Shifting from startup to Consulting?

Question

Hey!

I am a marketing major from some decent enough Universities of India. I have Computer Science in my education background and have been working in ad-tech for the last 3 years. I have been doing cases for the last 3 years on and off and strategy consulting really really interests me. In its true nature of solving a problem statement, researching, framework-ing and solutioning- I love all of it.

I know the pros and cons of the industry, I know the assumptions of the field, but at the moment all I can think of giving consulting a shot, even if it doesnt work out and going all in with my preparation.

So my question is- considering I have very basic Universities on my profile, with experience in an ad-tech startup-

1. Can I make it?

2. Should I take this leap of faith?

3. And how hard would it be to interview for global firms?

Answer 1

Hi Vrinda,

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

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

First of all, it is entirely possible for you to make this transition. I do not see any reason why you shouldn’t be able to succeed in applying to consulting firms.
Moreover, it is really up to you, but I would always advise you to at least try and see the outcome.
Lastly, interviewing with top-tier strategy consulting firms is always hard, but there is a lot you can do in order to maximize your chances – among which, but not restricted to, working with an experienced coach like me.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hey! It’s great that you have a clear passion for consulting! Here’s how you can approach it:

Can you make it?
Yes, you absolutely can. While you might not have a top-tier university, your startup and ad-tech experience is valuable, especially in consulting. Focus on highlighting transferable skills like problem-solving, strategic thinking, and leadership. Tailor your CV to show how your startup work translates to consulting.
Should you take the leap?
If consulting excites you, it’s worth pursuing. The skills you’ll gain in consulting (framework thinking, problem-solving, etc.) will be valuable even if you move to other industries later. Going all-in with preparation will give you the best chance to succeed.
How hard are global firm interviews?
Global consulting firms (especially MBB) are competitive, but thorough preparation can make a difference. Also, it will depend on your brands on your CV which I cannot judge without your CV. Focus on case interview prep and practice with mock interviews. Networking is also key—reach out to consultants for advice and referrals.

In short, take the leap if you’re passionate about it and put in the work for preparation. With your experience and dedication, you have a solid chance!

Answer 3

Hello there,

Yes, you can make it based on your experience and I think you should take the leap of faith. Here’s why: the worst outcome is that you don’t get an offer which you don’t have today, but the best case scenario is you getting your desired MBB offer.

Generally, interviewing for MBB roles can be quite challenging due to the calibre of competition and high expectations. In the Indian offices, it could even be more so due to talent density.

Hence, you need to highlight your achievements in the most convincing manner in your application, network with current consultants and prepare to your utmost best for the interviews.

Feel free to reach out for any support with your application.

Fathu

Answer 4

Hi there,

Impossible to say without seeing the resume. Please feel free to share it directly via DM and I can provide you with a more tailored insight in terms of chances for different firms and geographies plus some advice on how to work on the resume to improve your chances.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 5

Glassdoor is a good datapoint for that type of salary questions. Not 100% reliable, but directionally right (as long... (read entire answer)

Glassdoor is a good datapoint for that type of salary questions. Not 100% reliable, but directionally right (as long as they have a relevant number of datapoints).

Answer 6

Hi there, find below two example cases that could be used for the presentation-case interview format. Usually these t... (read entire answer)

Hi there, find below two example cases that could be used for the presentation-case interview format. Usually these types of cases will contain a lot of exhibits and data for yo... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

I highly doubt that it is the sole reason your friend landed the job at BCG, so I wouldn't overestimate its utility.... (read entire answer)

I highly doubt that it is the sole reason your friend landed the job at BCG, so I wouldn't overestimate its utility. I agree with the reasons other experts have put forward here... (read entire answer)