5 questions about landing a consulting internship at MBB

Hey guys,

I'm currently a sophomore studying Economics and Chemistry at a CA state university, 3.98 GPA. I just stumbled across this forum today and I was stunned at how much i didn't know about consulting internships, getting the job, prep work, etc. Here are the questions:

1) I go to a crappy state school that doesn't even begin to compare with the top universities. How will that affect my chances of even getting an interview for an internship in the first place?

2) Since I go to a non-target, there are no consulting alumni from my school at LinkedIn that I can cold-call or meet with for a cup of coffee.
How should I go about networking and finding resources?

3) I've read some threads that it's easier to switch from IB to consulting. Can I do internships in investment banking and then use that experience to work in consulting at MBB, etc.?

4) What's a boutique consulting firm?

I guess the main question I'm asking is: what can I do as a sophomore studying Econ and Chem at a non-target state school to improve my chances of getting selected for a junior year consulting internship, and maybe even a FT after graduation?

Sorry for the overload of questions. I'm kinda depressed after reading all the threads having to do with extremely competitive internships and all :(

2 Comments
 
Best Response

Try to secure a internship position at F500 in California. It doesn't have to be investment banking as it'll be hard enough competing with the kids that want banking internships. I am thinking more in the lines of working for Disney or other entertainment related internships or tech related up in San Francisco. The best way to reach out to alumni would be trying to do a search on Linkedin or if not try reaching out to other California school grads, Berkeley, UCLA doesn't matter and try to make that connection. Do you think its possible for you to transfer to Berkeley or UCLA?

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