Best career path forward? (UK)

Seeking Guidance on Career Path Forward (UK)

Hello everyone,

I am currently working in a graduate position in management consulting at a firm that’s ranked just below the Big 4—similar to Accenture, PA Consulting, or Capgemini Invent. While I enjoy the work, I’ve noticed that the pay and opportunities for advancement aren’t quite what I anticipated; in fact, they are even slower compared to the public sector up to the managerial level. Initially, I aimed for a role at MBB or a top-tier strategy firm, but I wasn’t successful in securing one.

At this point, I’m exploring a transition into finance in London, specifically targeting positions in equity research, asset and wealth management, and possibly founder’s associate opportunities with startups. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has made a similar transition or has insights into these fields.

A bit about my background:

Education: Achieved a 2.1 in Law from a reputable UK university (think Bristol, Nottingham, Exeter) and secured AAA at A-levels.
Experience: Before my consulting role, I worked in policy at Whitehall.

My main questions are:

What’s the best approach to enter these finance roles with a consulting background?
Which positions typically offer the best compensation and opportunities for growth?
Considering my background, what roles would be most suitable and realistic for me to target?

Any insights, advice, or personal experiences you can share would be incredibly helpful! Thank you!

Hi there!

It sounds like you’re at an exciting crossroads in your career, and it’s great to hear that you are exploring options that align with your interests and goals. Here are some thoughts on your questions:

Breaking into finance Roles: Transitioning from management consulting to finance is definitely feasible, especially since you already have analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued in finance. Here are some steps you can take:
Networking: Start connecting with professionals in the finance industry through LinkedIn, alumni networks, and industry events. Informational interviews can provide insights and potentially open up job opportunities.
Skill Development: Consider taking relevant courses or certifications to bolster your finance knowledge (e.g., CFA for investment roles, financial modeling courses).
Leverage Your Background: Highlight your consulting experience, especially any financial analysis or strategy work, in your applications. Tailor your CV to showcase your transferable skills.
Roles with Good Pay and Progression:
Equity Research & Investment Banking: These roles often provide high compensation, especially if you have strong quantitative and analytical skills. However, they can be demanding in terms of hours.
Asset/Wealth Management: These roles can offer a good work-life balance while still providing solid pay and progression opportunities, especially if you enjoy relationship management and strategy.
Founder’s Associate Roles: If you’re interested in startups, these roles can be rewarding but may vary widely in pay and progression. They can offer growth potential and valuable experience in fast-paced environments.
Best Fit Given Your Background:
Considering your law degree, analytical mind from consulting, and experience in policy, you might thrive in roles that require strong analytical, communication, and strategic-thinking skills, like equity research or asset management.
If you lean towards entrepreneurship, a founder’s associate role could also be a great match, allowing you to apply your consulting experience in a dynamic setting.

Ultimately, it’s a balance of what excites you, where you think you will excel, and the lifestyle you want. It’s worthwhile to explore these options through internships or shadowing opportunities to better understand what each role entails.

Good luck with your decision! If you have any specific companies you’re targeting or other questions, feel free to share!

One response

APAdmin

26 March 2025 at 9:19 AM
Hi there!

It sounds like you’re at an exciting crossroads in your career, and it’s great to hear that you are exploring options that align with your interests and goals. Here are some thoughts on your questions:
1. Breaking into finance Roles: Transitioning from management consulting to finance is definitely feasible, especially since you already have analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued in finance. Here are some steps you can take:
2. Networking: Start connecting with professionals in the finance industry through LinkedIn, alumni networks, and industry events. Informational interviews can provide insights and potentially open up job opportunities.
3. Skill Development: Consider taking relevant courses or certifications to bolster your finance knowledge (e.g., CFA for investment roles, financial modeling courses).
4. Leverage Your Background: Highlight your consulting experience, especially any financial analysis or strategy work, in your applications. Tailor your CV to showcase your transferable skills.
5. Roles with Good Pay and Progression:
6. Equity Research & Investment Banking: These roles often provide high compensation, especially if you have strong quantitative and analytical skills. However, they can be demanding in terms of hours.
7. Asset/Wealth Management: These roles can offer a good work-life balance while still providing solid pay and progression opportunities, especially if you enjoy relationship management and strategy.
8. Founder’s Associate Roles: If you’re interested in startups, these roles can be rewarding but may vary widely in pay and progression. They can offer growth potential and valuable experience in fast-paced environments.
9. Best Fit Given Your Background:
10. Considering your law degree, analytical mind from consulting, and experience in policy, you might thrive in roles that require strong analytical, communication, and strategic-thinking skills, like equity research or asset management.
11. If you lean towards entrepreneurship, a founder’s associate role could also be a great match, allowing you to apply your consulting experience in a dynamic setting.
Ultimately, it’s a balance of what excites you, where you think you will excel, and the lifestyle you want. It’s worthwhile to explore these options through internships or shadowing opportunities to better understand what each role entails.

Good luck with your decision! If you have any specific companies you’re targeting or other questions, feel free to share!
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Seeking Guidance on Career Path Forward (UK)

A bit about my background:

My main questions are:

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