Importance of brand name in first company
I'm in my final year at a target university in the UK and have an offer to work for a medium-sized consultancy. My ideal goal is to try move to MBB, probably by reapplying for their graduate programmes once I graduate and have around a years' experience. My question is, would joining a medium-sized consultancy make me be seen as subpar and make it tough to apply for MBB? For context I don't have many other brand name experiences on my CV apart from one FAANG Finance summer last year. Would it be better to apply for a masters at Oxbridge/LSE/LBS and try to get into MBB after that?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, the brand name of your first company can indeed have an impact on your career trajectory, especially when aiming for prestigious firms like MBB (McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company). Here are a few points to consider:
Brand Recognition: Working at a well-known company can help your resume stand out when applying to MBB. Recruiters and hiring managers often recognize and trust the training and experience gained at reputable firms.
Skill Relevance: However, the skills and experiences you acquire are also crucial. If your role at the medium-sized consultancy provides relevant consulting experience, it can still be valuable and position you well for a future move to MBB.
Networking and MBA: Networking and further education, such as a master's from a prestigious institution like Oxbridge, LSE, or LBS, can also significantly enhance your profile. These schools have strong alumni networks and are often targeted by MBB for recruiting.
FAANG Experience: Your FAANG Finance summer experience is notable and demonstrates your ability to secure positions in competitive environments, which is a positive signal to future employers.
Ultimately, while brand name does matter, it's not the only factor. Your performance, the skills you develop, and the network you build can also play a significant role in making the leap to MBB. If you believe a master's program at a top university will significantly boost your chances, and you have the means to pursue it, that could be a strategic move. However, gaining solid consulting experience at your current offer and excelling there could also pave the way to MBB, especially if you leverage your experience and network effectively.
Sources: Brand Name or Great References - What Matters Most?, How much does you first job really matter?, 5 Things that Determine Your Success as a Commercial Real Estate Broker, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, boutique v BB
I don't think it'll harm your chances, given you also have a FAANG internship and a good university on your CV.
It's a bit late now, but obviously try to get the best grade possible (so a 1st) and make sure to get some extra-curricular activites in (might be tough 5 months from graduation if you haven't done so yet, but I highly recommend it, even if it's outside of uni).
At that consulting firm, I'd recommend you stay at least 1 year, to gain some experience, see what working full-time is like, and get some of the basics down. Then you can always revisit applying for MBB for 2025 or 2026 starts.
Thanks for the reply! I have 2 society leadership positions, as well as some student consultancy projects, but I'll definitely try to add some more to my CV. On the academics point, I think I'll probably end up on a high 2:1 looking at my current marks. Would this be a dealbreaker for MBB or could I make it up for it with a FAANG internship and decent extra-cirriculars?
It shouldn't be a deal breaker, but to be honest it won't be as easy as with a 1st. My recommendation would be to continue building that CV (which is already looking good, but remember, so does everyone else's).
Also, on your CV, don't hesitate to add achievements of any sorts (e.g. U-15 regional football champion, or ranked chess player, etc.). These can help even if they won't be a make or break deal either, it's just that it adds to everything else in showcasing your abilities and your discipline.
Best of luck to you!
Sounds good! You've replied to me a lot over the last few months and just wanted to say thanks a lot for all your help! I'm a lot less clueless about consulting recruiting now than I was a few months ago aha
No worries, that's what this forum is for. Recruiting for MBB is not a zero-sum game, if they want you, they'll make an offer (even if it may be deferred), so don't feel too much like you're competing with other people (esp. about the target vs non target vs Oxbrdridge stuff). Just get the best version of you and your achievements that you can on that CV.
Also, do not underestimate the online tests! None of them are inherently hard, but I feel that too many people think they can pass them because they do well on online tests in general. Remember that top firms can afford to be picky (thousands of applicants for a few dozen seats). So, once you are ready to apply, do not neglect test prep.
And don't worry, I'm glad to be of service. I like to think there's always time in the day to help somebody out.
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