Getting MBB interviews from a non-target

Question

Hi all,

I am a junior at a non-target school with high gpa (>3.9), consulting experience (e.g. Accenture China) and am looking to apply to MBB US offices.

I have applied for the MBB summer interns and didn't get interviews for two of the companies. I have done extensive networking (talked with 50+ people in combination) during the summer and have got one or two referrals for each firm (mostly above Engagement Manager level).

I felt like I have really done my best for this application round and was wondering what are some suggestions people have for me? Especially, what kind of summer internship should I strive to get at this point that can boost my chance of getting an interview during the full-time round (e.g. would a boutique consulting internship hurts)?

I'm really a bit struggling here - Thank you so much in advance!

Answer 1

Hi there,

1) I felt like I have really done my best for this application round and was wondering what are some suggestions people have for me?

It seems you have followed the right steps in terms of referrals. Possibly I would check if your CV/Cover are good with some former consultants (I would expect they are if you have been referred as they probably checked them, but it could make sense to double-check).

2) Especially, what kind of summer internship should I strive to get at this point that can boost my chance of getting an interview during the full-time round (e.g. would a boutique consulting internship hurts)?

If MBB is not possible now, I would target another consulting company (ideally Tier 2). Referring to your comment below: between a US boutique consulting firm and a Chinese Big4 consulting firm, I would check which company has better exits from LinkedIn (or equivalent sources) to MBB – that should give you a good indication. If the Chinese Big4 is doing strategy, I would expect that may be better in terms of brand, but it depends on which exactly is the boutique in the US.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi there,

Shoot, I'm sorry to hear this :/ It really sounds like you've put your heart and soul into this (and gone about it right).

My first instinct is that your resume just isn't very appealing. That can be in two areas:

How it looks (layout, language, etc.)
The actual experiences

For #1, that's “easy” enough to fix (have a coach look at it).

For #2, you need to greatly build up your experiences. Get a summer internship (anything consulting, business, tech related). Get a part-time internship during the year. Lead a club/organization in your school.

Good luck!

Answer 3

What are some suggestions people have for me? Well technically you seem to have ticked all the right boxes. My only recommendation would be to NOT worry so much in excess. You've tried your best so far. Focus on the process and trust the process. If it is to come your way, it will.

What kind of summer internship? If you want a full-time consulting offer, then a consulting summer internship would make most sense. Again, I would recommend to not worry too much in micro-evaluating different options. Aim for all that you are applicable for - and then evaluate your choices when you have offers in hand. Don't think in terms of what will ‘hurt’ your chances - it will only harbour negative vibes in your mind.

Answer 4

Hi!

Considering all the steps you've done, I believe joining a tier-2 or a boutique in the US can be highly beneficial before re-applying to MBB next year.

Good luck,

Anto

Answer 5

Let me get this straight - besides applying from a non-target school are you also applying from a foreign country?

Answer 6

Hello!

Sorry to hear this, it totally seems you did a great job. Has anyone looked at your CV and CL? Problem can be there.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara