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Reference letter from academia

Hello, 

Will a reference letter from masters thesis supervisor carry some weight in my MBB application? Or will it not move the needle?

Thank you!

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Top answer
on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

I think it won't be a game-changer. 

Of course, it depends on who is going to write it and why, but unless it's something particularly relevant or that shows huge achievements I don't believe it'll move the needle.

Best,

Antonello

Deleted user
on Jan 12, 2021

Not really unless you patented something, published something (technical paper, journal etc) or had a noteworthy breakthrough.

13
Gaurav
Coach
on Jan 12, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there, 

In my experience, those kind of letters don't make any impact for in MBB.

Cheers,

GB

Florian
Coach
on Jan 12, 2021
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

Unfortunately not. If you want to put some spotlight on your thesis, highlight the real-world impact of it (if any at all) in your resume and cover letter.

Cheers,

Florian

Clara
Coach
on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

MBB applications emcompass CV + CL, not recommendaiton letters. 

However, save it for business school, there, are needed! And indeed I presented 2 from my academic past. 

Hope it helps! 

Cheers, 

Clara 

Vlad
Coach
on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

The short answer is no - it doesn't help unless he is an ex company Partner

best

Ian
Coach
on Jan 12, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Honestly, no not really.

If there's a place to put it, feel free to include it. However, pretty everyone nowadays can get a good recommendation letter!

on Jan 13, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Referrals for MBB normally come from current employees. Unless your supervisor has links with that particular MBB it won’t matter much. Still, if you have it ready you can include it in your application - worst case will have zero impact.

If you are interested in a referral, you can find more on that here:

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

Best,
Francesco

Deleted
Coach
edited on Mar 16, 2022
Experienced strategy consultant

Hi,

It really depends on who the academia (i.e. what is his / her credential) and how the reference is writtend. However, I think in general this will not be a negative addition.

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