Switching careers pre-MBA to entry-level role in tech

Question

Currently : I've been working as a consultant for 4 years, in the business consulting arm of an IT services firm (think Cognizant/Capgemini), currently at Senior Consultant (London-based). Got several promotions, in a shorter time than usual.

MBA aim : I'd like to do an MBA (starting 2021 or 2022) at a top school (LBS/INSEAD/M7 - I know, long shot), and post MBA would want to transition into tech, probably PM.

pre-MBA career : I'd like to transition into tech even before the MBA if I can, mostly in an attempt to strengthen my profile, partly because I know it's where I want to be anyway.

Question : Since breaking into tech ain't easy, I'm personally happy to take an entry-level role in tech - as a stepping stone. However, I don't know if this shatters my MBA chances, since that junior position is likely to be my last job pre-MBA. Thoughts?

The kind of roles I'm looking at are below. The companies are mostly unknown tech startups, some in fintech (20-200 people).

a) Junior PM / Associate PM / Product Owner

b) Product Analyst

c) Business Analyst / Data Analyst

d) Customer Success Manager (I feel CSM is less entry-level than the rest, but not sure how it's seen by adcoms? Also, as a CSM I reckon I can push for some well-known firms e.g. Stripe, LinkedIn - would this make a big difference?)

Your thoughts would be much appreciated!

tldr: Should I leave consulting for entry-level role in a tech startup pre-MBA?

CrackVerbalShree · Answer

Hi LeWildCamper,

With 4 years of experience as a consultant for an IT services firm - I am assuming you have been responsible for numbers and bringing in revenue for the Business.
This means you would have worked good account management skills, client management and a good understanding of the technology services your company offers.

It is good to have exposure in different aspects of business, however, would suggest you choose roles that complement your current skills to strengthen your profile.

A product owner might be the person who is focusing on technical features and roadmaps. Working very closely with the tech team and the sales team to make business viable products.

Similarly, do evaluate the skills required to get to the other roles you have listed and make sure it complements your skills and is inline to your post-MBA goal too.

Regards,
Shree

LeWildCamper · Answer

Thanks Shree

Admissionado · Answer

I would not recommend it for a couple of reasons. First, although it would be less of an issue for European schools (which tend to skew a bit older) top US b-schools are typically looking for applicants who have 3-5 years of experience upon matriculation. You're in a good spot now with 4 years (which would put you at the 5 year mark if you apply this fall & start in 2020) but if you wait & get another job -- and then give yourself at least a year or two in that new job so you can demonstrate some meaningful accomplishments -- you're going to end up being quite a bit on the older end, which will hurt your candidacy. Second, as you point out, this transition will likely mean taking a step down, which will also hurt your candidacy. The adcom wants to see career progression and is unlikely to be forgiving of a step backwards. Taking a step down will also hurt your ability to show meaningful accomplishments (since you'll be more junior) which will be a strike against you as well. That said, you really don't need this tech experience prior to applying. Many people use b-school as a chance to make a career change, and the idea is that once armed with an MBA you will be prepared for a more senior role than you could secure right now. As long as you've done enough research on the industry to be able to make a compelling case for the work you want to do post-MBA it's totally fine if you don't actually have tech experience. You will want to be sure to do your homework though. Saying you want to be a product manager at a tech firm is still quite broad. They'll want to know your 2-3 target firms & the specific type of product you hope to work on. You'll not only want to be ready to speak to the big trends expected to impact that type of product/that niche within the tech industry & what that translates to in terms of challenges & opportunities for companies in that space. That will then allow you to paint a picture of the unique impact you plan to have in the ST & LT as you tackle those problems & take advantage of those opportunities. It's critical to be specific though like I said - there are a lot of different tech products out there & you'll have a much different argument if you are talking about working on a product like gmail vs. a product in the self-driving car space or iOT.

I hope that helps! If you have more questions feel free to reach out to us directly. Claudia at [email protected] can set you up with a free consultation with one of our MBA Consultants for a free consultation.

LeWildCamper · Answer

That's very helpful, thanks Jon!

Admissionado · Answer

Happy to help!

Switching careers pre-MBA to entry-level role in tech

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