Junior Summer Research under M7 prof for MBB FT?

Current junior that struck out of MBB internships. Made it to the final round for McKinsey but couldn't convert the offer. I'm now weighing my options for this summer and am considering doing research with an M7 business professor. How would that compare for re-recruitment vs an internship?

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, pursuing research with an M7 business professor can be a strategic move, but it comes with some caveats. Here's how it compares for re-recruitment into MBB full-time roles:

  1. Research with an M7 Professor:

    • This option can demonstrate intellectual rigor and a strong academic foundation, especially if the research is relevant to consulting (e.g., strategy, operations, or organizational behavior).
    • It may also help you build a strong recommendation from a well-connected professor, which could be valuable during re-recruitment.
    • However, it lacks the direct professional experience and client-facing exposure that MBB typically values in candidates.
  2. Internship Experience:

    • If you can secure an internship in a relevant field (e.g., F500 strategy, boutique consulting, or even roles in finance like M&A), it would likely be more impactful for MBB re-recruitment. These roles provide practical experience, problem-solving exposure, and transferable skills that align closely with consulting work.
    • Internships also offer networking opportunities and a chance to showcase your ability to thrive in a professional environment.

Recommendation:

If you have the option to pursue an internship in a relevant field, prioritize that over research. However, if research is your only viable option, ensure it is highly relevant to consulting and leverage it to build a compelling narrative about your analytical skills and interest in solving complex business problems. Additionally, use the summer to network aggressively with MBB consultants and alumni to strengthen your candidacy for full-time recruitment.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/m7-ib-associate-full-time-recruiting?customgpt=1, Consulting Recruiting 2023, NE M7 to MBB: What I wish I knew, observations, and ask me anything

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

internship experience at T2/b4 as well as many boutiques will likely be better. Firms want to see business experience, not reserach experience. You're not applying to phds, you're applying to jobs

 

At MBB and I disagree with this sentiment. It depends on the firm, but at least at MBB they aren’t looking for “business experience, not research experience”. They’re looking for overall impressiveness and demonstrating key skills but don’t really care how exactly you do that. If you do genuinely good research at a prestigious institution and can demonstrate that fact then that probably means more than being intern #357 at Deloitte last summer. I would keep applying and then weigh up the quality of potential internship offers vs. the quality of research opportunity. 

 

incoming at mbb and I suppose I agree, but it's just 1) easier to say you're doing consulting at oliver wyman in a networking email and 2) better for long-term future knowing you likely have a job. It's true, they look for impact over prestige, but at the end of the day they're also just humans.

 

I think the devil is in the details here- it depends on what the work experience is and what the research experience is. I agree that I would pretty quickly take an OW internship if it was on offer, but e.g. Big 4 I think is more debatable. My main goal was to dismiss the notion that MBB is just looking for your average corporate drone. I know colleagues who came here after years of research and no consulting experience. I even know someone who was a high level concert musician with no prior work experience. I think MBB is more diverse than most realise, but can’t speak to other firms.

 

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