Recruiting time frame for MBB?

Hi.

I'm fairly new to consulting, and in need of help trying to make a somewhat belated transition into management consulting industry.
My situation is as follows..

-Graduated from target ivy school (political science major) in May 2011
-Have been working in public sector since graduation with the contract ending on August 2013 (basic administrative job, nothing business related)
-admitted to top public policy program for fall 2013, but probably will defer matriculation for a year to shoot for employment in consulting

Since I'm bound to my contract with the current employer, I can't start a new employment until late-August. That disqualifies me from looking for any summer job options, but I'm concerned if there are any significant employment opportunities for a person like me (non-econ major/no significant business-related background) during fall and winter. I'm guessing my first realistic step should be to look for internship or temporary research assistant positions (rather than shooting straight for FT position) but do MBB have any openings like that for Fall/Winter?

I realize they have online application pages where applicants can basically submit their applications 24/7 all-year-round (both for intern and FT), but do they actually have vacancies to fill all-year-round or are they keeping the app option open just for the sake of it? Plus, isn't submitting online app out of the blue much like sending unsolicited emails to HR? However, if submitting on-line app is indeed a viable option, how many months before i wish to start should I submit the application, given the multiple rounds of interviews I have to go through?

I'm at a crucial career turning point, and I greatly appreciate your valuable insights!

Thanks!

6 Comments
 
WhiteMambaI dont see the point of MBB for the year. Wouldn't it make sense to shoot for a more regional boutique consulting firm even and then MBB after your public policy degree?

This. I don't think MBB has a fall/winter program, and it's unlikely they would hire you for just a year. I would try and get some experience elsewhere and then apply to MBB once you're done with your Masters.

 
WhiteMambaI dont see the point of MBB for the year. Wouldn't it make sense to shoot for a more regional boutique consulting firm even and then MBB after your public policy degree?

I see.. but I'm not really determined on the "quitting the job after one year" part. I mentioned deferred matriculation just to give you guys a more accurate picture of where I stand. I may even push it back for two years, or if the employment seems to work out great I may even decide not to enroll..

So from what I understand, there are no temporary intern/research assistant (anything that's a step lower than FT and easier to get into for a consulting novice like me) positions at MBB during Fall and Winter? If MBB are unrealistic targets, would shooting for firms such as Deloitte, Booz, and Accenture be a more realistic entry point?

Thanks again for the help!

 
holacicas
WhiteMambaI dont see the point of MBB for the year. Wouldn't it make sense to shoot for a more regional boutique consulting firm even and then MBB after your public policy degree?

I see.. but I'm not really determined on the "quitting the job after one year" part. I mentioned deferred matriculation just to give you guys a more accurate picture of where I stand. I may even push it back for two years, or if the employment seems to work out great I may even decide not to enroll..

So from what I understand, there are no temporary intern/research assistant (anything that's a step lower than FT and easier to get into for a consulting novice like me) positions at MBB during Fall and Winter? If MBB are unrealistic targets, would shooting for firms such as Deloitte, Booz, and Accenture be a more realistic entry point?

Thanks again for the help!

I think he and I both meant that if you mention you are deferred enrollment for a masters program, that would be a negative. I wouldn't bring it up in the interviews because it will signal you may leave soon (whether or not that turns out to be true). I know Deloitte only hires summer interns, can't speak for the other two.

 
Zzari I think he and I both meant that if you mention you are deferred enrollment for a masters program, that would be a negative. I wouldn't bring it up in the interviews because it will signal you may leave soon (whether or not that turns out to be true). I know Deloitte only hires summer interns, can't speak for the other two.

Good point. So as far as the online applications go for MBB, they are viable options and I should submit my resume/cover letter through them?

 
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