Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Applying as an undergraduate

MBB Australia
New answer on Oct 18, 2020
5 Answers
673 Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 17, 2020

Hi All,

I am currently in my 3rd year of medicine (out of 5) at a Go8 Australian University, and am interested in the undergraduate roles at MBB firms. I was wondering whether I could apply prospectively in my penultimate year or whether applications for those roles had to be completed in the final year of the undergraduate degree. Not sure if my question is clear.

Or would this question be better directed to HR staff at these firms? Thanks in advance.

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Robert
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 17, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

I'd rather use the early time to network your way into consulting. This was already important in the past and gets even more important nowadays.

While technically it's possible, it would make more sense to improve your profile (and at this point in time you have still possibility to do so alongside your studies) and apply later.

Hope this helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Was this answer helpful?
Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 17, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hi there,

This is very common question from the under graduate students I coach here in UK. And my advice is simple:

Gear yourself up in 3rd year, learn about the process, talk to as many people as you can (specially your seniors who got hired), attend webinars, events etc. Start preparing for the interview process in final year and go for it! You will have to work out the hiring cycle & timelines of your target firms and execute accordingly. Some companies also offer internships to 3rd year students, so thats something to keep in mind as well.

If you are not getting clear answers, contact HR or someone in your target firm (maybe your uni alum or through linkedin). Sometimes uni career office can be of great help too.

Good luck!

Adi

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous A on Oct 17, 2020

Thanks for the advice Adi. I hadn't factored in time for interview prep, so applying in final year definitely makes more sense to me now!

Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 18, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi A,

The best option here would be clearing that with HR, of course.

Nevertheless, I would recommend waiting until your final year so now you could concentrate on learning about the process more and networking. You would also have more time for preparations and improving your profile.

Does it make sense to you?

Cheers

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous A on Oct 20, 2020

Yep, that makes sense. Thanks Gaurav

Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 17, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

You can probably do both, but yes I think you've answered your own question there :). Talk to both the recruiters at those firms as well as your career office.

Additionally, start networking now to get your foot in the door...the consulting world in Australia is quite small so you should make quick work of networking...I should know, I was there for 2 years!

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous A on Oct 20, 2020

Thanks for the help Ian. Using LinkedIn, I connected and had a chat with a BCG consultant who graduated from my university after completing the same course that I am currently undertaking. Is this the sort of networking you would recommend or is there a specific 'way' to do it. Thank you

Henning
Expert
replied on Oct 17, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

I would suggest to check in with HR on their local preferences.

Your personal situation might provide other aspects, but I would think there are only benefits in waiting until your final year:

  • Your profile will be more rounded - you'll have more time to prepare for the interviews and more general experience to build on.
  • During COVID-19 many firms have slowed down hiring a bit, leading to increased competition for fewer spots. While there is no guarantee, this might change within a year.
Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous on Oct 17, 2020

Thanks for your response Henning. In that case I will probably wait another year before applying.

(edited)

How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely