Networking Events

Hi there,

Networking can really can make a difference when targeting MBB, Tier 2, or Big 4 strategy roles.

Here are a few types of events to look out for as a graduate:

1. Firm-hosted campus events:
   If you're currently at university (especially a target school), most top firms host presentations, panels, or networking dinners on campus in the autumn and spring. These are often your best chance to meet consultants directly.
2. Virtual insight days and masterclasses:
   Many firms now run online events for broader access. These might include case workshops, Q&As with consultants, or sessions tailored to underrepresented groups. Keep an eye on the careers pages of Bain, BCG, McKinsey, and others — they’re usually listed there.
3. Diversity and affinity events:
   Firms like McKinsey and BCG offer special programs for women, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups. These often come with the chance to fast-track to interviews.
4. Industry conferences and student societies:
   Events run by business clubs, consulting societies, or even larger conferences (like Bright Network, SEO London, or Elevate) often feature firm representatives and application insights.
5. Coffee chats and informal outreach:
   If you’re not at a target school, it’s worth proactively reaching out to recent alumni or junior consultants via LinkedIn. Many firms are receptive to informal chats and can guide you toward events or application tips.

I’d recommend signing up to each firm's careers newsletter and checking LinkedIn regularly for upcoming events.

Best, 

Evelina

In addition to what has already been said, Many Partners and consultants do share which events they’re attending right on their LinkedIn posts or activity feed. Especially around recruiting season, they’ll post things like:

• “Looking forward to meeting candidates at the McKinsey Women’s Leadership Event this Friday.”
• “I’ll be at the BCG Amsterdam Networking Dinner for prospective interns — feel free to say hi.”
• “Join us at the Bain Middle East Strategy Night — spots limited!”

So what can you do?

1. Follow key Partners and Recruiters on LinkedIn (especially those in your target office).
2. Regularly check their ‘Activity’ tab → ‘Posts’ to spot events they’re promoting.
3. Once they announce an event:
    
   • If it’s open: Register quickly.
   • If it’s closed/invite-only: Politely message them. Example:
     “Hi [Name], I saw your post about the [Event Name] at [Location/School]. I’m a recent graduate actively exploring a consulting career, especially in [your region or sector]. I’d love the chance to attend or learn more — would you recommend a way to get involved?”

This strategy helped me and many others get into invite-only sessions that weren’t advertised elsewhere.

Let me know your target firm or region — I can help identify key people to follow.

Hello! The best way to secure an interview is to attend networking events organized by the office of your choice, so you can already interact with the local recruiting team and consultants, who will typically offer additional time for 1:1s, etc. 

You will find these events on their LinkedIn pages (or the LinkedIn of the recruiter / TA for that office) as well as on their website. For instance, you can find McK events here: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/mckinsey-recruiting-events-and-initiatives/overview. By the way, for BCG it is key to know someone local who can refer you. The good thing is that most of these events are done online these days (except those that are school-specific) but you can still interact and get a foot on the door via zoom!! 

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• I would advise you to check the official careers pages of your target consulting firms. They list all upcoming networking events, both in-person and virtual.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

Reach out to your career centre at the university because they likely already have a list of those, and can provide access and potentially even discounts (or free membership). 

Aside from this, your best bet is to do 1-on-1 coffee chats with people in consulting. You're more likely to get something out of these rather than big conferences. 

I wrote two articles that lay out how to conduct these conversations and get referrals:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

Best,
Cristian