Hello, I recently got an offer from MBB as a BA. My start date is September so I still have plenty of time. However, as an insecure overachiever, I have no idea what is waiting for me the working hours,job itself, environment and what should I do to prepare myself. All that mattered before was getting in for me so I didn't pay attention to work itself a lot in the prep process. I know this place is more like a prep site for consulting but I want to know what is next as well. Thank you all in advance!
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Hi there,
Firstly, HUGE congrats on getting the offer! Super well done.
Honestly, one of the most important things to do now is to celebrate yourself & your achievement, and I am not joking. Life is short, and often difficult, so we need to make sure we celebrate the victories in life.
Second, I would recommend to enjoy the months ahead in which your next step is already decided and earned. Once you start at MBB, you will be very busy, so make sure to enjoy the free-time you have now.
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Okay, I'll stop being a life coach now.... and actually give you the answer you're likely looking for: "What could I do to prepare myself for starting work as an MBB consultant".
There are lots of things you "could do", but try to make sure to not overdo it. MBB firms will give you plenty of training and ramp-up opportunities when you join (e.g., they will spend 2-3 weeks in the beginning solely on training, followed by a first staffing where you get the opportunity to ramp-up).
Here are a few other things you "could do" to prep:
1. Practice the Excel basics (e.g., how to do Index-Match/VLookup, etc.)
2. Practice the PPT basics (e.g., what formatting "rules" does your firm tend to have, and how do you follow that in an efficient manner)
3. (Nice to have): Take a Python intro-course, in case you do not have any programming experience --> Todays consulting is different than 10 years ago. Having a basic knowledge of Python, and how to utilize it to wrangle datasets can make you a rockstar associate that can much more efficiently develop models than your excel colleagues.
4. Practice Communications: At MBB, everything is done in teams - having a decent understanding of how to motivate yourself and your team-mates, how to have difficult conversations, how to deliver feedback, etc - can be invaluable. There are plenty of videos online that can help you prep this (or a coach of course).
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There are a few other things you could practice (e.g., how to read an annual statement), but the 4 points above are more than enough to get you ahead of the curve before your internal training when you start with MBB.
Hope this helps!
PS: If you ever feel that you are struggling once you've started your MBB journey, don't hesitate to reach out to a coach here on PrepLounge. The coaches here have been in your shoes and many of them are likely well equipped to help you navigate whatever obstacle(s) you may be facing in your journey.
Sincerely,
Thor
Congrats!
Relax, travel, indulge in hobbies - essentially enjoy the time you have before you start work.
You’ll get all the training/exposure you need once you start.
