Hi Gaurav,

It is possible to land a summer internship at MBBs from a non-target school if you prepare a CV and cover letter that can clearly show strong business qualities (fast career progression, ability to deliver impact and impressive results, entrepreneurial spirit)

Also, you are correct, having a referral will significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. To secure a referral, you will need to slowly and steadily build rapport with existing or ex-consultants that could eventually vouch for your abilities. (don't rush to send a Linkedin message to 100 consultants asking for a CV review and a referral on the spot, it won't work) - check with your university's alumni

Regarding the networking approaches, structuring cases, and preparing FIT interviews...that's quite a lot to be answered in a single post, unfortunately - that requires weeks/months of training.

I would recommend the following:

• If you just starting preparing for consulting: Start by understanding what case interviews are about (victor Cheng and case in point)
• Reach out to your university's consulting club and become an active member (weekly practicing and try to reach out to MBB/tier-2 offices to organize consulting treks...it will help you build a network)
• Reach out to the preplounge community and coaches for tips/sessions to take your case preparation to the next level

I hope this helps.

Khaled

Hi Gaurav,

Your question specifically asked if it is realistic to prepare for a role at MBB. The truth is that getting an internship from a non-target school especially during uncertain times is very difficult. What that means is that you would have to work much harder than those from a top 10 program and be okay with a low probability of success. I think it is better to be prepared for this beforehand.

Here are some things you can do to improve your chances

1. Network network network - especially with alumni from your MBA school at the firms you want to work in. The number 1 thing that will get your foot in the door is a referral and that requires a lot of time and effort

2. Apply to local offices only - stick to the local offices who would be more familiar with your school vs applying to locations such as Bay Area or NYC

3. Over-prepare - it is harder for you to get in so the pressure is higher and so is the bar. The best thing to do is to be immaculately prepared for the interviews

For preparation

1. Case interviews - definitely look at the popular books like case in point to start, also consider some online programs such as RocketBlocks and LOMS. Once you are ready I would advise you to prepare using a coach as well to ensure you are well prepared

2. PEI - lots of great resources mentioned here. The main point about PEI is to have the right stories selected, to be structured in your answers and to be engaging and present in the conversations

All the best,

Udayan

(edited)

Hi there:

Get a killer resume + Cover Letter

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/resume-6846

Network effectively

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/networking-with-people-who-used-to-work-at-the-same-firm-6839

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/networking-with-possible-interviewer-6094

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/networking-to-early-6912

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-build-potential-prospects-client-list-in-consulting-6965

Prepare for casing

I highly recommend 1 session with a coach to get you started

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-are-the-best-preparation-materials-and-how-to-prepare-the-whole-journey-in-the-most-efficient-way-6142

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-start-preparing-for-case-interviews-5971

Preparation for FIT interviews

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/upcoming-mckinsey-interview-how-to-come-up-with-pei-stories-4239

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/fit-questions-4491

Hello!

To add on top of what´s been shared, try for sure the networking/recruiting events from each MBB.

For instance, in my case, I attended the McKinsey Atrévete in Spain, where 24 students where invited, and many (like me) had diverse profiles.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Dear Gaurav,

Yes, it's possible.

1. Regarding networking. I would recommend you to apply through referrals. It will maximize your chances significantly. interview. You may compare it to “skipping the line for business
class” at the airport.

2. Regarding the preparation algorythm, I would recommend you the following one:

1) Check the requirements and application details.

2)Start your preparation with reading Case In Point by Cosentino for a general understanding of what a consulting interview is.

3) Start learning and practicing the cases. Some you can find in Case Library and practice it with your partner or experience coach.

4)Purchase and read Viktor Cheng Book (Amazon Kindle store) and listen to LOMS

5)Once you feel you are not improving anymore, I would recommend you to take an expert coach for structured feedback and polishing your own performance.

3. Regarding the FIT questions, all the fit questions are quite similar in the firms. Usually there are:

* Tell me about yourself (Walk me through your resume)
* Why consulting
* Why this company (MBB)
* The story about leadership (How you've taken an initiative and led the people
to achieve something)
* The story about Personal Impact (How you persuaded people)
* Entrepreneurial Drive (Innovative solutions that you are proud of most)
* Your questions to the interviewer

If you need any further help or advice, feel free to reach out.

Best,

André

Hi,

I totally agree on what has been answered on your question #1.

To prepare for interviews (questions #2 & #3), I think it's usefull to know what intervierwers are looking for. Please find below a slide I've made on this topic.

Happy to further discuss the preparation if needed.

David