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Studying abroad?

Hi there,

I'm currently planning to study abroad(in Europe) this fall. However, I'll also do full-time recruitment at that time. I just wonder if you have any insight about the recruiting mode for next year(will it still be online or maybe hybrid)? If there will be in-person interviews I'll have to cancel my plan. Thanks very much! 

Thanks,

Jacky

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Top answer
on Apr 19, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Jacky,

It is unlikely that a company won’t interview you due to the fact you cannot attend the interview in person. If your profile is considered good and you are too far away, they will most likely propose a video interview.

When you apply, I would recommend to look for referrals and review current trends in consulting, you can find more on that here:

 How to Get an MBB Referral 

 11 New Consulting Trends You Should Know 

Best,

Francesco

on Apr 18, 2022
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there, 

Don't worry about it. They can always accommodate for online. Covid really changed the game and now nobody has a strong expectation of you showing up in person. 

Deleted
Coach
on Apr 19, 2022
Experienced Consultant - Startup Exec|Ex-McK EM, Booz & Co. Consultant | INSEAD MBA

As others have mentioned, they should be more than willing to accomodate you to do it virtually instead. 

This was completely natural even before COVID. I was undergoing first round interviews virtually back in 2016. 

At an extreme, if they want to do an in-person interview, especially for final round and assuming they are doing bulk interviews and you are part of it (e.g., graduting MBA class), then they could extend an offer to fly you to do the interview (as was my case back then). But likely with COVID, this is no longer necessary. 

In short, I would jump at the opportunity to live abroad and grow personally and profesionally - do not let an interview stop you if you have this opportunity in life. 

All the best!
 

Moritz
Coach
on Apr 20, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi Jacky,

Wouldn't worry about it!

Whatever happens with in-person interviews from here onwards, interviews through video calls will likely always remain an option in case interviewers or interviewee aren't around the office. 

I actually had remoted interviews before the pandemic, so this isn't really new. During the pandemic, firms have simply perfected and formalized the process and seem to be quite happy with the results, too!

Hope this helps a bit! Best of luck and enjoy your studies abroad :)

Ian
Coach
on Apr 19, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I agree with Christian - you should be perfectly fine to interview virtually in the fall.

That said, please don't underestimate the importance of in-person relationship building! I don't have the numbers, but I would not be surprised if physically appearing for an interview improves your chances.

Personally, I flew to NYC to interview with NYU as it was my top choice - they were impressed that I made that effort and I was ultimately accepted into the program.

Again, you should still be totally fine, it's just a consideration to keep in mind!

Florian
Coach
on Apr 19, 2022
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi Jacky,

This should not be an issue. Even before COVID, MBB and tier-2 performed video interviews for candidates studying abroad.

Now, this has become the rule rather than an exception.

You will be fine!

All the best with your prep!

Cheers,

Florian

Deleted user
on Apr 19, 2022

This is not an issue. Video interviews wont be a problem.

4
Ken
Coach
on Apr 19, 2022
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Even prior to the COVID pandemic, consultancies have tailored the process for candidates.  I have one VC interviews with McKinsey London office candidates based in e.g., the US.  They may ask you to travel to the local office for final rounds but I would not let that influence whether you do your study abroad or not.

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