the effort to transition - even if that means switching firms again.

If you do transition within the firm, it's always good to have a sponsor for your request (e.g. a partner who wants to have you on their team) before you bring it up officially with HR or your manager.

Best of luck

Answer 5

Hi,

I've seen this shift before, but like others have mentioned, it is not common.

I think you need 2 things:

Strong story on why you want to make the shift and why you'd be good for it
Influential sponsor - the more clout the better

Both of these cover concerns #1 and #2 to varying degrees/angles. Ultimately, the partners are the ones that have the business say and their POV matters the most.

Also - don't neglect casing. I know BCG data scientists that have tried to make the switch and had to go through the case interviews.

All the best!

Answer 6

First you need the promotion - be qualified as a strong performer.

Then talk to your supervisor.

Then you have to options. They either help you, or you look for another MBB that will accept the move.