IB Six-Month Intern Looking For Other Opportunities
Hey all,
I’m currently doing a six-month internship at Rothschild’s in Paris (M&A), and I’ve come to the conclusion I really do not like the work. Beyond the corporate culture here, it’s just not something that interests me. I have one summer left and both an EU and a UK citizenship as well as a good college on my resume. I was hoping to pivot to something like consulting (or another posting with equal experiential opportunities) and looking to get your advice on it.
Principally,
1) How is IB internship seen when recruiting for consulting?
2) What is the process of making networks with those who are in consulting?
3) How high do you think my chances are for UK? My dream would be NYC, but I know that’s a long shot
1) How is an IB internship seen when recruiting for consulting?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, an IB internship, especially at a reputable firm like Rothschild, is generally viewed positively when transitioning to consulting. It demonstrates strong analytical skills, work ethic, and exposure to high-stakes projects. Consulting firms, particularly MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), value candidates with diverse experiences, and your M&A background could be a differentiator if you can articulate how the skills you developed (e.g., financial modeling, problem-solving, client interaction) are transferable to consulting.
2) What is the process of making networks with those who are in consulting?
Networking is crucial for breaking into consulting, especially if you're pivoting from another field. Here are actionable steps:
- Informational Interviews: Reach out to consultants on LinkedIn, particularly alumni from your college or those with similar backgrounds. Request short calls to learn about their experiences.
- Leverage Alumni Networks: Use your college's alumni database to connect with consultants in your target firms.
- Attend Events: Many consulting firms host networking events, webinars, or case workshops. Attend these to meet recruiters and consultants.
- Referrals: Build relationships with consultants who can later refer you internally. Consulting firms often prioritize referred candidates.
- Follow-Up: After initial conversations, maintain relationships by periodically checking in or sharing updates about your career progress.
3) How high do you think my chances are for the UK?
Your chances for consulting roles in the UK are strong, given your dual citizenship, reputable college, and IB internship experience. The UK consulting market is competitive but accessible, especially if you target both MBB and Tier 2 firms (e.g., Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger).
- For NYC, while it's more challenging due to visa and sponsorship hurdles, your EU and UK citizenship won't directly help. However, if you can secure a role in the UK and later transfer internally, NYC could become a possibility.
- To maximize your chances, focus on excelling in case interviews and networking extensively with consultants in your target offices.
If consulting doesn't pan out, consider other high-exposure roles like corporate strategy, private equity, or even venture capital, which align well with your IB background.
Sources: Is it really so demanding to work in IB?, In Search of Wisdom, The Case for Taking a Banking Attitude to Other Industries, Law to Investment Banking (One Monkey's How-To Guide), Some Thoughts on Networking
Currently at MBB in London.
Currently at MBB in London.
Hi - I hope you don’t mind me chiming in here. I’m in a similar situation to the OP: I’m currently finishing an off-cycle internship at a BB in the MENA region and I’m looking to transition into consulting in London. I have already completed my Master’s.
What is the usual recruitment timeline, and am I late in the process in terms of timing?
Unfortunately yes you’ve missed the timelines for this year. Typically application deadlines are around September and offers come out late November/early December. You then normally start working in September (but at least my MBB are flexible on when you start so potentially earlier/later if you like). There may be random postings from specific teams throughout the year but this is very much off cycle and quite rare.
Not sure how relevant this opinion is but I'm interning in M&A this summer at MS / GS / JPM but I have seen very few offers from IBD to MBB this year.
Not sure why but the MBB offers I've seen for London 2026 start (campus hire) have been more from people with biz dev backgrounds.
Happy to have other people chip in and offer their views.
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