Should I wait to apply for a Summer internship if I applied to a FT role last year?

Question

A brief background: I am 2 years out of undergrad working in Tier 2 firm as a technical consultant and pursuing a part time masters in Computer Science from a Top 10 (but non target) school. Undergrad was a non target in CS with a very low GPA. To prove to myself I can perform well academically and override my GPA for MBB or an MBA, I decided to pursue a master's while working.

Not knowing much about management consulting, I unfortunately applied with a sub-par application for FT enty level to McKinsey and BCG last year. Which were rejected during screening process.

Would I be within the cool-off period to apply for a Summer internship (and finish master's full time)?

Or at this point, would it be better for me to wait after graduation and apply FT (potentially better application with promotion/full grad transcripts).

Answer 1

Hi Sri,

The standard ban in MBB for full time is 18 to 24 months. In some cases it can be reduced to 12 or even 6 months, but that’s usually if you perform well in interviews.

Your best option is to network with someone internally to see if he/she can refer you or talk with HR to verify whether an application is possible now. You may also call HR directly but you are probably going to get the standard answer you have to wait.

You can find more on referrals here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi there,

Without much more detailed information about your case it's impossible to say. It depends on too many unknowns here.

But anyway, any answer here will be pure speculation. The only reasonable way to find that out is calling your HR contact of those firms and discuss your individual situation. (yes, calling them, not emailing)

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Answer 3

Hello!

Most of the times, the ban is 12-18 months, to give you time to incorporate to your CV new elements.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

Hi Sri,

I agree with the others, you need to be networking agressively and reaching out regardless.

Given your poor academic record, you need to show them what you're made of through calls etc. Your networking intro can essentially be to figure out whether you would be a good fit for the summer internship. Ultiamtely, you need to get guidance from the recruiters around what they'd like you to do.

I also imagine that you have yet to get any grades/marks for your Master's degree, correct? In which case you haven't yet done much to be a better candidate and you may need to wait...just keep this in mind!

Answer 5

Hi Sri,

The ban is usually given so that the candidate upgrades his/her profile, gets relevant experience in the field, and becomes a better version of him-/herself when applying next time.

Assuming that the freeze period lasts for at least 12 up to 18-24 months, what you can do here is improving your networking hard.

My recommendations would be:

build contacts within the targeted companies - by doing so, you will get a chance to provide yourself with referrals and to get to know if the freeze period could be reduced;
you can contact HR to clear on your particular situation but do not expect much as they might answer in a standard way;
use this time to upgrade your profile; you may need some guidance from an experienced coach later on to maximize your chances.

Was this helpful?

GB

Answer 6

My suggestion is to (a) network to try to get a referral and be taken out of the algorythmic rejection, and (b) focus on applying to other firms for the summer and then apply for full-time after your degree.