Why do MBB firms hire lateral hires (post-MBA)?
It's a classic path to join MBB consulting post-MBA. But, adjusting to a new profession is extremely difficult. It seems like a bad decision. But MBB firms keep doing it. Why?
Sarah was in panic mode.
She just joined an MBB firm as a post-MBA consultant. And this was the second week of her first project.
"I was preparing myself for a tough adjustment. But that was not what I expected. It's extremely overwhelming." Sarah said.
Her words took me back to times when I joined McKinsey at 34.
It was a breakthrough for my mediocre career. I couldn’t believe my luck getting a second chance that late in the game.
But I couldn't quite understand why McKinsey would do that.
Of course, it was great for me, but what was the business benefit for the firm?
I could think of many reasons why this is a bad idea.
Here are just a few:
The learning curve is too steep.
Consultants must completely re-learn how to work, think, and speak. They must put in double or triple effort just to keep up with younger folks.
The timeline is too tight.
They must learn to become great consultants and managers in just two years. They will like a week.
The stakes are too high, and the pressure is immense.
Experienced hires can't afford to fail. It would set back their careers. If they have families and kids, it ups the ante even more.
The stress levels are off the charts.
They have never experienced so much stress, which sometimes becomes unbearable. Stress and anxiety poison their personal lives.
The competition is fierce.
They already cost an arm and a leg, which makes them less staffable compared to younger consultants.
Why would MBB firms make people go through these circles of hell?
But they know something you don't.
Post-MBA, experienced hires bring unique value.
Technical skills? You can learn them, although it may not feel like that.
But leadership, maturity, and life experience take time to build—years, even decades.
Often, career consultants who join from universities don't have enough time to develop these critical skills.
You get 10-15 years of working experience, add your MBA education, and pass a grueling recruitment process.
Then, you add consulting skills on top of that.
Oh boy, you become unstoppable!
It's like adding a turbocharger to an already powerful engine.
But let's be honest.
This journey isn't for the faint-hearted. It's tough and painful, and it will push you to your limits. Only the strong and dedicated ones make it through.
So, if you're an experienced MBB hire feeling out of place, remember this:
Your experience is your superpower.
But, your ability to learn well will be a key factor in your success.
The consulting journey is complex and treacherous.
Walking it alone is extremely difficult.
It’s helpful to have the support of someone experienced who has gone through this journey and helped many others.
Imagine having a navigator to get you from point A to point B.
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