Columbia for consulting

Originally was interested in tech but over time realized consulting would better match my long term goals of building a business.


I am a rising senior so I'd recruit full time, but Linkedin search shows less MBB placement compared to peer school, especially for NY office. For example, Bain don't even have a Columbia recruiter or on-campus chats but they do so for HYP and Penn.


I originally want to target NY office since I thought there is a stronger alumni presence and I love the city + PEG. Should I just shoot for other offices and network heavily there instead (I am agnostic between other locations and liked the vibes of some smaller offices but they have fewer seats).

9 Comments
 

Based on the WSO dataset, targeting MBB firms in New York can indeed be more competitive due to the high demand and the presence of many top-tier schools in the region. Here are some strategic steps you might consider:

  1. Expand Your Office Preferences: While New York is a major hub for consulting, other cities may offer more accessible opportunities. Smaller offices often have a more intimate environment, which can facilitate closer relationships and potentially faster career progression.

  2. Leverage Networking: Regardless of the office location, networking is crucial. Reach out to alumni from Columbia or any connections you have in the consulting industry. Even if Bain doesn't have a dedicated recruiter for Columbia, connections can often lead to referrals or advice on navigating the recruitment process.

  3. Highlight Your Unique Qualities: In your applications and interactions, emphasize what makes you a strong candidate for consulting, such as your interest in building a business. Tailor your narrative to show how your skills and experiences align with the firm’s values and needs.

  4. Consider the Alumni Network: While New York might seem like the best option due to a strong alumni presence, don't underestimate the power of a dedicated few in smaller offices. Sometimes, smaller offices might offer more robust support due to their close-knit nature.

  5. Prepare for Interviews: Make sure you are well-prepared for case interviews, which are critical in the consulting recruitment process. Utilize resources like case books, online forums, and mock interviews to hone your skills.

By broadening your target locations and effectively networking, you can increase your chances of breaking into MBB, even if the New York office seems less accessible from Columbia.

Sources: Some Thoughts on Managing Multiple Offers (Consulting / MBB), Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, Q&A: Non-Target --> BB BO --> BB ECM, NE M7 to MBB: What I wish I knew, observations, and ask me anything, Non-target to non-MBB consulting -Q&A

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Consequatur ea inventore saepe. Ea distinctio dolore ut in tempore. Vel error architecto aperiam iusto. Non ad distinctio dicta placeat. Rerum necessitatibus alias velit ipsum repellat distinctio optio. Commodi sit labore nam reiciendis.

Aliquid incidunt quia quae culpa qui quis esse. Vel iure voluptatem perspiciatis. Suscipit ut quasi quisquam voluptas non minima. Voluptas modi tempore ea iure.

Dicta qui itaque et magni atque optio. Dolorum doloremque saepe blanditiis provident adipisci doloribus ducimus. Facere adipisci laboriosam accusantium quibusdam itaque rerum repellat a.

Possimus magnam et excepturi cupiditate qui. Odio alias quis sit omnis. Ab inventore aliquid velit sequi minus quis. Eum est non et. Vero reiciendis quia aut a.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.5%
  • Oliver Wyman 98.0%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.5%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.0%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.5%
  • Oliver Wyman 98.0%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (111) $232
  • Manager (167) $172
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (115) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (635) $122
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (162) $121
  • 1st Year Associate (575) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (390) $104
  • Associate Consultant (175) $100
  • 1st Year Analyst (1152) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (205) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (626) $67
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”