Advice for incoming Summer BA/SA/ACI (MBB)
What separates a top performer from the rest of the pack? What can an intern do that would really impress you, or maybe just not let you down? What's something you wish you knew?
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First of all, congrats on the offer. Getting to this point is an achievement.
Come with a positive mindset. Be eager to learn and contribute. Be a good team member. When we review who we want to extend an offer to, doing the actual work is critical, but the difference maker can often be the hunger and desire to be at the firm, attitude, etc.
When discussing a borderline summer intern's performance, I once heard a senior partner say, "there are a lot of really smart, hard-working people from top schools that we don't hire".
If you can find the time, I recommend getting as sharp as you can on PowerPoint and Excel. There are lots of resources here and there are cheap courses online. Coming and being able to model fairly well is not expected, but would be extremely welcome. Also, if yo are pretty good at PPT, that will be a huge plus. It is pretty much expected that summers are going to be pretty bad/slow at PPT. The icing on the cake is if you know any data analytics, like Altyrex, Tableau, etc. or can program C# or VBS. Not be a master, but knowing these things are a massive plus.
Finally, in the should be obvious bucket along with a positive attitude is following directions and delivering what is asked in a timely manner. Sounds crazy, but consulting operates on an aggressive timescale and interns and 1st years often get lost down wormholes in secondary research or don't ask for prior material or what an ideal end product would be and serve up lousy work.
So don't be afraid to ask very direct and pointed questions.
In summary: * Be a team player and have a positive attitude * Brush up on PPT, XLS, analytic techniques * Find out the deliverable and work backwards * Be timebound, don't disappear down a wormhole. If you get stuck, ask questions * Crush your deliverables * Get return offer
If you're enthusiastic, capable, and willing to work hard, does that cover all the bases? Will be interning at an MBB this summer and I'm a bit nervous about all the dinners and events with people on the case team. Admittedly I am a bit awkward, and I'm wondering if that might cause some issues.
Don't worry too much about being the "life of the party" at team dinners and events. Just participate and be yourself.
As others said, you don't have to walk on water and be perfect. If you got an internship offer at an MBB, you are very good. Just do your best. Work hard, be a team player, don't get lost in your work, ask questions, deliver decent work and on time and you should be good for a return offer.
Good luck!
Also, don't worry too much. If you've gotten to this point, you're most likely smart enough for the job. In fact, at my firm more than 90% of interns get a return offer.
Definitely don't half-ass it, but also don't be so nervous and uptight that you are unable to build any relations with your team mates.
Good luck, you got this.
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