Sales and Trading Analyst to MBB Consulting

Question

Hi everyone,

I am close to the end of my first year as a sales and trading analyst at a top bulge bracket (Goldman / Morgan Stanley / JPM). I have realized over the past year that markets do not interest me as much as I had first thought in college, and am interested instead in switching consulting.

I am thinking of applying to MBB as I have a lot of friends and alumni at these firms. I also interned at a boutique consulting firm earlier in college. I attended a T10 undergrad and have an almost 4.0 GPA as well.

I understand I will have to have a good story to switch and show applicable skills but I am more interested to learn if this switch is one that has been done before and when I should apply if at all. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Q: I am more interested to learn if this switch is one that has been done before and when I should apply if at all

Based on what you shared, you can definitely apply. You have a strong profile and the switch from banking to consulting is possible - I have personally helped several candidates who made the transition. I would recommend leveraging your network to land a referral so that you can increase your chances of an invitation.

The only downside is that most likely they will not recognize full seniority in terms of your work experience and possibly none at all.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Absolutely.

I've had several candidates transitioning from IB to consulting. It's quite a common path in that sense, mostly because the majority of students from top unis go for one of the two and often realise that they didn't end up in the one they were meant for.

The great thing is that your background now helps a lot in positioning you as a top candidate for consulting (good brands on your CV, lots of transferable skills, etc.)

Do reach out with questions if you need some extra help.

And sharing here also a guide on how to put together an application strategy for consulting:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Hi there,

It's much easier than you think.

Give that you are very early in your career, this move would not raise any eyebrows nor would you need to defend it during the application or interviews.

Highlight why consulting is the better fit for you, e.g., work with individual organizations not markets, impact and learning curve at an early age, qualitative elements of work, <enter everithing else that applies to you.>

You shoudl then run through the normal recruiting process:

Network for the referral - seems like you have that sorted through your connections
Polish your application documents
Recruitment test prep
Case and fit prep

Reach out if you need help!

All the best,

Florian

Answer 4

Yes I have worked with someone who made the exact same switch, the slight difference being that the market was a lot healthier for consulting back then.

Your background is great and you genuinely have a good shot. Like I mentioned earlier, the hiring for consulting roles is not the same as prior years so you will need to really get some strong referrals in order to be considered for interviews. You can't apply as a graduate hire anymore so will most likely be asked to apply via the experienced hire route

Answer 5

I don't see a reason why you would not apply, and not be successful (based on your profile). There's nothing particularly negative in your background, and it is a good profile.

Sure, you are switching careers… but consulting firms see that the whole time. It's old news to them :)

Answer 6

Hi there,

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

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

First of all, switching from banking to consulting is definitely more common than you might think.
Moreover, depending on your location, you should consider specific application periods, but otherwise I would advise you to apply as soon as you have polished your application files and have a strong referral.

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

Best,

Hagen

Answer 7

Hi, Great question. Sharing my perspective having considered exits at various stages. I would say it all depends on... (read entire answer)

Hi, Great question. Sharing my perspective having considered exits at various stages. I would say it all depends on what your exit goals / outcomes are. I would characterize op... (read entire answer)

Answer 8

Hi! I wouldn't worry about them reneging on the offer. Through the background check, they rather want to understand... (read entire answer)

Hi! I wouldn't worry about them reneging on the offer. Through the background check, they rather want to understand whether you purposefully tried to hide something or lie in t... (read entire answer)

Answer 9

Hi there, I would say a typical timeline from submitting your application to ultimately receiving an offer (if that w... (read entire answer)

Hi there, I would say a typical timeline from submitting your application to ultimately receiving an offer (if that were to happen) is often between 6-8 weeks. If you apply in... (read entire answer)