Big 4 Management Consulting placement in business operations to tier 2/mbb summer analyst position?

Question

Hi I am a econ student at a top 5 uni in the uk, I will be completing a one year placement in management consulting next year most likely will not get many strategy projects as a placement student. I would like to apply for summer internships for the following year at mbb/ow/RB for strat roles? Do you think my placement will give me much of an advantage over other candidates and is MBB and top tier 2 strat firms an achievable goal? I would also like some advice on anything I can do to improve my chances this year other than the placement.

Answer 1

Yes, it's surely an advantage. I would say that in general, it looks good under accomplishments / experience. However, you would need to ensure that your resume is strong under academics, leadership, teamwork, impact, etc. But you probably know all this already, so instead I'll tell you something you may not know.

You mentioned that you will "most likely will not get many strategy projects as a placement student," implying that strategy is the best preparation for MBB. I don't believe strategy is the best preparation for MBB. Just look on the home page of any of MBB. Click on capabilities or services and it'll take you some time to find "strategy" because most of MBB's work is not strategy.

There are many reasons for this, but the main point is you can bring many valuable things to the table at MBB that are not experience in strategy. I spent 6.5 great years at McKinsey and didn't touch strategy. So my advice is to study the firms, figure out what you want to do there, and make your application really compelling!

Hope this helps! Happy to share more.

Allen

Answer 2

Hi there,

For sure will help. Additional elements that could help you are:

Referrals
Top GPA
Great CV/Cover
Strong extracurricular/leadership experiences
Experience abroad

Best,
Francesco

Answer 3

Hi there,

Based on this, yes you absolutely have a shot.

My advice is as follows:

Build up your experience as much as possible (projects, internships, grades, certifications/skills in analytics/modeling, etc.)
Get a professional review of your resume + cover letter
Network, network, network

Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi,

Craft a killer application and do your best at school.

Networking can also be very beneficial.

Good luck,

Antonello

Answer 5

Hi,

Not sure what you mean by not getting strategy projects. Only 20%-30% of MBB projects are strategic.

Any work / internship at a company with a well-known brand will significantly benefit your application. It'll also give you a lot of materials fo fit stories

Best

Answer 6

Hello!

For sure, it´s going to help you. Ensure that you detail very well (with the right amount of depth, KPIs, etc.) that experience i the CV.

Furthermore, referrals always help in the process.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 7

Hi there,

for sure it's an advantage! The coaches already gave you all the right advices to improve your chances.

I'd also add that a coach can help you setting a right goal and creating a right strategy when applying and prepearing for the interview, as well as with CV& cover letter, networking etc.

Don't hesitate to write me if you need any other advice.

Good luck!

GB