Office Selection - MBB FT Undergrad

Question

Hello! I'm a rising senior at a mid-tier Ivy with a poli-sci major and arts minor with most alumni going to the NYC office for MBB and the MBB office that is closest to my school isn the NYC office. I'm interested in NYC, a second tier city think Denver, Seattle, Austin, LA, or Miami and have lived in that city and have work experience in an industry largely based out of that city, but I am also interested in the Middle East Office but I do not have experience or any true connection to MEO except tutoring someone from there, but thats not on my resume or cover letter.

I was wondering how I should allocate my office selection, should I do 100% NYC, or like 60% NYC 40% second tier US city, or like 60% NYC 30% second tier US city, or vice versa, and 10% MEO? Or something different entirely? I'm open to living in all of these cities. I’d appreciate any guidance on how to balance my preferences strategically. Thanks!

Answer 1

There’s no correct answer to this. It really depends on your personal preference.

In the current market, pretty much all MBB offices are very competitive in the regions you have mentioned. I don’t think there’s much point trying to prioritize on that basis.

In your shoes, I would first figure out which city I actually want to live in. Then I would apply to not just MBB, but also a wide range of T2 in that city.

You may have to tell a different story for each area (e.g., if you apply to MEO it’s certainly possible but there needs to be some logic as to why in your CV / application - for example, the type of work you are hoping to do).

Applying to roles in one city will make it easier to just have a coherent story across all of your applications.

That’s just my take though. Others may have a different view.