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Referrals for undergraduate campus roles

MBB Referral
New answer on Oct 31, 2023
9 Answers
1.4 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 19, 2021

Hi, are referrals only relevant for experienced or post-MBA hires? Is it worth pursuing one for undergraduate campus roles, or will it not add much value? Thanks

Overview of answers

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 20, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

They are definitely important as well for undergrads. I only applied via referral while at university and got 6 invitations out of 6 applications – I don’t think that would have been possible without referrals.

For a step-by-step process on how to get referrals, you can check the following link:

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

Best,

Francesco

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Denis
Expert
replied on Jan 19, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Hi,

as pointed out by the other coaches, it is always helpful. Please also bear in mind that this is, have been, and always will be a people's business.

By starting to network (and I dont like that term since it implies for many people just transactional explotation of other human beings for your own gain, or mutual exploitation) or rather to DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS, you may not only find someone for a referral but, best case, a mentor before you even join the company. And even if you not join the company, this relationship can develop into a very fruitful mentoring relationship that will push you both professionally and personally.

Best,
Denis

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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 19, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

Referrals are always beneficial for your application. The earlier you start to grow your network, the better.

I'd even argue that as a junior they matter more because most more senior applicants will likely have 1 or several referrals already. Differentiate yourself from your peers!

Cheers,

Florian

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 19, 2021
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & Recruiter

Hi there,

it definetely makes sense and will make a difference! Not only in the situation you're in rn, but it will be useful also for your future career.

Hope it helps! Don't hesitate to write me if you have any questions left!

Cheers,

GB

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 19, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Absolutely, especially if you are applying to the most competitive offices like NY, London, Boston, etc

Best

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 19, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

There definitely aren't rules here! Referral are absolutely helpful no matter where/how you're recruiting.

Definitely network :)

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Ken
Expert
replied on Jan 19, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

It will still make a difference as recruiters will typically screen through CVs in batches by campus where they will pay more attention to candidates who have had a meaningful referral. The only difference at McKinsey would be that the consultant referring you has no incentive (i.e., cash bonus) to do so.

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 31, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 20, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Not at all, they also help in the process for undergrads. When I was a professor in the MiM in Instituto de Empresa, indeed, this was one of the most-wanted thing from adjunt professors. Not only from the students, but also form the school itself :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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