Which internship for MBB?

Question

Hey guys,

I'm wondering which internship would complete my resume in an adequate way for MBB entry after my master.

I already worked in BIG 4 consulting, Public Sector and Trading in a Bank.
Now I'm struggeling between these options: Bus.Dev. in a start-up, Controlling in a DAX30 company or IB in a small boutique.

What do you think would be the smartest career move?

I'm thankful for any comment!

Best

Answer 1

Hi,

First of all, why don't you want to apply to MBB now? Why do you need these extra steps?

Then options:

Startup - I don't think it's a good option, unless its a big tech. You'll not get a brand. Moreover, Bus dev function in a small startup is the least useful. The only great scenario is a Saas startup where you start as bizdev and build the sales function from a scratch, becoming VP of sales. But I doubt that you can do it with no prior experience
Controlling - better, but quite boring. Consultants don't like auditors:)
IB - here it is. It will give you similar skills as consulting. Go for it

Best

Answer 2

Hey anonymous,

I agree with Vlad that the start-up is most likely your worst option.

However, I tend to disagree on the rank of the remaining two options: I would go for the controlling role. before doing my MBA, I would agree that the IB role could give you additional skills and easier to fit in consulting afterwards, but today I've a completely different view - most of my IB colleagues failed big time in securing an offer from any MBB (the skillset is completely different and I felt completely disappointed when I mcok interview them!). On the other hand, controlling, despite looking a bit boring for some people, prepare you much better for a consulting interview (you will master as few the concepts of profitability and how to play around it!).

Btw, I used to work as a financial controller for two years before joining McKinsey, so it's really first hand knowledge (and controlling is not auditing!!!).

Best

Bruno