Are AI layoffs at McKinsey and consulting firms a real threat for IIM Calcutta grads?

AI and layoffs at MBB firms affect bottom 25-30% of junior consultants while top 5-10% have best results - IIM Calcutta grads facing this threat should focus on being in top 5-10% through continuous upskilling. The OP (ex-consultant now in strategy) gave nuanced data - "Top 5-10% will always have the best results. Bottom 25% will easily be replaced by AI. Rest 65-70% will go through existential crisis, at least for the next couple of years" and confirmed McKinsey AI-related layoffs were "mostly back office non-client facing roles, not JCs (Junior Consultants)." Reality of AI impact on consulting at IIM C level (Rs 27L fees, Rs 34.23 LPA avg):

1. Top 5-10% (elite performers): AI is a tool they leverage, career accelerates, compensation jumps,

1. Bottom 25% (under-performers): Automatable work - basic research, slide formatting, model building - easily replaced by AI tools,

1. Middle 65-70% (average performers): Pressure to upskill, 40-60 hour work weeks, slower promotion cycles, existential worry. Roles most at risk:

1. Junior analyst roles at big 4 consulting (data entry + basic modeling),

1. Research analyst positions at tier 2 consulting,

1. Back office strategy roles at corporates,

1. Model building + formatting-heavy positions. Roles least at risk:

1. Senior consultant + manager positions at MBB (client relationship + strategy synthesis),

1. Expert network positions (deep industry expertise),

1. C-suite advisory roles,

1. Implementation + change management consulting (relationship-heavy). Strategy for IIM C grads to stay in top 5-10%:

1. Master AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor) for productivity,

1. Develop domain expertise (pick 2-3 industries, go deep),

1. Build client-facing skills through project leadership,

1. Upskill in data science + coding basics,

1. Network within and outside consulting for lateral opportunities. Corporate politics and favouritism remain the biggest factors beyond AI - OP said that was the real driver of his transition to strategy. Hours and work-life balance remained similar across consulting and strategy - didn't improve with switch. Ex-MBB tag does help in getting better salary + title at strategy roles - Rs 32-50 LPA range for 3-5 year ex-consultants. Check your eligibility at collvera.com/eligibility