Related Posts
Bowl Leader
Is the CVA exam worth pursuing?
Bowl Leader
More Posts
Cole Haan vs AE. Discuss
Rising Star
Additional Posts in Consulting Exit Opportunities
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
Do things out of work that will build up your confidence. I am in a similar boat
Thanks BCG 5! That’s what I’m planning to do at this stage, say that I’m leaving to pursue a more balanced lifestyle and to focus in one industry :) don’t think I’ll be looking at any other consulting firms for now!
A couple of thoughts.
First if you were average at other skills at MBB, you will be well above average for those same skills in industry. Figure out where your comparative advantage is and look for roles that leverage it. "Strategy" is sexy in the consulting world but there plenty of other roles with as much or more prestige in industry. For instance look at all the threads here about how hard it is to jump straight from consulting to owning a P&L.
Second, being transitioned out at MBB is as often about pace as it is potential. Sure, some people have a gap in skill that is an insurmountable Barrie's but most face challenges either meeting the standard in the short time available on a project or growing quick enough to meet the up or out pace. In industry, you will have more time in both dimensions.
Finding a role that leverages your strengths will help restore your confidence and allow you the time and space to get back on the growth track.
Thanks BCG 4 I always wondered if prospective employers would wonder why I didn’t wait to be promoted or if they would be less likely to hire an A as opposed to a C. So glad to hear other As have gone on to good exit opportunities!
This is not so much a practical advice to regain confidence per se, but I think it’s worth keeping in mind that MBB problem solving is very different to the industry... just because you didn’t succeed in a high-pressure, never-finished, not-enough-time, all-on-you environment within 2 years doesn’t mean you can’t succeed if you were given more time, resource, support and coaching.
We hate to admit it but luck plays a big role at MBB (ie right case, right coaching/mentoring, MDP sponsorship). Find your people and thrive, OP! You got this!
Dude, luck is a huge factor in MBB. Probably more than at other firms, since they are so harsh on any misstep. Any normal person will screw up a little. It’s just that MBB doesn’t tolerate it.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a change of scenary can help. The rigor/competition in industry and many other shops is more forgiving. Keep your head up and compare against who you were yesterday not the Rhodes scholar gold medalist! 😀
Be thankful that it is a stamp on your resume that will open a lot of door
Following - same boat
Sorry to hear you’re feeling the same.. it sucks!
Same way I regained professional confidence after being rejected twice I presume? Find something I’m actually good at haha (it wasn’t cases)
Haha fair.. I think this job has just shot me down so many times I’m finding it hard to remember that I actually do have things I’m good at! I’m glad you found something you suited more than cases.. hope I can too!
@OP, I read a lot about where you perceive you feel short, but not a lot about what you learned in your time here. What might those things be, coming from your background? Was this your first job?
You mentioned something about building relationships? I've also heard career services can be helpful as well as maybe others in your cohort who were also transitioned --could help.
As someone who came to MBB from a lower tier firm, the thing I picked up immediately (feedback training etc.) was how critical the feedback culture is here, and how unforgivingly you can be judged here. True in all consultancies, but heightened here.
Just keep that in mind--you do have strengths and talents that were probably ignored because the system needs you to work on your weaknesses, but don't lose sight of that.
Hi BCG 6. Thanks for your thoughts here :)
This wasn’t my first job but it was quite different to my background education (Ive always done science degrees).
My time here has definitely shown me that I clearly have some things that I am good at (such as building relationships, my written and verbal comms, my empathy for others). But every Review cycle I was told it’s great you’re good at some stuff but nothing is as important as problem solving.
So I take your point, and I really hope that by moving into a role more suited to what I am good at I’ll regain that confidence and be happier.
(Also hard to find others from my cohort who will admit to having been transitioned.. found 1 who I am chatting to but no others yet).
Let’s be honest- consulting is a make believe world. Problem solving? Let me ask - did any of your colleagues actually operationalize any of their digital paper weight power points ? No I presume. So it’s just a theory. Go look at start ups or when you go in house, you solve real problems like getting shit done. I think it’s great for you to leave MBB/consulting - it’s a make-believe world that’s fading in relevance and high value
It’s funny because as I’m writing a new CV I’ve been thinking about the impact I’ve had through my time at MBB and actually pretty much all the projects I slaved over never made any impact for various client reasons.. so your comments tie into this! I want to know I’ve actually contributed in my next job!
To be honest Problem solving in MBB is something different from what normal people consider as problem solving, so don’t worry that much. I spend so many hours on calls with partners debating at what time of the day shall we send the survey reminders to the client, or what size of the paper should we use...I was bored by 70% of the so called PS sessions- we were not solving anything except of how to cover our asses in front of the client...
You ll be fine.
I feel like saying you “weren’t good at problem solving” is too general and likely untrue, particularly if you made it to MBB in the first place. What aspect of the MBB approach to problem solving did you struggle with? Perhaps you process information a bit differently but arrive at equally relevant solutions. Find a place that is flexible enough to encourage your own approach or one like it (there are plenty).
I do think I made the right decisions in the end but I know I struggled with how much there is to process on a new case.. I’m not used to 80/20, instead I come from a science and research background where you fact check everything as there’s no room for error and that mindset definitely tripped me up in the consulting world!
Do you feel most industry jobs will give you more flexibility in how you come to solutions?
Mentor
Can relate to this very much. Short answer, it’s taking me time to regain it back but it’s happening slowly but surely, mostly by taking small incremental steps at my new industry job. E.g., facilitating successful meetings, stuff like that.
I’m glad to hear you’re getting there though!! Keep it up :D
The confidence factor is overstated. Here’s a blurb from the former Global Managing Partner at McKinsey. The dude was rejected for partnership twice and then ended up leading “The Firm”. Trust me, you’ll be fine.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.consultantsmind.com/2015/09/15/mckinseys-managing-partner-interview-failing-3-times-to-make-partner/amp/
Thanks I am more and more trying to focus on the fact I even got into MBB rather than on the leaving part! Just taking it day by day :)
I kinda feel the same way, specificly with the thought that consultants can only consult but what non consulting company hire me?
It's a weird mix of not enough hyper-vertical-specialization, insecurities and, other factors.
Enthusiast
Why weren't you as good at problem solving? Did you have some kind of mental block or lack of confidence?
Thanks A2 that is nice to know :)
Good luck ❤️
My 2 cents - the grey matter is overhyped in consulting as most of the problems we are trying to solve are pretty straight forward. If you have the dedication (not a trait you are born with), you can succeed in all the aspects of corporate life. Anybody who is trying to make it look like a scary world where only the smartest of the smartest can survive is BSing you.
Definitely agree. We have a library full of solutions and top down influence at clients. I’ve always thought this place is the easiest to work at when it comes to solving problems
OP I feel like we are the same person! Professional review wise I’m getting the exact same performance and commentary. Hope we get through this together
Hi! After how much time did they tell you you were transitionned for that reason? I got a 3 in PSI on my 1st case, no other grade on that dimension so far and getting slightly concerned
Hmm problem solving, practicality, communications, client interaction and team contribution I think (it’s been a while on transition I’ve been repressing thoughts of work since then)
Just remember that you’re getting managed out in comparison to pretty strong competition. I recently went back to industry and the bar is not high to say the least. You will be fine
Do some therapy