Interview Without Networking
What are the odds to get a management consulting or corporate strategy internship without networking?
What are the odds to get a management consulting or corporate strategy internship without networking?
Career Resources
WSO Virtual Bootcamps
Career Advancement Opportunities
June 2026 Consulting
Overall Employee Satisfaction
June 2026 Consulting
Professional Growth Opportunities
June 2026 Consulting
Total Avg Compensation
June 2026 Consulting
“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”
Leaderboard
| 1 | 99.2 | |
| 2 | 99.0 | |
| 3 | 99.0 | |
| 4 | 99.0 | |
| 5 | 98.9 | |
| 6 | 98.9 | |
| 7 | 98.9 | |
| 8 | 98.9 | |
| 9 | 98.9 | |
| 10 | 98.8 |
“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
The odds of landing a management consulting or corporate strategy internship without networking are generally low, but not impossible. Based on the most helpful WSO content:
Management Consulting: Networking plays a significant role in consulting recruitment. While it is possible to secure an offer without networking, it is rare. Networking helps you identify the firms you're most interested in, gain insights into their culture, and potentially get your foot in the door. However, some candidates have succeeded through cold emailing or by excelling in on-campus recruiting (OCR) processes at target or semi-target schools.
Corporate Strategy: Similar to consulting, networking can be a differentiator, but it is not always mandatory. If you have a strong GPA, relevant experience, and a compelling story, you might still secure an interview. However, networking with hiring managers or professionals in the field can significantly increase your chances, especially in competitive roles.
In both cases, networking is a tool to stand out in a crowded applicant pool. Without it, you’ll need to rely heavily on your resume, cover letter, and interview performance to make an impression.
Sources: Consulting Recruiting 2023, Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), In Search of Wisdom, Networking is over-rated/not-need for finding corporate jobs. My experience!, Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in
37%
That's high compared to IB
Depends heavily on a couple factors, school, grades, work experience, leadership/ activities. Wouldnt be a high change of getting an interview at most consulting firms without being a standout in at least one category
Earum officiis quod iure voluptas harum et voluptate. Quo amet ut qui et nobis aut voluptatem. Atque quia tenetur consequatur consequatur. Consequatur reiciendis placeat non. Illo et et ducimus. Cumque rem culpa qui distinctio fugiat tenetur. Possimus aliquid voluptatem ea cumque ea quia nemo.
Error velit dicta consequatur enim non aut quis. Voluptatibus recusandae labore veritatis et consequatur omnis.
Saepe exercitationem aliquid fugit vel. Cum qui sed enim voluptatem. Totam ut ullam quo qui rerum.
Doloribus iure sapiente animi odio est consectetur alias. Neque molestias ullam et nam autem ullam. Voluptas quae aliquam necessitatibus ut et. Officia minus omnis et eos.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...