I’m pretty convinced that strategy consulting is where I want to take my career next. I’m not bothered by the long hours, and I think it matches my skills better than my current job. The problem is I don’t really know how to get started.
A bit about me: I studied law and worked at a corporate law firm for a while. It was okay but felt too narrow for someone like me who’s interested in business and finance stuff. So I switched to a finance position here in London. The money is decent for my age and I’m doing well at the company, but honestly, the work feels pretty boring and doesn’t let me be creative at all.
Since university, I’ve also started several small businesses on the side. Some made a bit of money, one completely failed, and one actually hit six figures in revenue. I know jumping between careers doesn’t look great on paper, but I feel like all this experience would actually help me in consulting.
I don’t have an MBA, but I do have a law degree from a good UK university. I got top marks in economics and business during A-levels, and I’ve got real corporate experience now. In my current finance job, I talk to CEOs and private equity firms regularly, so I think I’d be comfortable with that aspect of consulting too. I’ve also done internships in PE, insurance, and worked with a direct-to-consumer startup.
The main issue is I don’t know anyone in consulting. I work in central London, so if anyone has advice, I’d love to buy you coffee or jump on a call.
Would really appreciate any guidance or even honest feedback if you think I’m being unrealistic!
your background’s actually way stronger than most people breaking into consulting. law + finance + real business experience? that’s gold.
skip the big firms for now - smaller strategy shops move faster and won’t nitpick your “non-traditional” path. or try internal strategy roles first. tons of ftse companies hire externally for their strategy teams, and it’s an easier jump.
Your path’s not as weird as you think. Tons of successful consultants started in law - that analytical thinking and structure actually works great for strategy. What matters now is showing real passion for business transformation, not just that you want out of your current job. Focus hard on case prep using Victor Cheng or CaseCoach. Your finance background gives you quantitative creds that pure strategy people often don’t have. Try boutique firms first - LEK, Roland Berger, Oliver Wyman. They’re way more flexible with non-traditional backgrounds and better at mentoring career switchers. London consulting recruiting peaks in autumn, so you’ve got time to network. Hit up consulting events at LBS or Imperial - most are open to working professionals. Your startup experience is solid proof for client situations, just frame it around insights that scale rather than personal wins.
Your entrepreneurial background is a huge differentiator - most consulting applicants don’t have a six-figure business under their belt. That shows real problem-solving skills that MBAs often lack. Strategy firms are actively looking for diverse backgrounds right now, especially with how complex markets have become. You should definitely target MBB experienced hire programs since they recruit people with 2-4 years outside consulting. Your PE interactions and CEO exposure are gold for case interview stories. Start with alumni from your university who made the jump to consulting. For LinkedIn outreach, I’ve seen 15-20% response rates when you personalize messages to consultants with similar backgrounds. Also worth hitting up Strategy& or Deloitte events in London - much better for natural networking than cold calls.
You’re overthinking this. I jumped from corporate banking 3 years ago and the “non-traditional” thing barely matters anymore. Your law background gives you something most consultants lack - actual due diligence and contract experience that clients deal with every day. Don’t hide your varied path, show how each move was strategic. That six-figure business? Pure client credibility.
Skip the formal coffee meetings for networking. Hit up Strategy Society events or LSE consulting club mixers instead - way more natural conversations. Reach out to recent hires, not partners. They remember the struggle and will share war stories over a pint.
Honestly mate, you’re overcomplicating this. Everyone’s hyping your background, but let’s be real - you still need to crush those case interviews like everyone else. Your law degree won’t impress McKinsey partners, and they definitely don’t care about old A-level marks.
That said, real business experience beats another generic MBA. This video breaks down networking if you’re serious:
Don’t expect miracles from coffee chats though - half these consultants are too swamped billing hours to give real advice.
You’re golden! That business success shows real results most consultants never achieve. Apply online and network at the same time - firms love career switchers with fresh perspectives and proven track records.
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