Switching into management consulting from a Tier 2 MBA is possible but not via MBB firms initially - you enter via tier 2 consulting or IT consulting strategic arm and then lateral. The OP's path shows this - "T2 MBA can obviously go into management consulting. Not MBB initially, but possible" and his own journey (new IIM → strategic arm of IT consulting firm → product company digital strategy) demonstrates the ladder. Realistic consulting entry paths from new IIMs (Rs 14-16L fees, Rs 17 LPA avg):
- Campus placement: Accenture Strategy, KPMG Strategy, Deloitte Consulting, EY Parthenon tier 2 arms, strategic arms of TCS/Infosys/HCL/Wipro - Rs 12-18 LPA joining,
- Post-2-year experience: Lateral to Strategy&/ADL/LEK/AT Kearney/Roland Berger - Rs 22-30 LPA,
- Post-3-4 year experience: Lateral to Bain/McKinsey/BCG via MBB Associate roles - Rs 35-50 LPA,
- Direct path: Consulting domain + MBA top CGPA + case interviews cracked. For direct MBB entry from new IIM, you need:
- Top 5% CGPA in MBA,
- National level case competition wins (TCS Nat Geo Case Comp, Mahindra War Room final),
- Strong UG college brand (IIT/BITS),
- Prior consulting exposure via SIP,
- Network + lateral referrals. For most new IIM students, the realistic path is IT strategy arm → lateral to tier 2 consulting in 2-3 years → MBB via experienced hire route in 4-5 years if you perform. Tech consulting to management consulting transition within firms is possible but slower. Skills to build: PPT (master), Excel (advanced), case frameworks (learn Case in Point + McKinsey methodology), structured thinking, client communication. Read case prep books pre-MBA + do 50+ mock cases during MBA. For non-engineers transitioning, pick up SQL + basic Python for data-driven consulting roles. The OP's transition to digital strategy at product company shows that consulting experience at tier 2 firms opens doors to high-paying industry strategy roles. Check your eligibility at collvera.com/eligibility