NHL Internship for MBB Recruiting
I am a current sophomore at a top target and recruiting for internships this summer. Last summer I worked at a small boutique in Philly as a strategy intern.
I have an opportunity to intern with the NHL at their NYC HQ in a Growth Strategy or Business Development role. I feel like the brand is well known somewhat, but I am not sure how MBB would view this kind of experience. It also seems to be a bit less traditional compared to typical consulting or finance internships.
For MBB recruiting, would NHL Growth Strategy or BD be seen as a strong signal, or would it be viewed as less relevant? Has anyone gone through MBB recruiting with a similar background?
Would appreciate any thoughts.
For MBB recruiting, the NHL Growth Strategy or Business Development internship could be a strong signal, depending on how you position it. Based on the most helpful WSO content, MBB firms value unique and prestigious brand names, especially if the role demonstrates strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. While it may not be as traditional as consulting or finance internships, the NHL's brand recognition and the strategic nature of the role can work in your favor.
To maximize its relevance for MBB recruiting: 1. Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize the strategic and analytical aspects of your work, such as market analysis, growth initiatives, or business development strategies. 2. Frame your narrative: Connect your experience to consulting by showcasing how you solved complex problems, worked in teams, and delivered impactful results. 3. Leverage the brand: The NHL is a globally recognized organization, and working at their HQ in a strategic role can demonstrate your ability to operate in a high-profile, professional environment.
Several WSO threads suggest that MBB firms appreciate diverse experiences, especially if you can articulate how they make you a stronger candidate. While traditional consulting or finance internships might be more common, a unique background like this can help you stand out if framed correctly.
Sources: Q&A: Strategic Planner at F500 Industrial Company, Did my GPA screw up my application?, Exit opps for a Canadian tech company ?, Q&A: Deloitte S&O -> F500 Corp. Strategy -> M7 -> MBB, MBA Internship Recruiting - Corporate Development/Strategy Q&A
Bump
Not in MBB so take this with a grain of salt if you want. I'm one year out of school and went to a non-target (as my username suggests). I recently made a job/career shift, and I can tell you without a doubt that being an interesting candidate is infinitely more important than the title or sector of your previous jobs especially early in your career. The position you outline is potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity that you may never have a chance at again. I understand it isn't traditional consulting but it's one hell of a conversation starter. Out there somewhere is a director in consulting who would die to chat your ear off about hockey during an interview especially if you are truly passionate about the sport. I personally have incorporated my hobby of fishing into my resume, and I don't think I've ever had an interview where someone didn't ask about it. Additionally, it has taken the heat off me after bombing some harder technicals and allowed me to take a breath and collect my thoughts while discussing a topic I go to sleep thinking about. This may not be the same case for you and hockey but regardless I digress. Let me know what you decide I'm curious.
Best regards.
A non-target
Worked for 3 years at Bain. +1 this, I disagree with the other takes in this thread.
Do cool shit, be an interesting person, get good grades, take leadership roles on campus.
No consulting firm cares about if you had finance/consulting experience prior to the junior year internship. At Bain when I would review resumes, I would only evaluate the "relevance" of an internship insofar as it gave me an indication that 1.) it demonstrates some sort of interest in working in consulting, and/or 2.) offers evidence that this person has the quant/analytical skills to be successful in consulting.
My college roommate and I both received 2/3 MBB offers and for our internships I worked at a think tank and taught English in Thailand, he had a govt internship in D.C. (he had a big public sector background). Just do shit you find interesting. At the end of the day, doing something you genuinely, authentically enjoy and doing a good job at it is much more impactful than doing something you're less interested in because you think it's "more relevant" or what people want to see, and doing a worse job because you aren't as interested in that thing.
The NHL internship is sick and great for a sophomore internship. It could also potentially land you a few first-round interviews if the person screening the resume also happens to be into hockey. That being said, a conversation starter doesn't guarantee you an MBB internship, your skillset does. BD is not as closely related to the consulting space, although strategy is definitely related. Really depends on which side the internship leans more on. I don't work in consulting but I don't view it as a strong signal or something that is irrelevant. At the end of the day it's a sophomore internship. Just make the most of it and network during the summer, you'll likely have a lot of free time.
if you're deciding between growth strategy or BD, i'd pick strategy
There are tons of MBB people who extern at sports leagues—NHL, NBA, USTA, etc....no reason why NHL internship in a useful interesting position where you do actual work would be looked down upon.
Do it, certainly a differentiator that I bet would help you down the road.
Natus odio minus sunt repellat veniam quae quam. Magni earum accusantium porro nemo. Qui id autem vitae sed libero nihil quae commodi. Aut placeat quo iste quis voluptatum tenetur consequatur. Voluptatem delectus eaque ut quia hic repellendus hic.
Soluta dolores sequi nisi harum. Perferendis laborum deleniti perferendis illo excepturi aliquam aliquid.
Voluptas quae rerum eos in consequuntur accusantium id eos. Et deserunt nam occaecati et sapiente. At assumenda nisi animi labore.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...