Coffee-chat with MBB firm after not getting return offer from another MBB
I did an internship at a MBB, and sadly didn't get a return offer. The official reason was "to bad conceptual problem thinking" (which they never mentioned before at any of the weekly feedback discussions during the internship...), and they further refused to elaborate what they specifically meant or give any examples of when this had become an issue. I do to some extent believe cultural fit may have played a part in the decision, as me and one manager I worked with didn't really "click" (although nothing "inappropriate" or "bad" happened between us).
Further, my internship was a bit "weird" as they couldn't find any truly suitable projects for me, so I got bumped around on different projects, and after 6 weeks I had basically worked on 4 different projects with 4 different teams. I.e I got staffed on a project who had already been running for 6 out of 8 weeks, the manager felt that it was hard to carve-out any meaningful tasks for me and told HR to find me something else etc.
However I still enjoyed the work and do believe that I am cut for it, just that this internship didn't work out. Now to the positives: I have a coffee-chat next week with an associate at another MBB firm. Now I am wondering how I best play this situation out? Obviously I won't mention my lack of offer if it's not specifically brought up, but assuming it will, I want to be prepared.
I am thinking about just being honest and give the reasoning I got from the firm I interned at, but then try to frame it like it was a great learning experience and perhaps the cultural fit just wasn't there(?).
To navigate this coffee chat effectively, here's how you can approach the situation:
Focus on the Positives First: Start by discussing what you enjoyed about your internship, the skills you developed, and the aspects of the work that confirmed your interest in consulting. Highlight your enthusiasm for the industry and your eagerness to contribute.
Address the Lack of Return Offer (If Asked): If the topic of your return offer comes up, be honest but strategic. Acknowledge the feedback you received, but frame it as a learning opportunity. For example:
Emphasize Cultural Fit and Growth: If you suspect cultural fit played a role, you can subtly address it by showing self-awareness and adaptability:
Showcase Your Resilience and Commitment: Firms value candidates who can bounce back from setbacks. Demonstrate that you’ve learned from the experience and are more prepared for future opportunities:
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Be ready to discuss specific examples of your work during the internship, focusing on your contributions, problem-solving, and teamwork. This will help shift the conversation toward your strengths.
Build Rapport: Remember, the coffee chat is as much about building a connection as it is about discussing your background. Show genuine interest in the associate’s experiences and insights about the firm.
By framing your experience as a stepping stone and focusing on your growth, you can turn a potentially tricky topic into an opportunity to showcase your resilience and readiness for the role. Good luck!
Sources: How One Student Did Coffee Chats Right - Received Offer From A BB, How One Student Did Coffee Chats Right - Received Offer From A BB, Some Thoughts on Managing Multiple Offers (Consulting / MBB), Took an Associate job at a tiny firm, how screwed am I?, Some Thoughts on Managing Multiple Offers (Consulting / MBB)
I probably wouldn't lean on cultural fit issues too much as culture across MBB is very similar so might be a bit of a red flag. I would try and emphasise that you kept getting moved around between projects and never had time to get situated with one team. Being moved across so many projects in one internship is unusual for MBB so suggests you just got unlucky more than you having any deficit. Just make sure to emphasise that the moves were for organisational reasons and not that you weren't getting on with any of the projects.
just don't mention you didn't get a return
McKinsey / BCG -> Bain makes sense if you just say you like their PE practice and better culture more
Bain / BCG -> McKinsey, they won't really ask why because a lot of people do that jump
McKinsey -> BCG might be the only one that sets off red flags where you might have to be honest
The whole Bain exits better to PE is a myth tho. There is a peak framework video where he scraped LinkedIn data and found mckinsey still exits the best into mf/umm by far, followed by bcg, and surprisingly lastly bain. Bain only exits better in lmm/mm. But at that point there’s an argument to be made if it’s even worth it.
Wait could u help me find this video?
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