Do Stem Majors have an advantage in comparison to business majors at MBB applications?

Hello! When it comes to MBB applications, both STEM majors and business majors can have advantages, but it ultimately depends on the specific role and the needs of the firm.

STEM majors often bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in consulting. Their technical expertise and ability to handle complex data and quantitative analysis can be advantageous in tackling challenging client problems. Additionally, STEM majors may have experience working on research projects or in scientific fields, which can demonstrate their ability to think critically and approach problems from a logical perspective.

On the other hand, business majors often have a solid foundation in areas such as finance, economics, and strategy, which are directly relevant to consulting work. They may have a deeper understanding of business concepts and frameworks, which can be valuable in client engagements. Business majors also tend to have exposure to case studies and business simulations, which can help them develop the problem-solving and structured thinking skills required in consulting.

Ultimately, MBB firms value a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. They look for candidates who can bring a combination of analytical skills, business acumen, and the ability to work effectively in teams. While STEM majors may have an advantage in certain analytical aspects, business majors can leverage their understanding of business dynamics and strategic thinking.

It's important to highlight your strengths and experiences, regardless of your major. Showcase how your background has equipped you with the skills and mindset necessary for success in consulting. Remember, MBB firms value a well-rounded skill set and the ability to apply your knowledge to real-world business challenges.

Hi there,

As a recent grad, there isn't much of a difference. What matters, however, is the quality of your school and grades.

As an experienced hire, it matters what work experience you have, which is generally related to your major. As a STEM major, you're expected to have picked up some business acumen along the way (the same isn't true vice versa). Whether or not one is valued more than the other depends on the role you're applying for. For generalist roles, I don't see much of a difference between the two.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

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No. 

At least from my experience of working with over 200 candidates and having met hundreds of consultants, I didn't notice this pattern. 

If anything, I'd often say they have a disadvantage because even though they tend to be stronger on the numericals, they need more certainty to progress to a hypothesis and they're not as good at communication (compared to candidates who have studied ‘soft’ sciences). 

Good luck!
Cristian

Hi there,

NO. To be successful at an MBB application you need:

• Strong grades (high intelligence quotient)
• Strong soft skills (high emotion quotient)

This is not linked to your major.

Best,

Alberto

Even though STEM majors might be perceived to have an advantage in applying to MBB due to their strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the reality is that a significant share of consultants holds more generic "Business" majors, namely MBAs or undergraduate majors in Management or Economics.

If at all a small one due to diversification hiring targets, not a huge one though. Warm regards, Freddy

Short and simple: no advantage.

Hi there,

They have a small advantage over some business degrees. The firms need to rank the many applicants in order to filter the few that they want to interview, and your academic performance is an important contributor to this. 

From an academic perspective, they look at 3 things:

• How hard your subject is
• How hard your school is 
• How well you did in your degree

STEMs are regarded as harder majors than some business topics so it could put you at a small advantage. The hierarchy looks something like this:

Medicine > STE (minus the M) + Law + Finance > Other Business > Liberal Arts.

I wouldn’t get too caught up on it though. For one thing, you can’t change what you studied and for another it’s also one of a number of things the firms look at.

By the way, I was a former forensic scientist before entering Bain so I love helping STEM folks prepare and nail the applications process. Let me know if I can help!

B.

Hi there,

I have the data.

Please remember that this is one factor out of like 20 possible factors. (GPA, GMAT, School, Networking, Languages, Resume strength, office, etc.)

While doing my Stern MBA I actually ran regression analysis across a huge dataset of 3 years of applicants 

Major did not have a statistically significant impact on getting an interview.

Networking DID have a large coefficient/correlation to getting an interview.

Hi there,

not in a significant manner based on my experience. If you have a low GPA in a STEM major you will not be preferred over someone with a business major but a high GPA. It also depends on whether you are from a target school, what internships you've done, experience abroad, extracurricular activities, etc. 

STEM majors are definitely sought after in consulting, but you only have a reasonable chance if all of the other factors match as well. Your major alone is not differentiation enough (or an automatic cause for disqualification). That's also the reason why non-conventional majors (e.g. history, psychology, journalism) can still end up in consulting.

Best