“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.”
Congrats on both of the offers. I'd take the Google one in a heartbeat, because (presumably) what you would do at Google would be much more similar to what you'd do at MBB.
Its gotta be google ... AM would require way too much "spinning" next year during FT mgmt consulting interviews
What does that even mean?
Top 12 school nationwide but a non-target for most major banks or consultancies
Thanks for weighing in, I've been leaning towards Google and agree that Marketing work probably lines up more closely with MBB than AM work with JPM
Go to the place you can have a bigger impact. If you can show that you made specific measurable contributions your CV will stand out and you will have a good basis to showcase your leadership and impact if you interview ...
Comment above isn't even necessary. Google is gold on a resume, especially APMM which is the most prestigious division. You'll get interviews at every place you apply for, I imagine. Congrats
Jumping from markets/investments focused roles (i.e. AM, S&T, PWM) into corporate finance and advisory focused roles (IBD, Corp Strat, Corp Dev, Management Consulting) is not a clear cut transition and has very little overlap... Given that you're gunning for management consulting next year, I can't think of any logical reasons for why you should take the AM job over Google.
I think the Google position will work quite favorably for you next year (great experience, ridiculous brand name to have on your resume, not very difficult to spin "why google?") and as I mentioned in my previous post I think it would be constant struggle trying to convince recruiters and interviewers why you did the AM role but really want to do consulting.
Agree on Google - plus I imagine it'll be a more interesting/fun summer.
Also, I take it you mean Hopkins/WashU/Rice/something similar? Those are all schools where you'd have a good shot at MBB with networking, a good internship, plus the grades and test scores. Two folks in my class from those schools alone.
You hit the nail on the head Peter Gibbons. That's what I'm working towards for my senior year.
I've been a reader for awhile but this was my first post. Thank you all for your help and advice.
Google APMM definitely looks better on a consulting resume. That is not to say that JPM position will not look impressive. So Google from a pure "which one would appeal to MBB more" standpoint.
That said, do give some thought to which one (if either) would you be OK doing full-time. When I was recruiting, I had a return offer from a firm that was my back-up - and while it was third or fourth on my list, I knew I wouldn't mind working there. I realized I was a lot calmer and more confident during cases and the entire recruiting process than my peers who did not have back-ups/did not want to go back to the firms they interned at.
Not top 10? Top 12?
That means he goes to the 12th school. And this is probably the highest from what, 4-5 rankings of this subject matter?
Congrats for the Google APMM. But seriously, there's some insecurity in your post.
Don't try to chart your life like a huge map that needs perfect steps. It's crazy and volatile. Hell, you go to APMM and you love it, then end up full-on with a Marketing job after graduation (or RAMP if you're lucky).
Or let's say you do consulting, hate the lifestyle, then realize you sacrifice so many years of your life for a calculated "promise land" where the grass really wasn't greener.
If you like asset management more, do asset management. If you like marketing, do marketing.
And drop the "top X" shit. No one cares. No one memorizes rankings. And rankings are volatile over the course of decades.
You really went out of the way and put in a lot of effort to find ways to criticize OP.
"there's some insecurity in your post" -> How can you come to that conclusion? He used less than 100 words to state factual information about his background so the people responding could have some basic details to base their recommendations on. You seem to enjoy putting yourself on a pedestal so you can look down on other people... I think there's some insecurity in your post.
Okay so the rankings/top-12 thing seems to really grinds your gears. Good for you... but does it really get you that worked up? I bet you love to argue simply for the sake of arguing.
http://bit.ly/Z0jhzu
Seems like you're the one who's upset. I'm addressing the deeper issues here surfaced through information inferred from the post. Hearing vs. listening. In consulting, that's kind of a common thing. And less than 100 words is exactly that, non-descriptive. Size of school? That affects alumni base. Location? Affects networking opportunities. Consulting is a field of very few players and with higher regard for name brand vs. IB considering the client-facing element of it.
Anyways, if you want to attack me...take it to PM. No need to hijack this thread.
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