Re-recruiting MBB from Big4

Hi all, looking for some thoughts about experiences rerecruiting MBB from a target, specifically Bain, from a Big4 summer.

I’m fortunate to have landed a great Big4 gig for next summer, amidst the bloodbath of recruiting this season, but definitely looking forward to re-recruiting. For context, I got to the final round of Bain after a summer of case prep. I’ve also considered looking into the Strategy arm of my firm, but also excited to jump back into fulltime MBB recruiting.

A common theme with folks who landed the MBB summer, from what I’ve seen on LinkedIn and folks I know at my own school, is past experience in a Big4 or adjacent role in the previous summer. Most MBB offers I’ve seen have a Big4 summer consulting behind them, so maybe full-time MBB recruiting will be fruitful with the Big4 expedience under my belt.

Appreciate any and all thoughts around this topic! LMK if I need to clarify anything. Thanks!

10 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for re-recruiting MBB from a Big4 summer internship:

  1. Leverage Your Big4 Experience:

    • Many successful MBB candidates have prior experience in Big4 or similar roles. This background can be advantageous as it demonstrates relevant consulting experience and skills.
    • Highlight your achievements and the skills you developed during your Big4 internship, such as problem-solving, client interaction, and project management.
  2. Networking:

    • Networking is crucial. Reach out to consultants at Bain and other MBB firms, especially those involved in recruiting. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to interview opportunities.
    • Attend recruiting events and connect with consultants who have similar professional backgrounds or are in practice areas of interest to you.
  3. Demonstrate Core Attributes:

    • Show coachability by being open to feedback and demonstrating your ability to learn and grow from it.
    • Be proactive in problem-solving. Even if your solutions aren't perfect, showing that you can think through potential solutions is important.
    • Convey your excitement and genuine interest in the consulting role and the specific firm. This can make a significant impact during the recruitment process.
  4. Prepare for Interviews:

    • Focus on understanding the M&A process and the specific role you are applying for. Experienced candidates are expected to have a clear understanding of what they are getting into.
    • Practice case interviews extensively. Your previous experience with case prep will be beneficial, but continuous practice is key to success.
  5. Consider Strategy Arm of Your Firm:

    • If you are considering the Strategy arm of your current Big4 firm, evaluate how this experience aligns with your long-term career goals. It could provide additional relevant experience and make you an even stronger candidate for MBB in the future.
  6. Timing and Persistence:

    • Full-time recruiting can be competitive and fast-paced. Start your networking and preparation early to stay ahead.
    • Be persistent and resilient. If you don't succeed initially, continue to build your experience and network, and reapply in the future.

By leveraging your Big4 experience, networking effectively, demonstrating key attributes, and preparing thoroughly, you can increase your chances of successfully re-recruiting for MBB. Good luck!

Sources: Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, Q&A: Big 4 Consulting to Lower MM IB to MM IB (No MBA)., Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Breaking into consulting as ex-diplomat??

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

hey incoming mbb intern and just finished up recruiting with an offer and dropping out before final round and an declining interview for the two others. i think that since you already made a final round the resume likely isnt the biggest issue. ofc having big 4 experience should help you but once u make it to an interview its all about that performance. yes having relevant big 4 experience will probably help you get more interviews, but as a final round candidate i think the biggest focus should be just casing and making sure you can ace any opportunity 

 

I’d agree. Only one student landed Bain from my class. I should’ve been a bit more diligent earlier to get feedback from Bain, but I was focused on my next interviews once I finally heard back. Maybe it would still be worth reaching out, almost 2 months later?

 

honestly idk i think it depends on your level of relationship with the recruiter/office. it is a little late and you should've done it right away but it might still be good. can also be a way to stay in touch with them as I'm assuming you want to re-recruit for ft

 

I recently got an MBB offer after interning at a Big 4. Considering you made it to the final round this cycle, you should definitely have a strong chance of receiving interviews for full-time. From that point it’s really all on how you perform in the interview. Only thing I’d say is try to find unique ways to make an impact during your internship. Gives you some good content for resume + conversation in interviews.

 
Most Helpful

I ended up getting my offer from the same office I applied to during internship recruiting. I’d say either way it’s fine as long as you have a decent reason for why you picked it.

 

I agree with the comments above that since you are passing the screening, your resume is pretty good. However, these 3 months can actually provide you with real-world projects that can help you with having the right argumentation during your interviews. Generally, working on 1-2 projects in different industries can help you understand how things actually work so you don't just make up stuff. 

 

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