Hello. I'm new to the forum.I have been with a Big4 UK practice for 4 1/2 years, spending the last 3 years in the restructuring function specialising in tax.I'm a qualified chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser. Graduated from University of Southampton with a 1st in Mathematics.I have got some way towards securing an internal transfer to the consultancy function with my current firm. However, I have been keenly researching other possibilities. I am drawn to working for one of MBBB, as I'm sure many of us are. My question is would I be better off getting 6-12mths experience in the Big4 consultancy function (either Ops & Supply Chain or Financial Management) or would my background thus far give me a good enough base to apply?I appreciate that you may need more info on what I've done so please feel free to ask.One other question - can anyone recommend a book on preparation for case interviews?Thanks.

Anybody?I have just re-read my post and I think I should clarify my question - should I wait and get 6-12 months experience in the consulting function of my current firm before applying to MBBB (or a 2nd tier firm LEK, OC&C)? Or would the academics and work experience I have be strong enough to apply to MBBB (or a 2nd tier firm)?If I apply to MBBB now and it gets nowhere, I assume I won't be precluded from applying again in 12 months time?

What a buttplug!Now just why do you think MBBB would go for an ex-Big4 redbrick tax accountant when they have their pick of the harvard MBAs? Other than because you feel that you are mysteriously "drawn" to them "thus far" and feel that 6 months process mapping experience in a big 4 would be of great interest to them, that is?I wish you good luck, but think you're prob wasting your time.

On a similar note, I recently joined EY in Birmingham (VAT division) having graduated from Loughborough 2 years ago. Do you think I am now ready to apply to join Goldman Sachs as a front-office derivatives trader, or should I also do 6 months in SME advisory first? I think it is my destiny.

Ok. Thanks.Taking your constructive feedback on board, what "pure strategy" firms would be interested in someone with my lowly background?I know Big4 advisory isn't on the same level as most pure strategy firms but these firms have to hire some people, right?!

I am afraid that the 'second tier' firms that you mention above (LEK OC&C) don't have lower standards than the MBBs of the World. They get applications from the same people and are populated by people of the same calibre.I would say by all means apply and see what happens, but bear in mind that after 4 1/2 years you are too experienced for entry level and perhaps not competitive for more senior roles.It is difficult to see how 6/12 in consulting would change that.Have you thought about an MBA? Could be your best (only) bet...

Thanks D. I have thought about doing an MBA prior to applying but would there be much value in putting myself through one if its going to be from an institution that isn't among the top 10 in the world?

Bizarre question. Of course not. But then you would choose to do your MBA in a top school wouldn't you?And if you cannot get into a top business school then unlikely you will get into MBBB anyway.

Hi GSG5Sadly your perfectly reasonable and well posed question seems to have been pounced upon by some cretins who feel the need to intermingle their responses with personal attacks. Ignore them. Anonimity gives the most cowardly worm an ounce of courage.D on the other hand provides a good response. Had you applied directly from graduation, your obstacle would have been degree from a no-target U. Now you have the extra albatross of 4.5 years of non-relevant experience.My honest advice would be to go to the open day at INSEAD and/or LSE. See if it inspires you to pay for a top quality MBA. If so then you will need to invest 50K in your future in order to stand a chance (still not a sure thing) of gettin into MBBB. If not, then an internal transfer to your consultancy arm would be a sensible half-way house. It might then inspire you to make that investment, but it would not in itself make you more attractive to MBBB.Alternatively you might find that the consultancy arm of your own firm provides you with all the challenge that you need and that MBB becomes an ethereal nirvanah. Nice idea - not actually necessary.Best of luck and ignore the rather childish (and anally fixated!!) asides.

Impossible is nothing.An ex-colleague left Accenture less than 18months ago (IT Consulting, mostly public sector projects), got a job with a major food retailer (Tesco, Wal-Mart, Sainsbury). Worked there for a year (IT project management).They started at an MBB firm this week.Make of it what you will.

@ Mr Cool - thank you for the response (don't worry I already chose to ignore the keyboard-tapping-wise-crackers).You raise some good points and I'll look into the MBAs.@ hmm - inspirational! Thanks!

http://managementconsulted.com/ is always worth a look for interview/case study info.Even at only 4.5 years, with your 2 quals you should be able to make the transition fairly smoothly to a more consulting like finance role (e.g. F&PM in Accenture or similar).Good luck whatever you choose.