2nd Consulting- vs Start-Up internship abroad when aiming for MBB

Question

Hi everybody,

I am in my second master's semester at one of the typical business schools in continental Europe, currently undergoing a (T3) consulting internship. Compared with former internship experiences across banking and US-Tech, consulting is what I enjoy the most so far, meaning that at this point of time, I could very much imagine starting my career here after graduation. Subsequently, I am obviously aiming for a role at MBB where I, however, was rejected at CV-screening stage half a year ago.

For the upcoming summer, I am now holding two internship offers where I would love to ask for your thoughts and advice on which offer to accept, etc.:

1) Another consulting firm of equal reputation and brand

2) Business Development at Tech Start-Up abroad in London

Given my stated long-term goal (at this point of time at least) of working at MBB, one might usually opt for option 1) to gain more experience in the same field. That being said, I am unsure if simply more "quantity" would have a large impact on my chances when re-applying at MBB if there was no next step in terms of firm reputation, etc. In the same sense, I would be interested whether "changing perspectives" with option 2) + going abroad would have any positive/negative impact when applying at MBB later on. I am, frankly speaking, kind of attracted of going to London over the summer and experiencing a whole new setting compared to my current experiences. However, I would like to keep my chances at MBB high, too.

Looking forward to your input & Many thanks in advance

Answer 1

" I am, frankly speaking, kind of attracted of going to London over the summer and experiencing a whole new setting compared to my current experiences"

I personally think you have your answer here. You're going to enjoy the experience you're already excited for much more. Here, you'll fit in, thrive, and develop much further. I think, in your gut, you've already made up your mind. Go with your gut :)

Answer 2

Hi there,

Both options are fine. If you find more interesting the startup experience – go for that. There won’t be any major impact on your CV if you don’t go for the consulting internship, given that you already have experience with that.

I hired several people in BD internship roles in my first startup and those that wanted to move to consulting after did manage to do so without any issues.

Best,
Francesco

Answer 3

Hey there,

Congrats on the 2 offers! :-)

I'd personally lean towards the consulting role for prestige and skills transfer. However, any idea why you failed the screening stage?

I always argue to optimize the following 4 dimensions when aiming at MBB:

University
Career
Experience abroad
Extracurriculars

If you tell me you are strong in all but experience abroad, then that might change my answer in favor of the startup.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

Go to London - you will enjoy the experience especially because you are already leaning in that direction. There will be no negative consequences on your likelihood of getting into MBB based on that.

The bigger issue is being rejected at the screening round. What University and what course are you doing?

Udayan

Answer 5

Hello,

If the new internship is not a significant step-up in terms of brand I would suggest to do simply what you prefer. They will ask you why, after trying consulting, you decided to change but you can answer this quite easily using 3 main levers:

International experience and curiosity are two things that MBB value a lot
You wanted to try something different before making a choice for your first job and now you are completely sure about consulting
Start-up environment and entrepreneurial spirit are always a good add-on

Best,
Luca

Answer 6

I agree with the other coaches. Both internships provide an additional label in your CV that will help strengthen your profile. Do what you feel gives you the more interesting learning opportunity.

Answer 7

Hi there,

congrats on both offers!

Both options are great. I personally think that the tech start-up might be more interesting and hence efficient for you simply due to the facts that a) it's a new experience and b) it's in London which you are curious about.

Hope it helps!

GB

Answer 8

Hello!

By reading your very detailed post, seems that what you want to do is go to London and keep exploring :)

The good thing thing here is that you would not make a mistake with any of the options. Hence, at this point, follow your heart and your passion, that is a guarantee.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 9

HI, first of all congrats on the offers! I confirm both experiences will be relevant, I would prioritize what you are really interested in, and from your words I guess it's the start-up

Best,
Antonello

Answer 10

I would recommend exploring the option that you think you'll enjoy / learn more from. There's no reason you would be at a disadvantage for FT hiring in consulting if you didn't intern in consulting, and if anything would add an edge