Moving from startup to MBB (US/European Offices)

1. How can I best position/present my story during the interviews to answer why I want to make the switch:

• It depends on what the startup does. I would map the core skills of consultants (e.g., problem solving, clients), map it to what you do and say you enjoyed it a lot. You could also say you were an internal consultant for the startup.

2. Will interviewers see me in a bad light for being honest with them about

• Giving up on a personal initiative and wanting to make the switch to consulting
• Being financially incentivized to make the switch
• Wanting to be involved with the startup in a limited capacity (advisory)
• Yes, those are not good reason to switch (even if true). You need to tie your story/personal growth/journey to some aspects of the consultant role you will enjoy.
• I recommend connecting with practices that do work related to product/company building (e.g., fuel and leap at mckinsey)
• I would be happy to help you craft your story as a former recruiting lead at mck

3. If I ended up staying full time with my startup and want to make a pivot 2 to 3 years later, will this impact my chances in any way? 

You would probably still come at same position 2-3 years later so from career sake, I would not delay too much.

Hi there,

General tips:

Generally spoken, the key is to frame your answer in a positive way that is related to your consulting role.

By providing problems in the start-up as reason, you are proposing a negative narrative. From that, you have nothing to gain (but potentially to lose if being perceived as lacking drive or positivity).

To your specific questions:

1) I would thus recommend to position the move as something not linked to problems with the startup, but your personal growth journey

2) You cannot know for sure, that is why you should stick with aforementioned positive narrative

3) Rather not (since age is no criterion and your CV stays the same). However: a) You do not know how the overall hiring situation develops and b) It is unlikely to allow you to enter in a higher position, thus having limited marginal utility.

I hope this helps. All the best for your decision!

Best,

Gero

Hi there,

1) How can I best position/present my story during the interviews to answer why I want to make the switch

What are your real reasons for consulting? Most likely, you have something you like about the industry that drove you to it. I would use those reasons, as when you provide "general" ones, they could feel that they are not authentic.

For context, common reasons to move to consulting are the following (please don’t use them if they are not true for you):

• Multiple sectors/industries
• Very smart people you can work with and learn from in team settings
• Steep learning curve, both from the work itself and the feedback you receive
• High-impact projects/activities
• Mix of analytical and client relationship activities within the same job

2) Will interviewers see me in a bad light for being honest with them about

1. Giving up on a personal initiative and wanting to make the switch to consulting
2. Being financially incentivized to make the switch
3. Wanting to be involved with the startup in a limited capacity (advisory)

For a: I would rather explain what you like more about consulting than your current job. In this way, you can be honest and have a reason for switching at the same time

For b: I would not use money as a reason, rather one of the points in answer 1)

For c: I would not mention this. Most likely you won’t have time for this and they might see it as a lack of motivation

3) If I ended up staying full time with my startup and want to make a pivot 2 to 3 years later, will this impact my chances in any way? 

You can apply again in 2-3 years. Whether it will be harder, it depends on multiple factors (eg what you have done in the meantime and the economic climate).

Good luck!

Francesco

Hey there,

Whatever you do, during the interviews it's crucial to present your experience positively, focusing on growth and skills, rather than financial challenges or startup struggles.

1. Your story and positioning: Emphasize your journey of personal growth and how your startup experience has prepared you for a consulting role. Highlight skills like problem-solving and stakeholder management, which are valuable in consulting. Avoid mentioning (startup) problems; instead, focus on how consulting aligns with your career aspirations and your skill set.

2. Interviewers' perception:

• Giving up: Rather than focusing on leaving your startup, emphasize what attracts you to consulting, like the opportunity to work on diverse problems or learning from a team of experts. A ton of former founders join MBB for a variety of reasons so you would not be an outlier in the interviewers' eyes.
• Financial reasons: Avoid citing financial incentives as a primary motive. Focus on career growth and learning opportunities in consulting.
• Limited involvement in the startup: It's best not to mention a continued advisory role in your startup. Full commitment to your consulting role is generally expected and most firms/offices prohibit roles and involvement besides the job.

3. Delaying the Ppvot: If you choose to stay with your startup for 2-3 years, it shouldn't significantly impact your chances later. 

In general, your startup background can be a strong asset if presented effectively, highlighting transferable skills and a commitment to the consulting path. Consider getting a coach to refine your story and remember to tailor it to the specific aspects of consulting that genuinely interest you.

All the best on your journey,

Florian

Hi there!

Sorry to hear that the start-up isn't growing at the pace that you expect. And I see you already received lots of responses and suggestions from coaches, so I won't be repeating this point. 

I would suggest, though, an alternative in case you haven't considered it already - freelance consulting. This might give you the flexibility to do projects only as a means of financing yourself while your business ramps up. 

Joining consulting once again full-time might prevent you from doing anything for your business, so if you really believe in it, you might need to figure out some sort of middle-ground for the coming period. 

If you need some contacts for freelance consulting, feel free to reach out, and I'm happy to recommend some people.

Best,
Cristian 

Hi there,

1. How can I best position/present my story during the interviews to answer why I want to make the switch

The best way? Get a coach! They'll help you perfectly craft a story. It's very rare that I hear a first story attempt from a candidate that sells them properly.

Ultimately, be honest, but always make sure to put yourself in the best light possible.

Here's some reading to help: Tell Me About Yourself – Interview Questions

2. Will interviewers see me in a bad light for being honest with them about

• Giving up on a personal initiative and wanting to make the switch to consulting
• Being financially incentivized to make the switch
• Wanting to be involved with the startup in a limited capacity (advisory)

3. If I ended up staying full time with my startup and want to make a pivot 2 to 3 years later, will this impact my chances in any way?