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

Do consulting firms sponsor visas for International students at Columbia NYC?

I'm an international student from Europe who's been accepted the Columbia University in New York. I'll be studying some combination of Math and Economics, looking at careers in Consulting.

But I'm worried about being left jobless after the program as I'll require visa sponsorship after 1 year of OPT, and I'm not sure if MBB or even boutiques recruit internationals.

What do careers for internationals at Columbia look like? Do you have to be insanely talented (Math Olympiad, Startup, etc.) to get hired? Or do a few internships suffice? People with knowledge please help me out.

6
< 100
2
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Zoe
Coach
on May 13, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Interviewer| 100+ Case Practices | First session 30% off | Offer Bilingual Coaching (Eng & Chinese)

Big firms like MBB do! I was myself an international student who recruited full time for one of the McKinsey US offices and got accepted! Happy to connect and chat live about how to overcome the challeneges and even leverage our international background to our favor for breaking into consulting! If interested, please book a time with me :)

on May 13, 2025
Bain | Free 15-min intro call | Former recruiting team | BCG, Kearney, Mastercard Advisors Offer Holder

Yes! Just had dinner with a Bain consultant from Southeast Asia who just did her sponsored stint at Columbia NYC

Agrim
Coach
on May 13, 2025
#1 Awarded Coach | BCG Dubai Project Leader | Master Casing in only 3 Hours | 10y in Consulting | Free Intro Call

I would suggested to not be overly worried. You have got into a great place - and you just need to trust the process of preparation to get you where you need to be. If certain factors are out of your control (such as any US policies) - then you will be left short-handed no-matter-what. But until such time - get in, prep well, network with a good heart, and create your chances. Sponsorship is definitely available at the top-brands but government policies will obviously influence that.

Additionally, Math + Economics alone will not prepare you well for Consulting and the Consultant-mindset. Going into case-prep with Math+Eco studies runs the risk of making you an "analyst-style" consultant and not a "business-style" consultant. So you will need to take side courses that are relevant to Management & Finance.

Onboarding a coach for consulting prep will also be helpful - to ensure that your prep is consistent and streamlined from the beginning. Happy to help if you need!

Alessa
Coach
on May 14, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

hey Sam!

Yes, MBB and several top consulting firms do sponsor visas for international students at Columbia, especially if you perform well and secure internships during your studies. You don’t need to be a Math Olympiad winner, but strong academics, relevant experience, and solid networking help. Start early, aim for sophomore internships if possible, and use Columbia’s strong recruiting network. Sponsorship is competitive, but very doable with the right preparation.

Alessa

on May 14, 2025
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions

Hi,

It is possible - they do, as do other firms.

 

What I would do is:

  • Start early and don't do this alone: I would reach out to my careers team at Colombia and work with them - find out who is recruiting and what the timelines are - MBBs start early in the academic year. Many firms work directly with business schools - use this to your advantage.
  • Broaden your horizons and remain flexible: If your goal is to be in the US, look at other firms besides MBBS. Reach out to their recruiting teams, make the connections now. e.g. I had a friend who did their MBA at Columbia, started off at Deloitte in NY and then moved to McK.
  • Be regimented about your approach: Create an Excel (seriously) and list out all the companies you could intern for/ want to work for and systematically work your way down e.g. connection with recruiting team? Have you spoken to your careers team already? CV sent? R1 done? Follow up? etc.
  • Get ready now for interviews: Get your CV ready and work on it as you do internships or get more experience, and start with case prep  - windows of opportunity open randomly, you need to be ready.

Good luck and happy to chat (I did my MBA at Oxford, and got recruited into McK 5 months into my programme).

Make the most of your programme and the resources it offers you. 

on May 14, 2025
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

MBBs do recruit internationals, especially those that have studied at US universities. 

I would recommend you reach out already know to US recruiters, explain the situation and get their honest sense on your situation. 

Needless to say, immigration rules seems to be changing rather quickly in the US, so it's worth having a fall-back plan just in case.

Best,
Cristian

Similar Questions
Consulting
How Long Does It Take Bain To Respond to Application
on Mar 03, 2025
USA
8
2.0k
Top answer by
Pedro
Coach
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session
55
8 Answers
2.0k Views
+5
Consulting
Incoming McKinsey BA - What are courses to get up to speed in Excel AND PPT, specifically designed for consultants?
on Feb 28, 2025
USA
5
1.3k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
62
5 Answers
1.3k Views
+2
Consulting
How to best prep for my McKinsey internship?
on Dec 03, 2024
USA
6
1.3k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
50
6 Answers
1.3k Views
+3
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.