Post-MBA MBB Experienced Hire

Question

Unfortunately, I didn't secure any offers from MBB during second year FT recruiting at a T-10 MBA program. I was waitlisted at one and received rejections from the other two firms after interviews.

I'll be joining a T-2 consultancy post-graduation and plan to work hard there for ~1-2 years, but still have a desire to eventually apply again for MBB.

Is re-recruiting as an experienced hire a realistic path? If so, what would be an appropriate timeline for applying again and what would be the most effective strategies for building my candidacy?

Answer 1

1 year in T2 is enough to reapply again; but it will be helpful if you can share why you were rejected in the first place. e.g., Case study performance, resume strength etc. I'm assuming it is the former.

Re-recruiting is a perfectly realistic path. Focus on doing your job well (develop consulting competencies) + case/behavioral prep + source for referrals from your MBA counterparts who are in MBB

Answer 2

Hi there,

congrats on your T2 offer. It is very common for consultants to transition from a T2 company to MBB somewhere down the line (the other direction is rather unusual).

I would at least give it 2 years of consulting experience before you attempt a re-application. That way you'll be already seasoned enough and have some "war stories" to share. Better yet though, you wait until you have some form of specialization that might be interesting for MBB.

However, you should just focus on your current firm for the time being and not already think years ahead day-dreaming about greener pastures at MBB. Because after all, you might

find out that you actually like the company and client environment at your T2 firm and you'll be given plenty of opportunities to grow
determine for yourself that consulting is actually not your cup of tea and you rather want to focus on something else
2+ years of consulting workload and sacrifice of your personal life will have been enough for you to pursue a different direction in your career

So with all that said, in summary: No, your dream of MBB is not dead. But there is also little reason to make that your primary objective at this point in time.

Best of luck

Answer 3

Great insights from Brian and Dennis.

One quick add: ideal timing depends on hiring needs. I’d keep connections at the firms warm (e.g., note to recruiters expressing interest in reapplying, to your connections on where you landed and thanking them for the help) and wait at least a year before asking about the timing of experienced hire applications/interviews.

Experienced hires are reviewed on a rolling basis, but that doesn’t mean you should apply whenever and hope to make it work. Recruiting teams will only spend the time on this part of the pipeline when business need picks up and requires additional headcount beyond existing staff and planned starts.

For now, focus on crushing it at your job and developing the skillset that will make you a successful consultant.

Answer 4

Yes - it is a very realistic path to be hired as an experienced consultant, depending on where you will be working and what your expertise is likely to be. If you specialize in skills/sectors that are in high demand and build a good reputation you will have a great shot at MBB.

In terms of timeline - At least 2+ years to build credibility around your story about what you can bring to the role once you transition.