How should I plan my gap year?

Question

Hi community,

My concern is the following:

Soon I will graduate my Bachelor program. After graduation, I would like to do a gap year in order to gain practical experience and increase my chances to enter MBB. My plan is to complete 3-4 internships in different areas (strategy consulting, inhouse consulting, DAX, start up). Do you think this is realistic and effective? People have told me I should only do 2 internships for 6 months each as that gives me more time to get to know a company and work field. What do you think?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

Hi, I would focus on international exposure (e.g. exchange program, summer school, internship abroad) and on working experiences (internship in a F500)

Best,
Antonello

Answer 2

Well, congrats that you consider yourself to be able to join MBB right after the bachelor degree. When I finished mine - I was not ready. And in one year it was impossible for me to get the maturity required for the work. But!

Why don't you study as a hell to get an offer with a single internship? Two is better, but if you have a first one - significant player with a great reputation on the market - one is fairly enough. Remember, that is important that you show your background AND your fit (e.g. skills, personal fit, etc.) - thus you need to spend time both working & studying to make your career happen.

And last, but not least. Career in consulting is cool. But it is possible for less than 1% of all applicants (McKinsey). Thus - be prepared. Internship is important that you get easily how to behave in an organization & understand what is a regular organization.

Answer 3

Hi Anonymous,

it could sound strange to see 4 interships in one year – that could lead the recruiter to wonder whether their MBB company wouldn’t just be the next 3-month experience you are planning to add to your CV.

I would say 1-2 internships, ideally with the top brands liked by MBB in your country (LinkedIn should help to identify them), could definitely be enough.

You may also check on LinkedIn whether internships are indeed better than a Master in your country, in order to double check that this would be the best option.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 4

Dear A,

I would recommend you make 1-2 internship in a high range consulting compamies and put your all efforts to get there, then try to make 3-4 internships.

Quality is important here.

Wish you good luck,
André

Answer 5

Hi,

One thing i'd like to point out is that internships at this stage will only increase your odds of an interview if that was the main thing holding you back. You still have to have gone to a target school, have a top GPA, great extra curriculars and overall be a very strong candidate.

In terms of how to choose internships for your gap year - if your true aim is largely to go to MBB, then aim for more prestigious roles over more interesting ones. For example, Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs is better than writer at a gaming magazine.

All the best,

Udayan