Networking MBB

Hi there,

Happy to help! Here’s how the session would be structured:

1. Strategy (10–15 min):
Quick overview of what works when networking with MBB partners — and common pitfalls to avoid.

2. Outreach (20–25 min):
We’ll go through tailored email/LinkedIn templates for cold outreach, referrals, and follow-ups — customized to your background. We’ll cover who to reach out to, why certain profiles are more responsive, and how to tailor your approach. 

3. Live feedback (15–20 min):
We’ll refine your draft messages and work on how to confidently lead partner conversations.

Resources you’ll get:

• Outreach templates (cold emails, follow-ups, thank yous)
• A networking playbook
• Tips to turn chats into referrals

You’ll leave with clear next steps, polished messages, and a smart MBB networking approach.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.
 

Best,
Evelina

Hi,

Besides the coaching session, take a look into the articles of the platform covering this exact topic.

Best,

Mari

1. If you're already in the firm and trying to network with partners internally:
Make the most of your internal directory and staffing system. Be clear about your ask, whether it’s a conversation about your journey at the firm, an interest in their sector, or guidance on transferring offices or switching tracks.

Keep your message short, professional, and respectful of their time. Mention any mutual context (office, practice, or recent work). Ideally, get introduced by someone they already know, like your EM or someone who’s worked with them before that can vouch for you. Partners are more open when it comes through a warm internal connection, and/or if you directly offer to help them out on a client development piece, a letter of proposal or knowledge pieces published internally to "prove yourself" before getting staffed on a long term engagement with them.

2. If you're not in the firm and trying to network with MBB partners externally:
You can try, but your chances of getting a reply are low unless you have a very strong mutual connection or a highly relevant reason for reaching out. Most partner inboxes are flooded and anything that sounds like a cold request will usually be ignored.

If you still want to reach out, be respectful and keep it to three lines. Mention your background, why their specific office or sector interests you, and ask for a short call if they have time. Don’t ask for a referral, and don’t chase if there’s no reply.

A better strategy is to build relationships with Associates, EMs, or Principals / Associate Partners first. These are the people who understand the recruiting process and are more likely to help if they see you're serious. If they vouch for you, it can open doors higher up.

I’m not sure that you actually need to pay for a coaching session for this one.

I’d recommend reading the articles on PrepLounge covering this topic. 

Also, try to connect with the senior consultants in a non-generic way (e.g., ask them about the exact type of work they’re doing, try to connect based on educational background etc)

Hi there,

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

• First of all, I would advise you not to target partners, but all other, less senior leaders of consulting firms to provide you with a referral, unless you want to network just for the sake of it.
• Moreover, while there is no set way of doing this, please feel free to reach out to me directly as the most recommended coach if you don't feel you can manage building a rapport with your potential referrers independently.

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

Great question — and honestly, you’re not alone. I was in the exact same situation when I moved to Dubai: no alumni network, no warm intros, and no real access to MBB circles. But I still managed to break through and land interviews (and eventually offers) by strategically networking with partners and senior leaders — primarily through LinkedIn.

Here’s how I approach this, and what I can share with you in a coaching session:

1. Targeting – Who exactly to reach out to (based on geography, function, seniority), and why some profiles are more responsive than others.
2. Messaging Strategy – We’ll craft your outreach messages together. These are short, clear, and tailored to spark interest — no generic “Hi can I pick your brain?” messages. If you bring something unique (a thesis, relevant experience, insight on a market), we’ll build around that.
3. Follow-ups and Conversion – How to turn a cold message into a call or referral, and what to say once you’re in front of them. Most people waste these chances by either overselling or staying vague. I’ll help you be concrete and memorable.
4. Templates & Playbook – I’ll share tested templates I’ve used myself and with clients — what to say in a first message, how to follow up, and how to close with a clear ask. You’ll walk away with a ready-to-use toolkit.
    

All of this is based on real-world experience. I had to reach out to hundreds of people to land my McKinsey internship and later my BCG offer — without a target school brand behind me.

If that sounds helpful, I’d be happy to walk you through it and tailor it to your profile.