Is it possible to break into T2 strategy and MBB firms without case comps and leadership

Hey WSO,

I was stuck in another country this academic year (first year) and all competitions happened at 4am for me, as well as club meetings. I tried to attend a few but my body was getting fucked by waking up in the middle of my sleep and getting less than 6 hours everyday. So I chose to focus on academics and GPA and make sure I don't cause much harm to myself. 

As a result, I did not get much club exec experience or case comp experience. My GPA and testing scores are near perfect (GPA: 3.9+, ACT: 35, SAT Math subject test 800/800) and I have incoming corp finance work experience at a large firm based in my home country ($1B + market cap and very well known). I go to a target.

I have a couple leadership positions from 12th grade in HS but nothing more. 

Was wondering if I had a shot at MBB or T2 Strategy/B4 Strategy for summer 22 given my lack of "demonstrated interest." If not how can I best position myself for next summer internships?


Thanks for the help

 

Yes, you will have a shot and I'd expect you'll get some interviews given your internship & stats

For next year, you should try to get some leadership on your resume. Leadership does not only mean on-campus clubs (e.g. you could've done something like virtually tutored students in your own country this year), and you should get a head-start on something now

Leave high school stuff off the resume completely

 

Hey man! Thanks for the response and the feedback. Will definitely try to get something going apart from my internship this summer. 

You think I should mention my lack of case comp experience and explain the time zone situation in 2-3 lines in the cover letter? I will end that idea by talking about how I am looking forward for the opportunity to compete in case competitions next year. 

 

I would not call attention to what your resume is lacking, and it's not like not doing case comps is a huge red flag that needs to be warranted. Also, cover letters are rarely read for consulting

Finally, I just re-read your post and noticed you were a freshman. MBB/T2 typically only hire diversity candidates as far as sophomores go, so you should have plenty of time to cover any gaps in your resume

 

Since it's only your first year, you're fine.  Since you are only a sophomore, you can leave high school stuff on the resume because you have only had one year of college, with the understanding that as you progress in college you will slowly replace your high school stuff with college stuff (unless you have achieved/done something well known).  I can't really blame you for not going to club meetings virtually, honestly there are probably a lot of people in your shoes as well and honestly it's not very easy to secure a club leadership position as a college sophomore.  

 

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