Internal IT role to Tech strategy role in MBB and Big4 ?

Question

I've worked for 14 years under my CIO and I devloped the IT strategy, Transformation roadmap and designed the operating model and governance. I would love to switch from this to the tech strategy and transformation role . I don't have an MBA. What is the possibility of landing one ?

Franco B. · Accepted Answer

Hi,
I spent 10 years at BCG, so the perspective I can bring is mainly the MBB one.
1) at 14 years of experience the MBA becomes secondary and what decides the hire is your track record
2) At that seniority MBBs rarely hire pure generalists, so I would build the whole application around your IT strategy, operating model and governance expertise and target the specific tech practices where it is relevant (e.g. BCG TDA or BCG Platinion).
3) Expert hiring is more ad hoc than the standard track, since roles open when a practice has a need, so talk to partners and recruiters in those practices before applying and work on getting a referral.
4) Two things to be ready for. At MBBs the rule is to adjust seniority downward when hiring from outside, so be prepared for a step back in responsibilities.
I would apply to the Big 4 tech consulting practices in parallel, as they hire experienced profiles like yours more regularly. Just check that the role is really strategy, because some of those positions lean toward implementation and that profile is harder to shake later.
If you want a pair of external eyes on your specific situation and more tailor made suggestions, feel free to contact me.
Best,
Franco