Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Where should I focus my efforts as an undergrad that's so confused?

Advice undergrad
New answer on Jul 19, 2021
4 Answers
895 Views
Jeremy asked on Jul 17, 2021

Finished first year of undergrad at a target school as an applied math major with around a 3.73 gpa(major gpa is around a 3.93). I am hoping to break into an MBB consulting firm out of undergrad. Since the requirements are so ambiguous, I am confused on where to put my efforts.

During my first year, I was able to join a few clubs and have a leadership position in one of them where I work with the club's local and international partners for organizing different events. I worked on undergraduate research, which is about to be published. In april, I joined a startup very early on and now have ownership over my work and am in charge of certain business functions.I plan to join my school's consulting club and am going through a few case interviews to prepare for that. I am currently focusing on sophomore internships in the PM/Business/DS fields. Apart from that, what else can I do to best prepare myself as junior internship recruiting starts next spring/summer?

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Erica
Expert
updated an answer on Jul 18, 2021
Ex-McKinsey / 100% offer rate / LBS / Principle driven / Real case/ If you get the interview, you should get the offer!

Hi Jeremy,

It's great that you start preparation quite early as the more time you have for preparation, the much higher chance you get in joining the top firms. Even though the recruitment process involves multiple steps, it can be simply broken down into two -

1). Getting the interview 

2). Pass the interview

Since you've just finished your first year at college, I suggest you target getting the summer internship one year before graduation. Then if you do well you can receive the return offer for full-time role after you receive the degree.

For now I suggest you don't focus on pass the interview part, which involves practicing case/PEI, as you can do these 6 months before the target recruiment cycle starts. If I were you I would focus on getting the interview part i.e. buidling strong experience to demonstrate you have the important skillset that top firms are looking for, which are:

- Personal impact

- Entreprenuerial drive

- Leadership

- Problem solving

- Interpersonal skills ("the airplane/airport test)

Meanwhile, it would be great if you can start looking for and connect with the people who will be able to give you referral early on, as this plays an important role in getting you the interview invitation.

Hope this helps!

(edited)

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

Hi Jeremy,

This might be unconventional advice, but I honestly believe you're already doing plenty! For any undergraduate my main advice would be as follows:

  1. Maintain a high GPA
  2. Make sure to get an internship every summer
    1. Consulting-related internships are best
    2. Part-time internships during the school year also help
  3. Get a leadership position at a club or two
  4. Join the consulting club

It sounds like you're already doing all of these things - make sure to also enjoy life a little bit!

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 18, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Jeremy,

All the activities you are doing are good. Some possible tips:

  1. Look for a referral when you want to join (this is the most important point). You can find more on that here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176
  2. Try to do an internship in consulting, even not MBB – will help a lot in terms of credibility
  3. Perform volunteer activities in a field interesting for you (if you have time – it seems you are already doing a lot!)

Besides that, give yourself enough time to have a constant prep with cases, starting a few months before the expected time you are going to have interviews, rather than having to rush the prep. You can find some tips for that here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/advices-for-a-physics-student-7267

Best,

Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 18, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey,

Some great tips by other coaches!

In addition have a look at this article I have recently published on "How do I know which Career is Right for me". Plenty of tips you can borrow: https://www.preplounge.com/en/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me 

All the best.

Was this answer helpful?
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely