Networking prior to campus recruiting

Question

I'll be starting a Master's program this fall and will be participating in on-campus recruitment for MBB firms. Do I still have to network during the summer with the goal of getting a referral? I'm willing to talk to some people to familiarize myself with the industry / get some interview advice but should I be networking to get a referral even if I'm doing on-campus recruiting?

Answer 1

Hello,

you can always start to contact alumni of your master's and who are in MBB to have informal discussions. Then you can ask them if they are OK to offer you a referal.

Best

Answer 2

Hello!

Those alumni events are indeed wonderful opportunities to do the end-to-end (networking, CVs, etc.)

Hence, not really needed that you start in advance, but of course, won´t harm either.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 3

hi,

This would not be required, but no harm to do so. Use those networking opportunities to learn more about the industry, the company and culture etc. This could give you more talking points during your campus recruiting as well.

Cheers,

Emily

Answer 4

Hi,

Referral would definitely improve your chances during the recruitment process.

Best,

Anton

Answer 5

Hi there.

Alumni are a great resource, but also check out if your current cohort (or other classes) include MBB consultants with whom you could actually engage and potentially work together on some projects.

Remember, for someone to refer you they need to (1) know you (2) know that you can pass the interviews (3) know that you would be a good consultant ---- no one wants to recommend someone that they don't know and/or someone who might embarrass them by failing the initial screening/interview

I hope this helps

Khaled

Answer 6

Hi,

Honestly, I think it's a good idea.

On-campus recruiting is a zoo. It's very hard to get noticed, and you really have to hustle.

I love the idea of you reaching out to 1st/2nd degree connections and people with similar backgrounds to at the very least get to know the companies better before recruiting and at the best get a referral locked away!