How do MBB/T2 firms view masters students from elite UK universities?

I am at a non-target Russell Group university studying accounting and finance. If I don’t get a placement at good management consultancy, my plan is to apply for graduate programs at Oxbridge/LSE/UCL/LBS. Is there much of a difference between Oxbridge and the rest even at the masters level?

My question is, do firms view masters students differently? I understand I’ll mostly be competing for the same spots against UG students already at Oxbridge/LSE. Will having a masters be an advantage/no difference?

How much of a factor will the masters subject be?

Also, will firms look down on the fact that I didn’t go to an elite uni for undergrad (I went cos I got a 30% scholarship- as an international student)?

Thank you.

16 Comments
 

You'll still need to have strong A-Levels and GCSEs for MBB (I.e. A*AA - A*A*A*), strong Extra-curriculars, name brand internships and a uni semi target on CV (BCG have a matrix for pre-screening stage prior to human review) otherwise there isn't really a chance. All applicants for MBB pre-mba are pooled together. Best way to get into MBB from non-target is to either: become an industry specialist (I.e. engineers in oil & gas industry) / do a PhD or get fantastic BB/entrepreneurial experience for two years and go to LBS/INSEAD for MBA.

 

Anecdotal but a couple placed into MBB in my cohort at UCL (Masters). Majority went into IB, AM, T2 or started their own business. 

 

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