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What are some extracurriculars and activities that MBB firms value highly?

As the question suggests, are there any activities or extracurriculars on a resume that MBB firms particularly like and makes you stand out? 

Also, what in particular makes those experiences valuable in MBB firm's eyes? 

Thanks!

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Top answer
on Oct 26, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Are there any activities or extracurriculars on a resume that MBB firms particularly like and makes you stand out? 

There are several options. Some examples:

  • Leadership experience (eg founding a club /organization)
  • Entrepreneurial activities (eg starting a small business)
  • Individual achievement showing strong results (eg high-level sport achievement)
  • Stakeholder management (eg class representative)

2) Also, what in particular makes those experiences valuable in MBB firm's eyes? 

They match the same skills they look for in candidates.

Good luck!

Francesco

Florian
Coach
on Oct 26, 2022
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

What is important is to highlight activities that demand a similar skill set as the consulting job itself. Think about leading people, fighting for a good cause, self-organization, convincing others, grit and determination, etc.

Now, these can be displayed, for instance, in the following settings:

  • Consistent history of achievements (both academic and outside of academia, e.g., in sports or other interests such as chess)
  • Representing and championing others (e.g., fighting for a good cause, starting a club at university)
  • Starting something (e.g., again a club, an NGO, an entrepreneurial venture, an initiative)
  • Demonstrating leadership (e.g., in one of the ventures above, as the captain of the football team, etc)
  • Following a passion

Cheers,

Florian

Lucie
Coach
on Nov 02, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

the activities are anything that proves you have the key characteristics and strengths (e.g. ability to make an impact, leadership, result-oriented, etc.). 

Good example:

- any extra activities at university

- NGO and voluntary work

- exceptional sport result

- exceptional hobby (sailing around the world, climbing…)

- many others

Good luck,

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Emily
Coach
on Oct 25, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad

So you want to write about things that you genuinely enjoy - let your personality shine! If you're really into a particular sport - write it down! If you like to read or you write - write that down! If you volunteer - write that! If you've won some particular awards or have some particular skill - then put that in! 

The extracurriculars are not going to swing the resume screening, so really it's just a chance to let a little bit of your personality shine. 

Good luck!

Udayan
Coach
on Oct 25, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

There is no desired list of extra curricular activities. What anyone cares about most is that you have a wide range of interests and that you have pursued them to your best abilities. For example, played soccer for college, been part of an orchestra, team member or leader of interest groups etc. 

The idea is to show depth in your pursuits and not to do something that others might perceive as relevant to the job.

Ian
Coach
on Oct 26, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

I completely agree with the other coaches. This is such a “small” aspect of your resume. These aren't game changers by any means - they just round out your resume.

It's really simple: Add that which you have done.

Mario
Coach
on Oct 31, 2022
Ex-Mckinsey (analyst->associate->manager) and now in tech (Bytedance) + Part time interview coach and mentor

Hi there,

1- Listing a few categories:

- Entrepreneurship (whether you founded a club, a startup, an NGO, a team etc.,)

- Leadership (whether you led teams)

- Innovation (whether you created a knowledge piece or a product)

2- Covering core skills such as leadership, teamwork, innovation, problem solving and entrepreneurship is key as you look to stand out in your stories

Mario

Dennis
Coach
on Oct 31, 2022
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

This section of the resume actually will help you not come across like a robot. Make sure that you let your personal interests shine through so interviewers can actually relate. 

If you come from a target school and your career center submits your resumes for review, they all look the same (even down to the format). So you actually want to have some genuine passion baked in that sets it apart from all of the rest. In general, activities around social impact or volunteering are never a bad thing but whatever is driven by your own passion and interest will be the most interesting story to hear for interviewers

Pedro
Coach
on Oct 25, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

You're overthinking this. It's what you have. Doing stuff on purpose to put in your resume doesn't really work.

To be honest, they value people that pursue their passions, and peopel who have unique passions.

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