Tomorrow worried you yesterday and yet all is well.

Have you done everything in your power to take control of the situation? Sounds like yes to me.

As long as you are doing what you can within the constraints/limitations of your situation, that's all you can ever do! From there, you need to try to not worry too much (because worrying without acting is a waste).

Now, I truly understand this is easier said than done, but you do not have a choice.

The honest answer is, yes, for the internship to be successful you likely need to get put on a project to prove your metal. They are absolutely stressed/worried about getting you a project and trying to get you something. My guess is something will come up, and they'll get you some form of work. When they do, make sure to crush it!

Good luck and chin up.

Remember, the worst-case scenario of all of this is you have fricken MBB internship on your resume…you will be fine.

It's not your fault. It's not within your control. And yes, they will take this into account.

Make sure you offer yourself to help with stuff, even if on proposals on other non-project work, but that's the most you can do.

In the meantime, make sure to take advantage of all the trainings available for consultants.

Hi!

I am happy to share some of the insights I received from MBA interns at MBBs in a similar situation (interning 2021 & 2022).

• Pro-activity matters: The point got already raised and I certainly agree with it. While it is not your fault that no project is coming up, show that you are pro-actively trying to change it, e.g., by regularly talking to the staffing manager reaching out to other consultants and offer your help, etc. It shows ownership of your own development which is a key trait of a successful consultant.
• Treat every small task as opportunity: Even if you get assigned a “small task”, such as reviewing a slide deck. Do it with the highest quality as possible. If you find that one typo nobody found or return the deck with all boxes perfectly aligned, it will all add up to your profile. People will remember your good work, irrespective how trivial the task (same goes the other way around).
• Project performance is only 1 data point: Obviously it represents an important data point, but your overall performance and impression will be considered for the final evaluation. From the people I know that were in a similar situation, some got a return offer and some not. So I believe, the fact that you couldn't be staffed will certainly be considered. However, in the absence of a project to judge your performance, nuances and small impressions may play a bigger role.

Hope it helps, good luck for the rest of your internship.

(editiert)

Hi there,

at this stage, nothing to worry about - it's not in your control, it's due to the current book of work and the firm understands that. If after 2 months / 10 weeks, it would be a different story, but patience here pays off. 

In my experience, MBBs will always ensure to give you project exposure before they assess your suitability for offer conversion, as project performance is the predominant parameter used to assess. 

I used to work for BCG in SEA until recently - feel free to reach out for more specific advice.

Regards, Andi

Sorry to hear about your experience. They should not have taken on interns and have them on the beach that is very unfair. 

The short answer to your question is that it depends. If you manage to get a project later on and are able to do good work you still have a good shot at an offer. The bigger factor like you pointed out is the economic uncertainty. I'm not sure what region you're in but the US things seem to be changing for the better economically. 

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation! This is completely outside of your control - and yes, the economy is slower right now, and it is also fairly common for interns and new hires to have a couple of weeks on the beach. They will take all of this into account when adjudicating your full-time offer!

I would focus on doing all the things you can control, which it sounds like you are doing already. Offer to help on internal projects, if any are available. Do trainings. Network with people / get coffee chats. Being proactive and establishing a network will always serve to help your case!