Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Sectors to prepare for MBB

Hi, 

I am looking to join MBB at undergraduate level but haven't been successful this application cycle. Besides strategy/management consulting, I was wondering which sectors are the next best to work in for a few months or a year to strengthen my resume for the next application cycle? E.g. finance, M&A, tech, research, business development, etc. For context, my past internships are in finance and market research.

Thanks!

9
1.1k
10
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Clara
Coach
on Feb 07, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

First of all, it´s good that you look at this with time. Furthermore, don´t you worry too much when it does not work in the 1st try, is the normal thing to happen! There is a lot of insights gained by trying. 

This said, it´s not so much about the sector/industry but about the: 

  • Skillset developed
  • Scope
  • Exposure

Of course, there are some places where this is clarly met: 

  • Big 4 consulting
  • Boutique consulting
  • Big tech (product management, project management, etc.)
  • IB/PE

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Florian
Coach
on Feb 07, 2021
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

Some ideas. Everything where you train similar skills, e.g.

  • Tier 2/3 consulting
  • Big 4 consulting and their core business
  • Boutique consulting
  • Strategy departments in larger firms
  • Biz Dev in startups
  • IB/ PE (albeit difficulty to enter if MBB rejected you already)

All the best!

Florian

Denis
Coach
on Feb 07, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Hi,

many good options, all with their pros / cons such as difficulty to enter, reputation, learnings, etc.:

  • Non-MBB consulting: all the usual suspects
  • Equity research
  • M&A at Bulge Bracket or Boutique
  • Corporate Development at reputable (i.e. mostly LARGE and WELL-KNOWN global firms)
  • another consecutive degree

Best,
Denis

on Feb 08, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

The best alternatives to land invitations without an MBA are:

  • 2nd-tier consulting companies
  • Strategy roles in top brands

Other options are IB M&A, Business development in startups, VC or PE (although very few people may want to switch from PE and VC to consulting).

Best, 

Francesco

Ken
Coach
on Feb 07, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

There's no ideal sector for MBB applications but an established organisation is often seen as selective/competitive for you to stand out. The other thing to consider is making sure you get a meaningful work experience that ensure you have experience that helps you stand out during your actual interviews.

Good luck!

Deleted user
on Feb 07, 2021

Yep totally agree with other coaches, its less about sector and more about demonstrating consulting skills & impact you have made in the roles/internships/proejects you have done.

9
Deleted user
on Feb 07, 2021

I agree with the other coaches, but would add one new perspective: If you're planning to join as an experienced hire, it doesn't hurt to have experience in some of the big blue chips that the offices you're applying to are serving. If there is a specific focus for the company/office and you can work in some of the key global players in that sector, that's certainly a plus in your application.

7
Ian
Coach
on Feb 07, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

More than "sector" you really have to think role. As in, you need to demonstrate some of the key skills that MBB require (i.e. problem-solving, team-work, leadership, project management, client management, communication skills, etc.).

Tech/IT worked for me, but that's because I was able to 1) Pair it with an MBA and 2) Rise up the ranks with 3 promotions in 3 years, that led to extensive client work, project management, and stakeholder/client management.

on Feb 08, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I recommend business roles in a F500

Best,
Antonello

Similar Questions
Consulting
CV Review Coach
on May 24, 2025
Global
7
600+
Top answer by
Pedro
Coach
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session
20
7 Answers
600+ Views
+4
Consulting
GPA requirement
on Jan 03, 2025
Global
5
1.0k
Top answer by
Thabang
Coach
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)
16
5 Answers
1.0k Views
+2
Consulting
Bain Application
on Aug 23, 2024
Global
5
1.8k
Top answer by
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
35
5 Answers
1.8k Views
+2