Fall 25/Spring 26 grads who struck out with consulting internships, where are you looking to do junior year internships?

Didn't receive any offers this cycle, and only a few interviews/final round which I did not pass. Curious as to where others in my situation are planning on interning next summer. I have been applying to any strategy related and internal consulting roles I can find but still not having much luck. Where/what kinds of roles should a junior in my spot intern, considering my hopes of going T2/MBB full-time?

17 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some suggestions for junior year internships if you are aiming for T2/MBB full-time roles but didn't secure a consulting internship:

  1. F500 Internships:

    • Look for strategy-related roles within Fortune 500 companies. These positions often provide valuable experience in strategic planning and internal consulting.
  2. Boutique Consulting Firms:

    • Smaller consulting firms or boutique shops can offer hands-on experience and can be a stepping stone to larger firms.
  3. Corporate Strategy Roles:

    • Many large corporations have internal strategy teams that work on high-impact projects. These roles can be similar to consulting in terms of skill development.
  4. Research Roles:

    • Positions that involve market research, competitive analysis, or M&A research can be beneficial. Your previous experience with a research grant related to M&A is a strong point here.
  5. Tech Companies:

    • Consider product management or strategy roles at tech companies. These positions are highly regarded and can provide a strong analytical and strategic foundation.
  6. Finance Internships:

    • Investment banking or private equity internships can also be valuable. They offer rigorous analytical training and exposure to high-stakes projects.
  7. Non-Profit or Government Strategy Roles:

    • These roles can provide unique perspectives and experiences that are valued in consulting.
  8. Networking and Informational Interviews:

    • Continue networking and conducting informational interviews. Sometimes, opportunities arise from connections rather than formal applications.

Remember, the key is to gain relevant experience that demonstrates your analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills. Good luck with your search!

Sources: Junior Year Summer - Will Tech Internship Hurt Me?, Consulting Recruiting 2023, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Q&A 2.0: 3rd Year BA/A/AC At MBB Going To UMM/MF This Summer, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice

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

0 fucking clue bro i took an Lsat diagnostic last week and am looking at just doing an apprenticeship at my school. Do you have any other plans?

 

Capital One tends to reopen applications for Business Analyst roles in less popular locations (Richmond, VA or Plano, TX) up until as late as February. They tend to reopen the app for like 1-3 days, meaning few people apply and it can be easy to land if you keep your eye out. It's a good, high-paying internship that easily leads into MBB if that's what you want.

 
scotto21

do you know when they do this generally?

I applied in mid-February, which was probably the last wave. I believe others I know applied in November and January as well though. I'd just check the listings on the website as often as possible. 

 

And they reopen those later windows multiple times over the course of months. I'd guess that at least half of the interns at the less popular offices are hired in these smaller, later waves. By December onwards, the most competitive applicants obviously already have their internships and some proportion of those that accepted Cap One BA offers likely would have reneged. Just as many spots + fewer applicants + less competitive applicant pool = comparatively less competitive. 

 

Accepted an offer for J.p. morgan’s global finance and business management program. Talked to a few guys in MBB and they said that will look good for FT since had good name and the internship involves some strategy. Doesn’t close till December so i’m sure they take a ton of people.

 

Just do any business-related job at a large company. From personal experience, FT tends to interview more but you definitely need to do well on the case

 

First off congratulations on the offer!

Do you mind if I PM you? Want to set all the stones in place this next year so I can succeed recruiting like you next year

 

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