Will joining a T2 hurt my career path pre-MBA?

Question

I was counseled out of MBB after spending 1 year there post-undergrad for reasons I don’t want to disclose here. Currently, I work in a corp dev/strategy position at one of the largest tech companies in my region (non-FAANG).

I have tried applying to other MBB firms but received no responses, and I was rejected from a T2 after interviewing. Not long ago, another T2 reconsidered my application. I went to the interview and got an offer. However, it’s an entry-level position, and the start date is still a few months away. By that time, I would have spent exactly 1 year at my current company. I have tried negotiating for a better offer considering my work experience, but they did not agree.

I intend to grow in the consulting industry, so I could either accept this offer or get an MBA first, and then try my luck again with MBB. Here are some considerations I have in mind:

Pay: There's a slight pay cut at the T2 compared to my current position, but after two years, the salary will be double what I'd earn if I stayed.
Progression: I can get into a managerial position at my current place within the next 2-3 years, faster than the normal consulting track.
Work-Life Balance: It will be worse than currently, but it should be manageable considering my experiences at MBB.
Projects/Industries: The T2 specializes in industries I am much more interested in than tech.

I plan to apply for an MBA within the next 3-4 years. Which option will increase my chances for admission?

Answer 1

Hi,

If your goal is to in the long-term, grow in the consulting industry, then i would say its probably better to stay in your current role now and craft a strong story, especially if you are aiming for a top-MBA.

Branding does matter - although its not impossible, the placement rates for someone from MBB into H/S/W is much higher than someone from a T2. Do a search on LinkedIn and you'll see the numbers for yourself.

End of the day - the story matters. I think its much easier to craft a cohesive story by moving to corporate and staying there and perhaps building something interesting outside of work as well.

Then after you get into a top MBA, you can reapply to MBB.

Answer 2

In general, it doesn't hurt your career. Particularly since you plan doing it in 3-4 years.

Having Mckinsey and a strong role in a good company, becoming an industry specialist, is something MBA admissions value. And if something goes wrong in your new T2 role, that will hurt you.

However, I don't think this is a deal breaker. I don't even think this will have significant impact in your application, to be honest. Chose the best one for your career, not the best one for the next step as it won't probably make a difference (other things will).

P.S. You should apply to an MBA after 3-4 years of work experience ideally.

Answer 3

I believe it would not hurt your career path pre-MBA considering you have already thought ahead to do MBA in 3-4 years time.

Having consulting experience even in T2 will also supplement your CV to try MBBs post-MBA and given the current offer overlaps with your preferred industry choices, I would suggest this is a good choice for you.

Answer 4

If your aim is to grow in the consulting industry as you have written then it does make sense to move to a T2 firm. The entry-level nature of the role should not really be much of an issue as you will be able to move up in a few years and make up for it. It is also easier to get into MBB (should you want to again) after spending time at a good T2 firm.

From an MBA perspective - the company does play a role but the top B-schools look for a great story that speaks to who you are and why you made the choices you made. Either job option will be fine from an MBA perspective,

Best,

Udayan

Answer 5

Hi there!

In terms of MBA, both tracks could work.

The advantage of going for a consulting firm in the meantime is that they might pay for the MBA, whereas industry tends not to.

Aside from the MBA, if your objective is to be long-term in consulting, then it definitely makes sense to make the pivot back into consulting as soon as possible.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 6

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer. In terms of your questions:

1) I intend to grow in the consulting industry, so I could either accept this offer or get an MBA first, and then try my luck again with MBB.

If you want to stay in consulting, I would go for the consulting offer for the following reasons:

You will get more consulting experience
You could apply to MBB before the MBA
You could still do an MBA if you want and apply again to MBB after that
You will work in industries that you prefer

2) I plan to apply for an MBA within the next 3-4 years. Which option will increase my chances for admission?

You should be able to reverse-engineer it from LinkedIn, however I would not consider only that factor for the final decision.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 7

Hi there,

I will answer the question you asked: T2 does not hurt your chances for MBB.

To the 2nd question you asked: T2 has a slightly greater MBA admission chance than the current firm assuming equal rates/speeds of promotion

Noting you didn't ask “what is the best choice/plan to make holistically for my life considering my intrinsic values, goals, current situation, etc.”

Answer 8

Hi there,

Given what you have shared with us, it is still the best option and aligned with your long-term goals. I would go for it!

All the best,

Florian