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Summer Internships in big consulting firms- MBB, LEK, etc

I'm doing my graduation in a Tier 1 college. I have a very strong profile, but couldn't make it past the CV shortlists due to external factors. 
I have already interned at multiple smaller firms, and hence I'm super keen to intern with big firms and get an FTE later on. These firms usually don't have any openings- what do I do about it? Will cold emailing get me an offer? If yes, then how do I go about it?

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Ariadna
Coach
23 hrs ago
BCG London | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School

Hi there, 

The MBBs usually have some form of on-campus recruiting, especially in top schools. From your message I understand you might have fallen outside of their typical recruitment window? 

Assuming you are not able to get into the next one either (e.g., you graduate already), but you are interested in consulting long term, my suggestion would be to stay open in getting a FT role in one of the companies you have already interned at. This will prove your continued interested in consulting and will provide a good reasoning on why you want to continue in an MBB - basically applying as a (semi) experienced hire later on. 

Hope this helps, 

Ariadna 

22 hrs ago
Most Awarded Coach on the platform | Ex-McKinsey | 90% success rate

Cold emailing won't help. 

You need to apply when they are open for applications. 

They almost always make these deadlines public. It's also good to get in touch with the recruiter from the office you are targeting and confirm the deadline with them. 

If the deadlines have passed or you've been screened out already, there's much that you can do about these rather than wait. 

In the meantime, you can apply to smaller firms to get into the industry, and then you can make a lateral move later on. 

If you're at the application stage, this guide should prove useful:


Best,
Cristian

Jenny
Coach
14 hrs ago
Buy 1 get 1 free for 1st time clients | Ex-McKinsey Manager & Interviewer | +7 yrs Coaching | Go from good to great

Hi there,

Cold-emailing HR usually isn’t how big companies source interns, though it doesn’t hurt to try. A more effective approach is connecting with consultants for a coffee chat or call, focusing on genuinely learning about their work and office. You can mention your interest in internships, and sometimes they’ll offer to refer you, but it’s best to build the relationship first. 

6 hrs ago
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

If you are recruiting as a student - you have to go through the on campus recruitment (OCR) process.

If you try there and don't succeed, then there are still 2 paths:

  • Work a few years at Tier 2 consulting firm
  • Work a few years in a big brand industry name

Then after that you can apply again as an experienced hire. 

All the best!