Hi Folks,
I'm an undergrad at SRCC, DU (about to graduate in 2027). My profile stands at 96/97/~8.5 for 10th/12th and grad scores right now, with decent PoRs across finance and consulting socs (some live projects with the same), and finally internships across a VC firm, a private credit firm and the most consulting-aligned one being at the back-end of an MBB. High chances that a return offer may not be received from the same as they're already overstaffed, but regardless of the same, I had been wanting to explore more front-end roles, or ones having a more direct impact such as strategy roles in large firms.
Good on-campus roles are few (MBBK & DB/GS/MS, taking a total of ~10 hires though), with the others being either back-end or/and poor pay. I'm not looking for something way out of my reach, but rather a good launchpad for a future MBA which also pays me a respectable amount so that I don't need to rely on my parents anymore- would be a bit shameful and a told-you-so situation since I dropped their recommended career path of pursuing CA lol.
I just needed an insight on what would be the best approach to pursue off campus roles- cold mailing? chats over linkedin? and what could be some realistic roles and companies for me. The college network is known to be vast but rather unwelcome to help in terms of hiring, so wouldn't really rely on the same- while still trying to leverage the brand name of it as well as my workex.
Off Campus Strategy/Consulting roles and approach as a T1 Commerce Undergrad (India)
Hi,
Based on the info you shared, your profile seems strong even without an IIT/IIM name behind it: top commerce school, excellent academics and relevant internships, the MBB one included. So the challenge is getting in front of the right people, not whether you are good enough.
The key thing about off-campus is that it does not mean skipping the normal process. The most effective route is to network your way to a referral inside a target firm, someone who gets your CV past the screen, then apply through their standard channel.
So I would focus there. Both cold mail and LinkedIn work for a first contact. Prioritise profiles you have some connection with: recent grads from your college in strategy roles, and anyone you met during the MBB internship. When they reply, take the time to build a real conversation, a coffee chat or a proper call, so they see genuine interest and are happy to put a referral behind you rather than just replying politely.
On which roles and companies, I believe that with your CV and the right entry point you can realistically aspire to the full Tier 1 and Tier 2 consulting field, so I would not restrict myself to lower tiers just because you don't come from a target school.
If you want, send me your CV by DM and I can give you a sharper steer on the roles that fit and how to position yourself.
Federico
hey Archit!
yes, I’d definitely pursue off campus opportunities given your profile. Your SRCC brand, strong academics and MBB experience already give you a very credible starting point, so I wouldn’t worry too much about not getting the return offer.
I’d prioritize warm introductions and targeted LinkedIn outreach over generic cold emails. Reach out to people in strategy, consulting and corporate development roles, with a very specific ask and a short message. For roles, I’d look at strategy and business operations, corporate development, growth strategy, boutique consulting and potentially Tier 2 consulting firms. Your MBB backend experience can also be positioned strongly if you can clearly demonstrate the analytical and problem solving work you did.
And honestly, don’t undersell yourself because of the lack of a return offer. You have a strong profile for someone graduating in 2027. Let me know if you have more questions, happy to help!
best,
Alessa :)
Hi,
Yes - going to IIM (hopefully A ;)) as the goal is the smart move.
For now, your best bet is really both LinkedIn and cold emailing (based on some smart guessing of syntax and name detail).
I would try for:
- Full time consulting roles in T2 consulting
- Management Associate programs in renown MNCs
All the best!
