Hi,
I'm gearing up to start case interview prep soon. Fourteen months ago, I applied to MBB firms Paris offices, made it through the initial screenings at McKinsey and Bain but didn't advance past the first round. Currently, I'm an Associate at a Big 4, having worked on five diverse technology consulting projects.
I'm considering reapplying to MBB and top tier 2 firms Paris offices between September 2024 and early 2025. Given my background, what are my odds of making it through the screening process this time? Would securing a referral boost my chances? I'd appreciate any additional advice you might have. Thank you!
(edited)
Thank you, Dennis, for your advice. McKinsey allowed me to practice with an associate consultant, leading to a positive interaction. After being rejected, he suggested contacting him for future assistance. Would asking him for a referral be appropriate? Also, are higher grades necessary to improve my application? In this case, from which grade it becomes a significant referral? Thanks again
Any referral is better than no referral of course. The strongest referrals are usually the ones coming from people within the company who have a senior role and a considerable tenure (and assumed positive standing). So manager and partner levels are what you would ideally like to aim for. If that is not possible, then you should take whatever you can get. It's great that you already have a personal connection to an associate at McK. You should certainly try to leverage that