MBB Summer Internship in GER: Too late to apply?

Question

Hi there!

I am a first-year Master's student (2 year Master's program) from the Netherlands in the process of applying for summer internships.

I would like to apply to MBB firms, however, I realize I am already relatively late (11 March) to get an internship starting in June. And I have not even prepped for any case-interview. My questions are:

1) Should I apply at all?

- I have heard there's sometimes a 12-month ban on applying. If I apply today, 11 March (which is already quite late), and I can only apply next year 11 March onwards again, I would again be late.

2) If so, to which office?

- I am Dutch but ideally would like to work in Germany in the future (I am C1 German)

- If I were to apply in Germany, and get rejected (pre-interview), would it still be possible for me to apply in the Netherlands?

Thanks a lot for your answer in advance!

Answer 1

Hi Anonymous,

please find below the answers to your questions:

1) Should I apply at all?

Unless there is a specific deadline for the internship application, I would try to do so. In terms of the next year, I don’t think you will target an internship starting from June, thus you could apply for full time starting from September if June won’t be an option

2) If so, to which office?

If you apply through the website you won’t be able to apply to the Netherlands if rejected in Germany, as the application process is centralized in MBB (if you apply via referral without a formal online application that may be possible though). I would recommend to apply in the Netherlands as you are not completely fluent in German and then look for a transition internally once hired. You should also target a referral to increase the chances of an invitation, you can find more on that at the following link:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi Anonymous,

Your time-line is rather tight, but managable if you can invest a significant portion of time into your interview prep - logistically it can still work out from MBB side.

If you get rejected in Germany however, you won't be able to apply in another country since it's a centralized system.

Hope that helps!

Robert

Answer 3

Hi!

In theory you can apply anytime in the German office, and you can also start your internship anytime. However, in terms of logistics it might be tight. If you want to start in June, you will have to interview by mid May at the latest. I believe current interview days at McKinsey are quite full, so you would need to send your application as soon as possible. At the same time you should start to prepare. Having about 2 months of prep time should be enough if you can dedicate a reasonable amount of time per week (5-10 hours).

Cheers, Sidi

Answer 4

Hello!

To your questions:

Yes, there is no downside. If recruiting is closed already they will let you know, and this won´t count as a "ban" like if you had been rejected.
Application is global, so you cannot think this like "Plan A Ger" and "Plan B Holland". Prioritize them in a list and apply to the 1st option -the only thing could be that, if for that particular office recruiting period is over, you jump to #2 in the list-.

Good luck!

Cheers,

Clara

Good luck!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 5

Hi, if your goal is MBB I recommend applying. Interview process can last up to 3 months and you have the time to prepare it and postpone the intake date. About the location it depends on you, I think it is more a matter of personal life choice, since either NL DE and ME offices are great as well.

Best,
Antonello