Only M.D candidate applying to local MBB office (U.S)

Hi there,

Q: I was wondering if being the only M.D. candidate applying to my city's office for MBB will help me stand out at all and potentially land some interviews? Just want to know if these firms still seriously consider MDs in this economic climate

MBB do interview MDs so you have a chance to land interviews there with your background. As for whether being the only MD applying helps, I would not focus on that as it is not under your control.

What you can do to improve your chances is to craft good application material (CV and cover) and find a referral. You can find more on that at the link below:

▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

consulting firms look for a diverse consultant pool. That means that you have chances to be considered even if you don't have the typical business background. All candidates (irrespective of their major) need to have a strong CV however - e.g. excellent grades from reputable schools, meaningful internships, ideally some experience abroad, social and leadership activities.

The fact that you are “the only” MD applying does not give you bonus points on a standalone basis, in my opinion. You need to meet the CV requirements regardless. You also need a compelling story as to why you want to do consulting instead of practicing medicine. You could land some points if you can link your relevant experience and skillset to an industry sector in which that local office might be particularly active in (e.g. Healthcare or Pharma) so you could showcase that you bring a lot of value to the table right from the get go.

Consulting has a very competitive recruiting environment, even when the economy is flourishing. Try to get an internal referral to increase your chances and take your interview preparation seriously so you can give it your best when the opportunity presents itself.

Best of luck

Hi there, 

Yes, they do. 

Actually, the academic background doesn't matter that much. They just want top candidates who are exhibiting the skills that they would need as consultants. 

What you need to optimize for at this moment in your situation is:

1. A great application strategy. Make sure that you apply broadly to multiple firms. Apply in batches. And apply early in the process.

2. A great application package. Have a CV that stands out, a well-written cover letter, try and get referrals and network throughout the recruitment process. 

I've detailed these in the guide below. Hope you will find it useful:

• Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Yes, it's a positive diferentiator, especially if you can apply through one of their advanced degree programs.

That said, don't just rely on this! You need a killer resume and you need to network extensively. Do this before you apply and you do stand a chance still.

Good luck!

Hi there,

happy to share my thoughts on this.

Short answer: Yes, BCG will consider your profile, also in the current economic climate. Let me explain.

Indeed, current hiring situation is challenging, as macroeconomic situation is difficult and BCG specifically has been experiencing a downturn in this region.

This means that in general, hiring numbers are down signficicantly to previous years, while selective hiring is still happening.

During such times, the firm typically does not change the hiring profile they are looking for. A good profile is a good profile, in good and bad times. What changes, of course, is how strictly they are applying standard screening criteria, which are agnostic to the field of study.

If your profile ticks those boxes, they'll push your candidacy, irrespective of whether other M.D candidates apply or not. Now of course, if there are less what the firm sometimes refers to as “exotic” profiles (= non-traditional fields, medicine being one of them), it will help you stand out a bit more, but there is no hard rule or quota to this, so don't over-estimate the impact of this.

--

In any case, I strongly suggest you work the network and get someone to refer you, as it will significantly increase your chances of getting invited in the current environment.

Feel free to share more about your profile / geography via DM then I can give you more specific advice.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi

Hi 

It is indeed very competitive with the hiring in the US market. Network with people from the office of your choice, to understand the specific details. Having an MD helps, but a strong referral from somebody within the office can really stand your profile apart. 

I hope this helps. 

Good luck!

Yes, it is a positive differentiator. They are not looking specifically for an M.D. but they value people who come from diverse backgrounds and are able to provide some indicators of excellence, which seems to be your case.