“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
around 28% Fahrenheit
All of the Universities you mentioned are strong schools for consulting. However, UVA and UNC are the best schools you should try to get into. MBB/Deloitte recruit UVA and UNC. This link may be of some help to you. The only separating factor between the UVA and UNC are their location. I'd take into consideration whether you see yourself working in Washington DC or Atlanta.
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1206919-w…
Yeah. I'd pick UVA or NYU. The latter will cost you.
Thanks a lot! I would like to work in NYC, which school do you guys think would be the best choice? @Isaiah_53_5" @basketballfan242316" @Strat_Cons12"
Vandy also places pretty well in consulting (I think McKinsey and Deloitte S&O recruit heavily on campus)
USC Marshall Transfer is really easy if youre coming form a CA Community College. (Pretty much a sure shot if you have over a 3.5). Good target school for Big 4 firms
Is it harder for people to transfer to USC if they are not coming from CA? I am in the East Coast.
Ya they favor kids at schools in CA, especially LA.
UVA is probably your best option here. MBB, Deloitte S&O, OW, ATK, Acn. Strategy and IBM all recruit heavily on grounds (among many, many others)
I recently graduated from Vanderbilt and we had solid placements for MBB, Deloitte, and Accenture, but missed out on recruiting with other Tier II's.
To provide some context our full-time placement (including returning interns) was: McKinsey - 12 Bain - 15 BCG - 3 Deloitte S&O - 5 Accenture - 6
One word of advice is to consider the class sizes of the schools you're thinking about, not just palcement numbers. For example, Vandy has a class size of 1,600 while UVA is 5,000+.
Agree that Vandy undergrad is also a very good place for aspiring consultants
Does the school's location really determine where you will establish your career in the future? I want to work in NYC.
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