Chance to get MBB internship without previous work experience?

germany Summer Internship work experience
Neue Antwort am 1. Jan. 2021
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Anonym A fragte am 30. Dez. 2020

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if I even have a chance to get an MBB internship (or even interview) without having had any previous work experience? (I am considering applying to the German offices)

I am lucky to go to a target uni (Oxford, Economics-related degree) and have great grades, some extra-curriculars (nothing big though) - but the problem is that I didn't know that summer internships in first year were that important and that you had to apply so early for them (I was sort of living under a rock for most of my first year), which is why I didn't apply for internships and decided on doing some voluntary work instead last summer. This voluntary work was more focused on content-creation though, so I don't think this could be a good substitute for work experience.

I would be so grateful for your advice and experiences!

Thank you so much in advance.

(editiert)

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Antonello
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antwortete am 30. Dez. 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

Based on your post, I think you can have an interview and get an internship with MBB!

Networking can be highly beneficial to get a referral. Then you must craft a killer application and be prepared for the interviews (business cases and fit part).

I've supported hundreds of candidates getting an internship/job at MBB, also in Germany.

Feel free to drop me a message if you'd like to know more how we can work together with a comprehensive interview prep plan!

Best,

Antonello

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Gaurav
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Content Creator
antwortete am 30. Dez. 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

With your curriculum it is actually quite possible to get an internship in MBB.

What you can do to increase your chances are:

  1. Have your CV and Cover Letter reviewed by a professional.
  2. Get accustomed to the interview process, run interview simulations and get feedback fromsomebody who knows more than you.
  3. Netwwork, get referrals.

I've worked in McKinsey in Frankfurt, so don't hesitate to ask any questions, i'll be happy to help.

Cheers,

GB

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Ian
Experte
Content Creator
antwortete am 30. Dez. 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Yes, you stand a chance. However, you need to 1) Network (ideally for a referral) and 2) Spruce up your resume as much as possible.

There are ways to make even that voluntary work look impressive (without lying). Send me your resume, I'll help you make it ace the eye test.

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Adi
Experte
Content Creator
antwortete am 30. Dez. 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey,

Dont sound gutted or apologetic for not having done an internship in the first year. You had good reasons and ended up doing something else. Nothing goes waste.

And yes, you absolutely can get an internship with your profile. Strong CV & ideally a referral are very important. The whole point of it is to give people with little/no work experience a chance. But I always advise this to people: get that internship only if you really want to do so and will enjoy doing it. Do it if its beneficial both ways (you and the company). Dont do it because everyone else is doing it. You are better off investing your time & effort somewhere else where you can truly add value.

Good luck!

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Henning
Experte
antwortete am 1. Jan. 2021
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

Hi A!

Yes absolutely! Indeed, internships are important, but you can still phrase your voluntary work as a strong element of your CV to help you get the interview invitation. In addition, I agree wtih Antonello that networking can be helpful if you have contacts in Germany.

The German offices also organize regular workshops and (now online) events that you can use to meet the firms directly - check out the recruiting portals of all firms regularly for application deadlines to these events.

Last thing: The interview process will be in German, so make sure you practice case interviews in German. From my own experience I can tell that it is a bit of a switch if you have prepped in English.

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Anonym antwortete am 31. Dez. 2020

Hi,

Based on your explanation, I think an internship is not out of reach for you.

If you can ellaborate the impact of the content creation in your voluntary work that can still be a good experience.

I suggest to also try networking with the people in your target office and seek their advice regarding your situation.

Best,
Iman

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Clara
Experte
Content Creator
antwortete am 31. Dez. 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

No worries, totally can be done! I am exhibit A, and many of my colleagues in the McK Summer were the same case.

Best,

Clara

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Antonello gab die beste Antwort

Antonello

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