Is the MBB Hiring Situation in the US Improving?

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm a year out of college and trying to lateral from a role at a top investment bank that I've been in for a year to one of the MBB firms. I'm talking to friends and other alums who went to my school that work at these firms, but I don't know if MBBs are hiring early-stage laterals like myself right now.

Is the hiring situation at McKinsey Bain and BCG getting better? Is it better than it was this time last year? And would I, assuming I have strong connections and a good resume, be able to lateral a year out of college?

Answer 1

Hi,

Yes, gradually, but it depends on what level you're being hired at.

Full-time and internship hiring is picking up pace, particularly at the graduate level (so think Business Analysts) but post-grad (Associate levels, post -MBA) are struggling.

The thing is MBBs will always hire throughout the year - in peaks and troughs.

You will always have a strong chance if you have a good CV and a referral (but tough to say for you personally from just that)

(Source: I am on the alumni council for Oxford Said and we work with consulting firms across all the major cities to hire - including the US)

Answer 2

Hi,

Yes, lateral moves one year out of college are possible at MBB, especially if you’re coming from a top investment bank and have strong referrals; you’d likely target Business Analyst / Associate-level roles, depending on the office and your school background.
Hiring is still selective, but the market in 2024–2025 is more active than last year, especially in regions like the Middle East, parts of Europe, and some U.S. offices with higher demand.

Keep networking and get your resume into the system with a referral where possible. Let me know if you’d like a quick CV review!

Answer 3

In short - the head counts are still significantly lower than previous years, especially compared to pandemic years when firms were over-hiring. But over the past 2 years, the size of firms also shrank significantly. For that reason, it is getting closer to a balance between the "supply" and "demand".

I would start trying though. It doesn't hurt to try especially you already have a job, and you can reapply every 12-18 months.

Good luck!

Han

Answer 4

Hi, yes — MBB firms definitely do hire early-stage laterals. In fact, they’re one of their preferred target profiles, since they bring a solid level of independence and real-world experience, while still being eligible for junior roles.

That said, the current hiring environment at MBB is far from straightforward. While it’s true that these firms hire year-round, the pace has slowed significantly — in the U.S. as well as in other regions.

Is there still a chance to be considered? Absolutely — but it’s not easy. Right now, MBB firms are mostly focused on working through a backlog of existing candidates rather than adding new ones to the pipeline.

That being said, don’t give up. A strong CV is essential, but standing out from the crowd is even more critical. The best way to do that is to build direct connections with recruiters and managers, and to take part in events whenever possible.

Hope this helps — happy to chat more and support however I can.