I know it's been discussed before off and on... but I want to know the reality of it, if there are people who have beat the three words (aka MBA) into a major strat consulting firm. I have an undergrad in Engineering and have been consulting for about four years now. Am currently working for the IT Strat practice of a major management consulting firm (yup - one whose name has been discussed on this forum very often! :)) and hell, I know it was difficult to get through without the coveted MBA.You know the rest - pretty awesome (if I say so myself) academic record. Pretty good career track record. Working exp. in two continents. Assignments all pretty much in so-called 'hot' sectors (IT Strat, Change Management, Global Sourcing..) and I'm pretty sure ex-clients would vouch for me.Not that I'm looking for a job shift, but I just want to know - does a non-MBA pretty much rule out the McKs and Bains of the world?

Many people who ask this question can't handle the truth. Hope you're not one of them. Two points:(1) Your experience and background -- while exemplary -- are not particularly unique when it comes to McK and Bain. Not only is it typical at these firms to have high performers, it's expected. (2) Since your experience and background are merely typical, what would set you apart? Alumni network. This is where B-school comes in. If I went to Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD or LBS, why would I hire someone who didn't even bother going to B-School when there are tons of MBA graduates from my alma mater -- probably with more impressive records than yourself -- banging my door to get in? Of course, there are people without MBAs working successfully at McK and Bain. They got their foot in the door because of their contacts. In the business world, it's not just what you know, it's who you know. B-School is probably the "easiest" way for us mere mortals to get our foot in the door. Now, if your uncle happens to be a Partner at McK or Bain.....

Very practical comments Beng and appreciate the straight forwardness. And I think the MBA route is the way I'm going to go (Well I'm still having fun on my current job, so will taper that out for a couple of years before heading out to a b-school).But, I wanted to know of personal experiences from anyone on the forum - if he/she has got in without the 'Uncle Partner' syndrome or without the coveted MBA. If so - a few nuggets of information please?Thanks!

Dude doing an MBA from a tier one school even STILL does not gurantee you a chance to get into a top tier strat firm especially in London. This is because there are so many MBA relative to the number of vacanies they have. If you look at the LBS career placement page, there are numerous MBA's who went on to take jobs at BT Consulting. Now without any disrespect to them, I'm sure initially they also had their hopes on top tier companies. Secondly with these second tier schools such as Judge and Said trying to boost their rep through their respective undergrad image as-well as your top EURO schools, things after the MBA whilst better are still not that rosy.Now if you decide to go to the states - its a whole new ball game. The consultancy market is by far bigger and better. Goodluck. And please stay away from BT. A top MBA ain't worht anywhere near that place.

"Dude" lol!!! how quaint!