“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.”
@workhard75 I know a lot about this group. Sending you a pm.
If you know you want to work in business (and not engineering), I don't understand why you would take an engineering job coming out of school. Sure, maybe you'll position yourself better for business school (and that's a big maybe), but you'll be doing a job (for a few years) that you don't want to do and that is building up an entirely different skill set then what you'd presumably want/need for consulting.
Are you a guy or a girl (I ask because of your picture). Business schools love female engineers, so it may actually give you a big leg up in business school. If your a male, KPMG and the engineering job is probably about the same level of prestige.
Hey guys, thanks for your feedback.
Yes, I am a female. I have majored in Business (Supply Chain Operations) and minored in CS at a top 10 public university known globally for engineering. Despite my major, I interned as an industrial engineer at Mars Chocolate and was offered a full-time role upon graduation. My future goal is MBB, so I am almost wondering which strategy would be best to get into MBB. I feel as if I will have to get into a top 10 MBA to move into MBB, especially if I go the engineering route. Yes, I do have a passion for business strategy over engineering, but I am almost wondering if I would have a better chance roughing it out for 4 years at the engineering role if it would position me better for a top MBB than KPMG. The KPMG role would be in Atlanta. For the engineering role, I would come in at one level higher than most entry level employees, but as such I will be unable to move to the next "level" for at least 5 years. I would be able to have lateral level moves with pay raises every ~2 years.
Ah, Georgia Tech. I know two tech grads at KPMG who do strategy, PM me if you want to be forwarded.
Also though, majoring undergrad in Business, I wonder if this hurts my MBA chances as well. And if at then I should just go the KPMG route to then move into corporate strategy later in life. Which is most likely where I hope to see myself in the long long term, as I am not quite sure I can commit my life away to the lifestyle of a partner.
Regardless of which route you choose, you have 3-5 years before you will attend business school. In these years, it would be better for you if you do something that you love. Ask yourself - where would you feel most happy living in the current moment - F100 engineering or KPMG doing strategy work (you should check with Emous to see if this is actually a good group - you don't want to be stuck doing crappy projects in the name of "Strategy").
I have always found that one tends to do best when one is in the position that he/she really enjoys. If you become a manager at KPMG and have huge responsibilities before you head to business school, I am sure that would be viewed as favorable. You have had engineering background and as long as you can explain in story on why you are interested in business strategy, you should be fine.
Hope that helps.
@WorkHard, Hi, I don't really mean to hijack your thread but I was wondering what you thought of the interview process for Strategy and Growth group. I have an interview coming up with the same team and was hoping to get your thoughts. Will you be starting this year or next?
What are your guys thoughts on the difference in salaries? Will I be able to move up quickly in the future/would this position at KPMG set me better off for the future? Exit options wise?
Dazero, they really just wanted to capture my personality and strengths in a intellectual conversation format. I did not really get any behavioral and the interviewer talked the majority of the time. Honestly, I felt like within the first 5 minutes I knew whether they liked me or not.
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