I have about 10 YOE across big tech, startups and tech investing and am looking to move to consulting in particular McKinsey but have zero prior consulting experience, what's the level I should aim to join at? Engagement Manager seems too junior while Associate Partner is about right but requires previous consulting experience?#consulting
I used to work for McKinsey and industry hires without prior consulting experience were usually downleveled and put on fast promo path if they perform well. One particular example was 15yoe automotive veteran who was hired as associate, promoted to EM in 6 months and then to AP in 9. Coming in as AP is hard but not undoable. I have seen it once and the guy became partner in 2 years.
To come in as AP would just need stellar performance in case interviews? Something else to help ensure that happening? 12 yoe.
Coming in as AP is hard because they don't hire non-consultants at that level or because it's legitimately hard to pick up the consultant skills if you're dropped in at that level?
It's very rare to come in at AP and honestly, if you have no consulting experience - your chances of being successful is very low. Even being an EM at McKinsey if you don't have consulting experience is a stretch. You could be hired but will really struggle in the beginning.
Thanks. That's what I just don't understand about it, there's basically no way to move from industry into consulting laterally without moving down to join the MBA grads at their entry point. I would have thought there'd be a track to bring experienced industry people into the firm by providing more education on the consulting specific parts.
You can go laterally as EM from the industry usually. But you will go in as an expert in a practice rather than as a generalist (not necessarily bad). And then you will be staffed on a study at your level but under a generalist EM for the first few studies till you are able to EM a study on your own (earn the trust of some partners). And in general you learn the ropes of consulting, the mannerisms, the tool kit, culture etc. as a BA/Associate and that helps you to be successful once you make EM and beyond. And like tech firms, promos are lagging - meaning you need to demonstrate that you are performing at the EM level before you get promoted. And once you become AP, you need to start bringing in revenue and new studies. You need 2 strong client relationships before you can make partner. Given the huge churn, this model works very well for these firms. Due to the narrowing funnel as you move up the ladder, they have sufficient number of people making partner
I agree with the above answers, look at it this way coming in at AP which is one of the hardest roles will be really difficult, you are essentially having to create a network and establish a client base and also help with several engagements . At McKinsey it’s and up or out model, if you don’t master the toolkit chances are you will be CTLd, coming at and Asc or EM level would give you more breathing space and help develop toolkit, and if you succeed in ramping up quickly you will be on a accelerated track to partnership
Sorry, I'm non-tech, meant the general consulting track. But maybe the answer is the same!