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I am an MBB intern. Will my managers find out if I apply for another MBB in the same European city?

Hi All.

I am currently an intern in MBB (joined straight after undergrad). I am considering applying to another MBB in the same country and city (Europe), but I am concerned that my current managers, HRs will find out about this. Naturally, this would not be ideal. Do MBBs exchange information about applicants? 

The reason why I am doing this is that I feel the other company might be (slightly) more aligned with my objectives. 

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Top answer
Clara
Coach
on Dec 25, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

 I don´t fully agree with what has been said before that there is totally no issue. It´s a small word, and everyone knows everyone. 

This said, in most cases you shouldn´t have any issue, praticularly if you remark this when talking to HR. 

I recently prepared someone moving from Bain to McK, focusing very much on FIT -since this is the part that will be wildly tested-. 

If you want to deep dive, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

Furthermore, you can find 3 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:

  • Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-200
  • Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201
  • Behavioural questions (ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE) >https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/behavioral-questions-entrepreneurial-drive-fit-interview-preparation-211

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!

Best and happy holidays,

Clara

Anonymous A
on Sep 22, 2021
Hi Clara,
thank you for the answer. A few thoughts:
- I am now working full time but still have the same question (still considering switching to the other MBB). Do you think your answer is still valid?
- What do you mean by "...you remark this when talking to HR"? You mean to tell them to keep my name confidential during the interview process?
- How important is the fit component during interviews for candidates switching between MBBs?
Gaurav
Coach
on Dec 24, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there,

They don't exchange information, it can even be against the law. Second, you're doing an internship and it's obvious that you'll need a full-time job, so it's not a surprise you need to look around. 

Hope it helps,

GB

Deleted user
on Jan 02, 2021

Don't worry about this. Clara is right - everyone knows everyone. But for three reasons I am pretty sure that you're safe:

  • People are professionals and don't discuss names of recruits
  • They also have an incentive to not discuss names of recruits - becaues each firm would love to snatch a great recruit from one of the others. Discussing recruits would jeopardize this 
  • As an intern you're just not important enough for people to discuss you ;)
14
Ian
Coach
on Dec 24, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

If you're saying you're working at, say, Bain, and want to apply to McKinsey, for example....you're totally safe.

Go ahead and do this as there is really no risk....

Vlad
Coach
on Dec 24, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Don't worry, they don't share. Feel free to apply

Best

Deleted
Coach
on Dec 27, 2020
Experienced strategy consultant

Hi, 

Consulting is a small world and there are always posibilities that the information will reach your current manager / HR. However, I would not see that as a problem since it is always a fair game to find the best for your career and as long as you are not doing anyting unetichal or illegal.

Best,

Iman

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