Choosing employer strategy to maximise admissions chances

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23 years, female, Eastern Europe

Education:
Undergrad - top university in home country, Economics, GPA 4.9/5.0, top 5% in class
Graduate - London School of Economics, MSc Finance/Economics, distinction, department prize, top 5% in class
GMAT 760 (51Q, 41V, 4.0 AWA), TOEFL 116

Work experience:
8 months in top FMCG in home country between undergrad and grad
1.5 years in management consulting for financial institutions after graduating from LSE. Based in London, work about 50% of time in Eastern Europe due to relevant language skills and 50% in Western Europe. Among top performers in the peer group.

I am thinking of applying to MBA within the next 2 years (not applying this year, as not enough work experience). I just need a sense check on my strategy given that I will be targeting top-tier US schools (say Harvard/Stanford level).
Would I have more leverage if I come from top3 consulting firm vs my current employment situation? The reason I chose my current employer was the opportunity to be based in London and work internationally vs. going to top3 consulting in my home country and stay in the home region 100% of my time. With my language skills the probability of cracking top3 firms in London (i.e. outside of language region) is virtually impossible. My current firm specialises in consulting for financial sector firms only, but in that area we compete with top3 consultancies successfully. How would such employment choice look in the eyes of admissions committees?

Sorry, I don't want to be more specific on my employers' names. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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by Jon@Admissionado » Fri Jan 27, 2012 2:08 am
You are fine!
Yes, there is a slight advantage when you come from McKinsey, but if you are in a solid firm, that alone is no cause for worry (plus given your GMAT and GPA, I wouldn't worry at all). At any rate far more important than WHERE you work is WHAT you do with your time there. If you can show success, measurable achievement, and quick progression, you are good coming from almost any company.
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