Which is better - Strategy internships at startups or analyst roles at T3/ botiques?

Hi,

If your long-term objective is consulting, the analyst role at a credible boutique would be the most relevant option. However, I would prioritize the substance of the experience over the job title.

Compare the opportunities based on:

• The level of ownership you would have.
• The analytical / strategic nature of the work.
• Your exposure to clients or senior decision-makers.
• Your ability to deliver measurable results.

These factors will translate into stronger CV achievements and carry the greatest weight in future applications. A substantive pricing or GTM strategy role at a startup for example could be more valuable than a boutique internship focused primarily on desk research and admin work.

Hope this helps,
Franco

Hey there :)

From my experience, it is always a mix. A strong startup strategy internship can absolutely be more valuable than a weak boutique role, especially if you get real ownership over pricing, GTM or market strategy. That said, if you can land a genuine analyst role at a reputable Tier 2 or Tier 1 consulting firm, I would generally prioritize that for a stronger pre MBA profile. And I love that you already have consulting experience through your internships, case competitions and portfolio. That gives you a great foundation.

For boutiques, I would focus on making your LinkedIn and CV show impact rather than just titles. Quantify what you worked on, highlight concrete strategy work, build relationships with consultants and recruiters, and tailor every application to the firm. Your non target background makes networking particularly important, but it definitely does not mean you cannot break in.

Keep building relevant experience now, and don't underestimate startups as a route into stronger consulting opportunities later. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

best, Alessa :)

Hi there,

You are looking for way too much free advice here. This advice needs to be given in the context of your resume, interests, target companies, etc. You need a career coach to advise you on what to do.

That said, getting short consulting internships and participating in case competitions sounds like you are already on the right track.

Remember that you can have a great resume, but networking is also critical. My Applications Course will help you build and execute the broader application strategy.

Hi there,

At your stage, I would optimize less for the title and more for what you will actually be doing.

If the boutique analyst role gives you exposure to real client problems, quantitative analysis and senior stakeholders, I would generally prefer it over a loosely defined “strategy” internship at a startup. But a strong startup role can absolutely be better if you genuinely own pricing, GTM or market-entry work and can demonstrate measurable results.

Given that you’re from a non-target college, I’d particularly optimize for experiences that give you strong CV bullets six months from now. Ask yourself:

“Will I be able to explain what I personally analyzed, recommended and changed?”

Two substantive internships are also more valuable than accumulating many short virtual experiences that all look similar. At this point, I would focus on increasing the depth and impact of your experience rather than simply adding more logos.

For a future pre-MBA application, that story will matter much more than whether the internship happened at a startup or was labelled “boutique consulting.”