Hi, going to a top business school in Sept. I know recruiting happens in first semester on campus.
Is there any way to secure an internship a summer internship MBB (for the following summer) before arriving on campus? I read something about it being possible through affinity or diversity groups.
Hi there,
Generally speaking, summer internship roles go through the same process as full time roles, which is to say there is a defined time table, set of steps, etc and therefore you’d need to somehow slot into the schedule of the class of the year ahead of you (vs self generating a process).
I haven’t heard any one doing this. I’m not saying its not possible but its certainly not common. I’d say you’d have the most success with offices that are small/new where the leadership team would be impressed by your hustle and passion.
For what it’s worth, getting a summer internship is great. Not only do you have a job locked in for the 2nd half of your MBA (whilst everyone else is stressed and looking for a job) but you also get a free look at what consulting's like whilst getting paid oodles.
Hope that helps!
B.
This was the case in 2022 and a few of the students I coached (from minority backgrounds) landed offers prior to starting the MBA. However, they paused this in 2023 for the most part and I am not sure if it is happening again. It could be helpful to reach out to your MBA career advisors and check.
In the United States, for minority backgrounds, yes this can be a thing. Or, at the very least you can have an interview secured.
Remember, it's going to depend on the firm, and networking is as important as ever here!
How to Get a Consulting Internship - Tips and Tricks
That's a great question actually.
In short, it depends on the region that you're in and the firms you're targeting.
Basically, you need to clarify for yourself what firms you'd be interested in, then reach out to the respective recruiters from your target office, and ask them directly.
If you're part of an affinity / diversity group, do mention this proactively as they might have specific programs for you.
In terms of diversity, here's a bit more info on how this plays a role in the recruitment process:
Good luck!
Cristian
Hi there,
Q: Is there any way to secure a summer internship MBB (for the following summer) before arriving on campus?
I once helped a candidate who interviewed right before starting an MBA, and they offered to postpone the starting date after the MBA itself. Based on my experience, this is not common though.
Good luck!
Francesco
