Hi PL - I am currently trying to prep as soon as possible. Have only got maybe 15 hours under my belt so far, feel okay with basic frameworks (profitability, market entry) and have read a bit about MECE structuring. I am hearing about a hiring boom, and this makes me nervous that I should apply more quickly. Can you weigh on on submitting an MBB application in mid-May vs. end-May to Jun 1? In the middle of May, I should have vastly more time to prepare (60 to 75hours possible) but currently am able to go at a rate of ~ 12 hours per week (conservative estimate). I plan to have 4-5 coaching sessions in mid-May. Thank you
When should I apply?
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Hello!
It´s great that you are trying to be so strategic about the prep, that is key! Great way to start.
Let´s first take a step back, where are you recruiting and for which company? This is a KY QUESTION, since some offices for some tenures have specific recruiting cycles. This is the most important question to begin with.
This said, you only have one bullet per company, so my overall advise -without knowing some of the key details- is that usually is better to wait 2 weeks and prep (knowing also that the learning curve is so steep) than hurrying andnot being well prepared.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
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Hi Eric,
There are two points to this. YOUR readiness and the COMPANY's readiness.
Your Readiness
My general advice to candidates is to apply when they are feeling about 80% ready. You want to make sure you're mostly there just in case they ask you to interview with just 2-3 weeks notice!
Now, to be absolutely sure, I highly recommend you get that coaching session right before you want to apply. It's a great way to both sense-check your current readiness, and, of course, get guidance+feedback on what to do to get ready.
The coach can tell you if you're ready to apply in that moment :)
The Company's Readiness
This changes by the company! If a deadline is approaching, you need to apply. Simple as that! If applications are rolling, apply when you're ready.
Importantly, you should be networking persistently from now until June. When networking, you can gauge the appropriate timings for applying. The "two birds one stone" of all this is you may even get a referral :)
(edited)
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Hey Eric,
The only thing you need to keep in mind are recruiting windows. Some offices have specific deadlines for internship and full-time applications. Others are recruiting on a rolling basis.
If the office you are applying to hires on a rolling basis, there is no disadvantage to applying 2 weeks to 1 month later.
Always better to feel well-prepared and in control. Most of the time you have a single shot at MBB and I wouldn't let 2 weeks diminish my chances!
Reach out if you need some help, specifically for McK.
All the best with your prep!
Cheers,
Florian
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Hi Eric,
I would say this depends how comfortable you feel with your preparation and how urgent you want to make the move. If you are not in urgent need to start the new role, I would recommend to take a more conservative approach and wait until you feel really comfortable. In the end, sending your application a few weeks earlier or later won't make a difference in the selection process from a company perspective. However, it may make a huge difference in your preparation, which largely determine the success of your application.
It is great that you have already a clear preparation plan in mind. Stick to this plan and don't rush too much with sending your application (if not needed), in order to be forced to enter the interview process without sufficient preparation.
Cheers, Florian
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