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

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. 

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Top answer
Allen
Coach
on Jan 17, 2021
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best

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

on Jan 18, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

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

  1. Referrals
  2. Top GPA
  3. Great CV/Cover
  4. Strong extracurricular/leadership experiences
  5. Experience abroad

Best,
Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Jan 18, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Based on this, yes you absolutely have a shot.

My advice is as follows:

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

Good luck!

on Jan 18, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

Craft a killer application and do your best at school.

Networking can also be very beneficial.

Good luck,

Antonello 

Vlad
Coach
on Jan 18, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

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

Clara
Coach
on Jan 18, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

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

Gaurav
Coach
on Jan 18, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

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

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