MBB desired work experience

Hi there,

I have seen people getting into MBB consulting with all kinds of backgrounds, including recent grads from non-business degrees (engineering, law, medicine) that didn't have a single project on their CV, other than school related ones.

What matters is your skill set, not necessarily specific knowledge. This skill set is actually very specific and can be found among people from all kinds of background, as outlined above.

If you'd like to get some more insights and support on this, feel free to reach out.

Best of luck!

Moritz

Hi!

There's a big difference between the experience that you have and the way you communicate it. 

Most candidates have decent experiences, but they don't convey them well enough through their CV because they don't have an understanding of how CVs are assessed. 

In short, if you want to maximise your chances of passing screening, make sure you focus on doing projects which strengthen your ‘consultant-like’ skills and for each of them try and identify how you contributed and what impact that had. 

It's not so much about the ‘type’ of project, but about what you do there and what it leads to. 

Then please make sure that you write a proper application package and get somebody who knows their stuff to review it. 

Sharing with you a guide on how to build an application strategy:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

Hi there,

To strengthen your CV and increase your chances of entering MBB, it's essential to focus on projects and experiences that demonstrate a well-rounded skill set and a deep understanding of the consulting industry. Given your background in profitability improvement and M&A, here are some types of projects you might consider:

Strategy and Transformation: Engage in projects related to long-term strategic planning, market entry strategies, or corporate transformations. Showcase your ability to think strategically and guide organizations through significant changes.

Operational Excellence: Work on projects that involve optimizing business processes, improving operational efficiency, or implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Highlight your capacity to drive operational improvements.

Change Management: Gain experience in change management initiatives, helping organizations navigate transitions, and ensuring that strategic changes are effectively implemented and adopted by employees.

Digital Transformation: Given the increasing importance of digitalization, consider projects related to digital strategy, technology adoption, or data analytics. Emphasize your ability to leverage technology for business growth.

Client-Facing Roles: Seek opportunities where you can interact directly with clients, develop relationships, and demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Leadership and Teamwork: Take on leadership roles within your projects to show your ability to lead teams, manage client relationships, and take ownership of project outcomes.

Industry Expertise: Build expertise in specific industries or sectors, as MBB firms often value consultants with deep industry knowledge.

Results-Oriented Projects: Choose projects that have clear, measurable outcomes and demonstrate your impact in terms of financial results, cost savings, revenue growth, or other key performance indicators.

Lastly, networking with current or former MBB consultants, attending recruiting events, and seeking referrals can also be valuable in your pursuit of a consulting role with MBB.

Best regards, Frederic

Hi there,

For McKinsey, there are four ways to join (all of them require to pass the full PEI and case interview process):

1) Do an internship as undergraduate

Apply to McKinsey in your last year of university an do a summer internship. If you show great performance, you will receive a full time offer to join once you finish your studies. This requires exceptional grades. Coming from a well-known university counts.

2) Join with no or little experience (between 0 and 2 years)

Apply as Business Analyst for a full-time job offer. As way (1), this requires very high grades and coming from a prestigious university increases the chances.

3) Join with an MBA and at least 3-4 years of experience

Apply as Associate for a full-time position. Grades here a little less relevant (still count). Coming from a prestigious business school during your MBA and holding strong references helps here.

4) Join with no MBA and +5 years of experience

Apply as Associate or above (depending the office and past experience) for a full-time position. Strong references, previous companies and specific functional expertise are the keys here.

I hope this helps!

Alberto

Hello,

MBB can consider a wide range of backgrounds as potential candidates, even not related to management and economics at all.
Ideally if you have some problem solving experience that can be acquired in many ways.

Also, don't forget that your CV is just one part of the equation, the other being thorough case and fit interview preparation.

Good luck!
Nick

 

Hi there,

#1 ProjectS not just one project

#2 Anything that uses/demonstrates consultant skills

I highly recommend signing up for the pro bono/experiential learning programs on offer by a range of companies (Impact Consulting, 180 Degrees Consulting, etc.) and getting as many consulting projects under your belt as possible!

Hi there,

Q: What kind of project should I seek to do in order to enter MBB? 

Projects in profitability improvement and M&A are both great experiences to have on your CV for MBB.

Aside from your specific question, below you can find some tips regarding crafting your CV:

▶ How to Craft a Great CV for Consulting

Besides a strong CV, I would also recommend finding a referral to strengthen your application, you can find more on that here.

Good luck!

Francesco