The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Management Consultant (Post-MBA/Experienced Hire)
3-5 years post-MBA in a top-tier consulting firm.Skills to master
- Hypothesis-driven problem solving, executive communication, structured analysis, stakeholder management across diverse industries.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple workstreams or smaller projects for consulting clients.
- Consistently received strong performance reviews from clients and internal leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new industries and business models.
- 2
Corporate Development / M&A Associate
4-7 years in a corporate development or M&A role, typically post-investment banking.Skills to master
- Advanced financial modelling, valuation techniques, due diligence processes, understanding of deal structures.
You're ready to move on when
- Played a key role in multiple successful M&A transactions (from target identification to integration planning).
- Strong command of complex financial analysis and deal rationale.
- Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
- 3
Strategic Projects Associate (Internal Promotion)
2-3 years as a Strategic Projects Associate at Zavmo (L2).Skills to master
- Deep understanding of Zavmo's business model, internal stakeholders, and data sources. Proven ability to own and deliver complex workstreams.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeded expectations in the Associate role, taking on increasingly complex tasks.
- Demonstrated strong leadership potential and mentorship capabilities for junior colleagues.
- Proactively identified and proposed solutions to business problems beyond assigned tasks.