“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
not OP, but going to mbb ny and felt id add
incoming mbb nyc via internship return offer
1. when i applied i had 4.0, biz major
2. previous summers i worked at a credit union & huge govt agency
4. i picked based on where most of the alum of my school were, imo the value of going to a target school is the network so i wanted to hold onto it
5. didn't network besides going to on campus events/coffee chats/early insight programs
6. they didn't ask lol but i was gonna be like "when i got to school, i had no clue what consulting was, joined some consulting clubs, saw how impactful it was and how much i could learn, did your early insight program and talked to full timers and was sold"
7. behavioral: START structure, situation task action result takeaway, one MBB publishes behaviorals on their website so look into that if applicable, otherwise just have START stories in your back pocket, maybe make a spreadsheet
case: just spam cases with people that have mbb offers, they will give the best feedback, it's really just a practice thing. also voice memo yourself and listen back to learn, and if you cant get friends to help, do it along with a youtube video and pause it and give your own answer and then compare
math: rocket blocks, learn shortcuts, drill it daily
good luck and have fun!
incoming intern at an mbb boston office
Ignore header, incoming BA/AC/associate at MBB NYC and might as well hop in.
Mental math just find ways to do math in your life. E.g. maybe I'm just autistic but I would instinctually multiply numbers on car license plates at red lights. Or if you wear a watch while running and you're running 10 miles at a goal pace of 7:00/mile, and you've run 8 miles at a 7:05 split, then you have to average 6:40 split over the last 2 miles to hit your pace. Yeah I actually am autistic but I already wrote it so whatever.
Incoming MBB full time in Midwest Office
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