I’m curious about people who worked in product management roles before getting their MBA and then moved into consulting afterward. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who made this career change. What was the transition like for you? Did you find it challenging to adapt to the consulting world after being in product roles? I’m trying to understand what factors influenced your decision to pivot into consulting instead of staying in product management. Were there specific aspects of consulting that attracted you, or was it more about the opportunities that opened up after your MBA program? Any insights about the differences between these two career paths would be really helpful as I’m considering a similar move myself.
I made this switch myself. The biggest challenge? Going from owning a product to serving clients. As a PM, you build deep knowledge and drive long-term vision. But consulting means quickly diagnosing problems in industries you don’t know and giving recommendations without getting to implement them. The variety was incredible though - in six months I tackled digital transformation for healthcare, supply chain optimization for manufacturing, and growth strategy for retail. What caught me off guard was missing the satisfaction of watching products grow. In PM, you see users adopt features and improvements happen. In consulting, you rarely know if your recommendations actually worked. The money and networking opportunities definitely influenced my decision - MBA programs heavily recruit for consulting. If you love variety and don’t mind constantly being thrown into unfamiliar territory, this transition can really accelerate your career.
The Problem:
You’re a product manager considering a transition to consulting after obtaining an MBA, and you’re unsure about the challenges and rewards of such a move. You’re seeking insights from others who have made a similar career change to understand the transition process, the factors influencing their decision, and the key differences between product management and consulting roles.
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
Many product managers find themselves drawn to consulting after an MBA for several key reasons. The intensive case study method and internship experiences during business school often expose them to broader strategic problems across various industries. This contrasts with the in-depth focus on a single product within a specific sector that characterizes product management. The variety and exposure to diverse industries are often significant drivers of this career shift. Furthermore, the frameworks and analytical skills learned in MBA programs translate well to consulting, as product management already involves stakeholder alignment and data-driven decision-making. However, it’s crucial to understand that the consulting lifestyle differs significantly from product management. The faster pace, emphasis on client deliverables (often under tight deadlines), and the constant need to build new relationships with different clients each engagement can be challenging for some. The shift from long-term product development to short-term project-based work can also be a significant adjustment.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Assess Your Skills and Interests: Before making the leap, honestly evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. What aspects of product management do you enjoy most? What are you looking for in a new career path? Consulting requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as the ability to quickly adapt to new situations and industries. Consider if your personality and work style are compatible with the demands of consulting.
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Research Consulting Firms and Roles: Explore different types of consulting firms (management, technology, specialized niches) and the various roles they offer. Understand the specific requirements and expectations for each role and identify which aligns best with your skills and interests. Network with consultants to gain firsthand insights into their experiences and challenges.
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Leverage Your MBA Network: Your MBA program likely has strong ties to the consulting industry. Utilize your network to connect with alumni working in consulting, explore potential opportunities, and seek mentorship. Attend industry events and career fairs to expand your network and learn more about the sector.
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Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight your transferable skills from product management, emphasizing your experience in stakeholder management, problem-solving, data analysis, and strategic planning. Showcase how these skills translate to the specific requirements of the consulting roles you’re targeting.
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Practice Case Studies and Interviews: Consulting firms often utilize case studies during the interview process. Practice solving case studies to improve your problem-solving and analytical skills under pressure. Develop effective interview strategies to demonstrate your capabilities and passion for consulting.
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Prepare for the Lifestyle Change: Consulting often involves longer hours, frequent travel, and working with different teams on diverse projects. Understand this lifestyle shift and consider if you are prepared for the potential challenges.
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
- Pitfall: Underestimating the intensity and pace of consulting. The fast-paced, project-based nature can be demanding, requiring adaptability and resilience.
- Pitfall: Focusing solely on prestige and neglecting your personal preferences. Ensure the work aligns with your career goals and values.
- Pitfall: Failing to adequately prepare for the case study interviews. Dedicate sufficient time to practice and hone your problem-solving skills.
What to Check Next: Reflect on your motivations for transitioning to consulting. Are you seeking greater variety, higher earning potential, broader industry exposure, or something else? Clarifying your reasons will guide your job search and help you determine if consulting is the right fit for your long-term career goals.
Still running into issues? Share your thoughts on the transition process, specific concerns you have, or any questions about the consulting world. The community is here to help!
Did this exact transition! Three years as a PM at a fintech startup, then McKinsey after b-school. The analytical work wasn’t the hard part - PM experience with stakeholders and problem-solving actually helped a ton. The real shock was the pace and how you present stuff. Product work gives you weeks to iterate, but consulting? You’re pumping out decks every few days for CEOs. Yeah, the money and exit opportunities mattered, plus I was burned out on staying in one industry. Consulting’s cool because you see how different companies solve the same problems.
the biggest adjustment wasn’t the work - it was the lifestyle change. in pm roles, you build long-term relationships with your team. in consulting, you’re constantly starting fresh with new clients every few months. it’s exhausting having to prove yourself over and over. but the learning curve is incredible - you pick up business knowledge way faster than staying in one product area.
lol everyone’s painting this rosy picture but let me be real - half the people who make this switch end up miserable. Sure, the prestige sounds nice but you’re trading actual product ownership for glorified PowerPoint creation. Most consulting “insights” are just common sense wrapped in fancy frameworks that clients could figure out themselves if they weren’t so paralyzed by corporate bureaucracy. The travel gets old fast and you’ll miss having a real team instead of constantly kissing up to new clients who don’t really want your advice anyway.
Made the same switch! Your PM skills transfer perfectly - you’re already used to strategic thinking and complex problem-solving. Best part? Consulting gives you amazing exit ops and you’ll learn way faster. You’re gonna love it!