Title says it all: I'm networking to potentially enter into a MBB/Big Four type of firm, but I was wondering at what point does making connections become a "Bad Thing?" I don't want to seem too needy or reach out to too many people in an office as I understand that can be a bad thing if I come off the wrong way. Any suggestions?
Oct 01, 2021
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From what I know you really don’t need to network like that to get a job in the Big4 as the employment process is very streamlined. MBB a complete different story. Guessing your already at a top-tier target. I’d say getting your name out there at networking events hosted at your Uni and getting as much leadership experience as you can to set you apart
Say I didn't go to a top-tier target, though, and I went to a smaller target - would you say that networking and making connections has a point where it's diminishing returns?
My two cents on it are kinda just like...use your noggin and think about it. If you talk to someone and they connect you with a few people, sure go ahead and talk to them. But if you start talking to like 6,7,8 people you reach the point where it get's a little bit low EQ.
Consultants are busy people, if you're going around talking to them and all of their teammates and all of their teammates' teammates just for the sake of talking to them, depending on how you carry yourself they may think you're a little quirky but also they might think you're wasting their time in the worst case (unless you're specifically talking to someone else that they know in a particular practice, or you genuinely want to learn more about another segment, that's perfectly valid imo); the marginal return you're going to get from talking to another consultant or consultant+1 past like 4 or 5 is probably going to be pretty minimal (talking to people like partners will probably never hurt I think unless you have a low EQ moment).
When I applied for BCG, I talked to like 4 people (3 consultants and a PL) and that already felt like a good amount to build a story around and convey that I was really into applying, and I got a first round. Past that it's all up to you to execute.
This is exactly what I was thinking, but I figured it would be best to at least ask around the forum where people are more familiar with this process. Thanks for sharing your experiences, and I hope your interview goes well!
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