MBB FT Chances coming from IB SA?
Hi all,
I'm looking to break into consulting post grad (MBB/T2) and would love to get any realistic opinions on my chances. I'll be interning at an industry boutique this summer (think FT Partners). After my banking stint, I initially wanted to go directly into that specific industry, but I'm now considering a broader experience post grad. I've also really enjoyed being a part of a student run business on campus and the operational work that comes with it, which got me thinking about a potential pivot.
For context, I'm currently a junior studying international relations at a non-ivy target, with a 3.8x GPA, and I'm aiming to get above a 3.85 after this sem. My other ECs include president of a club sport, leadership in a student run business, and involvement in investment clubs.
With regards to prep, what would be the best way to use my time from now until the application? I doubt I will have much time this summer and I'm hoping to get as much done before school ends.
- Is networking as important as it is in banking (we have on campus recruiting)?
- Does the office location matter? Our school feeds into our local office but I'm interested in applying to NJ (home state) or NY.
Thank you in advance!
Breaking into MBB or T2 consulting from an IB SA role is absolutely possible, especially with your strong academic background, leadership roles, and relevant extracurriculars. Here's a breakdown of your situation and actionable advice:
1. Chances of Breaking In
2. Preparation Strategy
3. Office Location
4. Timeline
5. Additional Tips
With focused preparation and strategic networking, you have a solid shot at breaking into MBB or T2 consulting. Good luck!
Sources: What should I do as an undergrad if I want to work for Mckinsey?, Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, GUIDE: getting consulting inc. MBB and Big 4 internships and graduate roles, Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, Q&A: Recent graduate starting at MBB soon
If you have a SA role at a bank like FT Partners, you can 100% break into consulting. The top firms in this industry simply want the smartest candidates they can find - they are less concerned with having the most directly relevant experience. To prepare, just look up whatever you can find online about case interviews. If you got an IB role, you can pass a behavioral interview
As for your two questions, you should network for sure. Networking might not be as important as it is in IB, but it still matters and could make a difference. Honestly not sure about your question about office location. I can say that being in NY is not as important in consulting as it is in IB. Chicago is just as prominent in consulting imo, so it may actually be easier than you think to end up in NY/NJ if that's what you want
Awesome - that's great to know. I was def a bit worried abt my background since it doesn't related to consulting at all. Do you know who would be screening the resumes? Is there a school team like banking or is it by the office
There’s a school team for MBB and Big 4 for sure, assuming you go to a school they recruit from. Otherwise probably varies firm by firm
Your background sounds almost perfect for MBB. IB into MBB is very common so the lack of consulting experience isn't a problem and the IB stuff should be viewed as valid work experience. Good grades at a target is table stakes but sounds like you're passing that bar. The ECs are interesting and show good leadership as well as an actually believable "why consulting" story. With this CV, I'd be surprised if you weren't getting interviews.
With that said, I'd spend most of my time prepping for cases as nobody will care how good your CV is if you aren't impressive to interview. Should also get your behaviourals nailed, but this won't need as much prep.
I'm MBB London so can only repeat what I've heard with respect to the last two bullets (they're US specific). The general advice is networking isn't important for MBB, but can't hurt so maybe worth reaching out a bit. Office location is controversial since smaller offices have less applicants but fewer spots. If you're indifferent about the two, I'd go for NJ since NYC is basically the most competitive globally. But if you're leaning towards NYC then go for it.
Thanks for the feedback! How do you think I should go about crafting my why consulting story, esp coming from IB? I started casing already and think that and behavioral shouldn't be a problem.
Check out sft's response for how to craft your story. Only thing I would add is that you mentioned the campus business was what made you think you enjoyed more operational work, so tell that to your interviewer.
I did IBD -> McKinsey. Did MBA in between though.
Your profile looks fine, you should get interview invite. However, what will matter the most is how you perform on the case. If you do 50+ cases with proper partners and feedback, you will get the offer.
Re your story: super easy to craft it - just tell them what you liked about IBD that consulting has to offer too (client facing work, deep analysis, high-stake problems) and then pivot to what unique about consulting. Tell you want to dive deeper into how businesses actually operate (strategy execution, org design, ops challenges), which IBD’s transactional focus doesn’t have.
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