I have an MBA from a non-target school. I have written my CV and cover letter but I don't have a referral which is why I am really scared to submit my application as I don't want to block my chances for next 12-18 months.
Hi,
It depends on the office you are applying to. If you are from a non-target MBA - ask your classmates, ex-MBB to submit you a referral directly or via their friends. I don't believe you have 0 alums in your class
Best
Hi,
I would say that it highly depends on which locations you are considering when applying to BCG/McKinsey.
Because for offices that receives a great amount of applications (e.g., London, NY, ...) it would be very difficult for you to get an invite without a very strong referral (because they receive a lot of applications from experience hires / target schools MBA candidates). If you are considering applying to less "crowded" and demanded locations (e.g., Latin America, Spain, Portugal, ...) than you have decent chances to get an invite for interview even without a referral and the MBA in a non-target school
would u consider Middle east / South Asia (Indonesia, Manila ) as less crowded ?
(edited)
Middle east is definitely not "crowded", while Asia in general accept very few consultants per year
Hi Anonymous,
I would not concentrate much on the chances to be invited without referrals (which are low anyway if you are from a non-target school), but rather on finding one. You can find more on that at the following link:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176
Please feel free to PM me for more info.
Best,
Francesco
Hi,
with the exception of few offices in the world (e.g. London, NY, SF) getting the referral is not necessary. Of course it helps, and you can try to achieve it by writing to exalumni of your MBA now in tier1/2
Best,
Antonello
Hi there,
A referral can be a great instrument that helps you secure an interview invite.
However, it is not a 100% guarantee that you eventually get an offer because some points and effort must be given from your side as well.
The question is: How much do you really want to get the job? Of course, it is better to provide yourself with a referral for the targeted firm. Otherwise, you can not even get invited.
Was this helpful?
GB
