MBB after Master's
BSc in CompSci from non-target → Finishing MSc in Management at LSE/Imperial this year.
Background: SWE/ML internships, some published AI research, and numerous extracurriculars—though nothing particularly prestigious (mostly AI or project management).
Didn't land an MBB offer this cycle.
I'm fundamentally a SWE/ML/Research profile, but I've recently become really determined in pivoting towards MBB, especially attracted to their strategy projects (aware of specialized practices like X, Gamma, QuantumBlack).
Issue: I'm unclear on the best pathway towards securing an MBB role in London. How realistic is it for my background?
Considering roles post-grad (pre-MBB application), which of these would be the best strategy?
1. Finance-related role (VC, Financial Analysis) → Apply to MBB
2. Boutique consulting → Apply to MBB
3. Most prestigious role available → Apply to MBB
4. Any experience for MBA→ MBA → Apply to MBB
Which pathway gives me the best chance? Is my goal even realistic given my graduated profile?
Any additional advice or perspectives would be hugely appreciated. Thanks a lot!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your goal of pivoting to MBB is realistic, but it will require a strategic approach given your background. Here's a breakdown of the pathways you mentioned and additional advice:
Pathway Analysis:
Finance-related role (VC, Financial Analysis) → Apply to MBB
Boutique consulting → Apply to MBB
Most prestigious role available → Apply to MBB
Any experience for MBA → MBA → Apply to MBB
Recommended Pathway:
The boutique consulting route (Pathway 2) is likely your best bet. It aligns closely with MBB’s requirements and allows you to build relevant experience in consulting, strategy, and client engagement. Focus on firms that specialize in tech, AI, or digital transformation to leverage your SWE/ML background.
Additional Advice:
Leverage Your AI/ML Expertise
Network Aggressively
Strengthen Your Application
Consider a Pre-MBA Role
Prepare for Case Interviews
Final Thoughts:
Your MSc from LSE/Imperial, combined with your technical background, makes you a strong candidate for MBB, especially in their specialized practices. The boutique consulting route offers the most direct pathway, but an MBA could also be a viable option if needed. With focused preparation, networking, and strategic role selection, your goal is achievable.
Sources: Profile Evaluation: MSc in Finance at LBS, LSE, Imperial, Said or MIT, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, GUIDE: getting consulting inc. MBB and Big 4 internships and graduate roles, Advice needed for MBA to MBB route, European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience)
Why didn't you get the offer? Did you fail the interview or you did not get interviews at all?
None of the above will give you MBB offer.
Nailing the case interview will.
Hey, thanks for the reply!
I get it: no grind for case interviews -> no offer. But the funny part is that I didn't get an interview at all (tho I have applied only to 1 of MBB – missed deadlines for others). Anyways, I am fine with grinding. It is that I want to hear advice on:
1. general idea of post-grad hiring (non-MBA) and where my profile stands. (how bad is the hole I am in).
2. the bit after you graduated but before you got into MBB. (how to get out of it - realistically).
Any thoughts would be very appreciated.
Im not sure a Masters in Management at LSE meets the bar for an attractive profile - I haven’t met anyone with that. I think your non-target undergrad doesn’t help either I’m afraid.
I appreciate this may be tough to hear, but I’d look at the Tier 2s or other tech roles.
Thanks a lot for the honesty! I’m really tired of people around sugarcoating despite the obvious dissonance with the real data on the bar for MBB.
What would you say are the best ways/options to meet the “bar”? Have you met people with similar problem by chance? (Insufficiently attractive grad profile -> Something -> MBB associate)
Does SOMETHING have to be MBA? Is it the only option? Your answer would be appreciated.
Happy to help. Honestly, I haven’t met anyone with a profile like yours - all of the BAs come from at least tier 2 undergrad/ Masters (e.g. something like economics at Bath, or PPE at Warwick).
There are associates from a wider range of backgrounds - your options here are either join a top tier company / startup and then try and lateral in with 2+ years of experience or do an MBA at at least a tier 2 programme (at least LBS/ Insead).
The issue with experienced hires is that it is not structured. There aren’t guaranteed to be roles open because EH are only brought in for specific gaps that need to be filled. MBA associates and BAs have a structured process, so there is pipeline every year.
You have a very uphill climb to MBB to be honest. If you’re set on it, I would:
- apply to other top corporates / startups asap. You need to be employed or doing something productive once you graduate
- apply to all of the MBBs graduate intake next year (unlikely you’ll get in but doesn’t hurt)
- apply to the EH intake the year after, as well as MBA programmes
- Do an MBA if you haven’t struck gold and then go again for internships
How non-target is your undergrad? If it’s Warwick/Bristol/Durham (some would consider target) then just do whatever is most prestigious and hopefully you’ll be able to get an interview to lateral. If it’s Nottingham/Manchester/Exeter then your odds are lower but I would still follow the same strategy. If you mean more York/Cardiff/Leeds then it’s frankly a long shot whatever you do.
Unfortunately, at least at my MBB, undergrad is weighted much more heavily than masters.
This is a bit of an exaggeration. Assuming two candidates, one from Exeter and one from Bristol for example. Both achieved 1:1 in UG and went on to a MiM at LSE, both with the exact same work experience etc. There is 0 discrimination between them in terms of pre-screening and getting an interview.i agree that UG grades are highly valued but the negligible difference in pretige\grad quality between these schools is almost certainly not considered by recruiters. What’s much more important is being a unique differentiated candidate
There is an actual cut off for universities. I don’t know which universities fall into which categories but LinkedIn would be helpful here
I agree in the specific example of Bristol/Exeter that’s it’s very close and likely no different. Perhaps a poor choice of examples by me. However the general point stands that recruiters do weight the prestige of your university, and if for example they were comparing two identical CVs from a Warwick and Nottingham student then the Warwick student would be more likely to pass the CV screen.
I will add that interviews are CV-blind at at least one MBB, so once you get to interview it matters less.
Where does bath stand here? Seen people group it with both
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