1) Major oils prefer industry lifers for strategy as opposed to recruiting consultants – similar story for chemicals It depends on where you are focusing now - this comment is applicable to upstream E&P type work, much less applicable to downstream (which is obviously more maket/end customer biased).2) PE and VC prefer generalists – and only really from MBBB Not strictly true: in fact their preferred hiring profile if you want to talk about generalists is a 3rd year Analyst or 1st year Associate from a bulge bracket. Since the bulge bracket no longer exists, and PE firms are becoming more specialised, this model has changed also. Many PE/VC firms are now focusing on specific sector investments, and one focusing on petrochem, energy, biofuel, even cleantech dould well find you relevant.3) Other mid tiers will be concerned about the lack of broad sector skills At your level no one cares too much about your sector experience - this only really matters when you are senior enough to specialise (often not until Manager + grades). At least you are not in public sector or IT, both being railroads for consultants. As an Analyst other mid-tiers will be more interested in your projects experience (what you contributed) and analytical skills.4) Banking is a possibility should things pick up – but only really after an MBA Probably not even then - and why would you want to? The days of mega bonuses look to be gone for some time. You could look to go in on something like equities as an analyst without the MBA, depending on your age. If you are 30 or over then you would need the MBA to stay within your peer group (i.e. Associate level entry).So in conclusion it is looking like a one way street……. No it's not.
