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Hello, so I am applying to fulltime roles in Germany right now but find it a little bit hard.

I finished my master's degree and have 2 questions now. 

1. Do you think it is possible to do a consulting internship after master's graduation? 

2. Can I apply for an internship at Firm X when I got a rejection from them for the full time role? 

Any insights would be highly appreciated. Thank you! 

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Profile picture of Tommaso
Tommaso
Coach
35 min ago
Ex-McKinsey | MBA @ Berkeley Haas | Experienced Hire Specialist | 50% off on 1st meeting in June (DM me for promo code!)

Hey there,

See below my perspective:

1. Possible, but very Firm-specific: some firms have strict rules on internships (e.g., max x months after graduation), others are more flexible

2. You can, but your odds are not great and many companies have a strict 6/12-month waiting period!

Best,
Tom

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Mauro
Coach
28 sec ago
Ex Bain AP | +200 interviews | 15years experience | Top MBB coach

Yes to both, but with some caveats.

1. Can you do a consulting internship after a Master's?

In Germany, some firms allow this, but it depends on the firm and your status.

Many internships are formally targeted at students who are still enrolled. If you've already graduated, some firms may not consider you eligible for their internship programs.

That said, there are exceptions. I've seen candidates do internships after graduation, particularly if:

  • they are between degrees (e.g., before a PhD or MBA)
  • they have a specific arrangement with the firm
  • the office has particular hiring needs

So the answer is: possible, but don't assume every firm will allow it.

2. Can you apply for an internship after being rejected for a full-time role?

Usually yes.

The bigger question is whether the firm thinks an internship is the right entry point for your profile.

If the rejection was because:

  • you lacked experience
  • your interview performance wasn't strong enough
  • the firm wasn't convinced about full-time readiness

then an internship can sometimes be a reasonable alternative.

If the rejection was due to a more fundamental issue (e.g., poor fit with the firm's requirements), then applying for an internship immediately afterward may not change much.

My advice would be to understand why you were rejected. That will tell you much more than whether you should apply for an internship or another full-time role.