Shot at consulting offer given my situation?

I did an internship at an investment bank this past summer and did not get a return offer. I think my strengths and interests are more in line with consulting. I’m looking to start re-recruiting for consulting full time. I’m aware that I have missed the deadlines for BCG and Bain.

For context, I go to a target school with a 3.8+ GPA, which I figure isn’t particularly competitive. Am I too late to the FT game? What can/should I do to maximize my chances? Also, is networking as essential to getting an interview as it was for banking?

2 Comments
 

Networking is more important in consulting. That's for a few reasons:
1) There are likely more applicants in consulting and it's harder to filter them out. You're going to be competing with history, economics, medicine, law, engineering, business, finance, psychology, international relations, (the list goes on) graduates for consulting positions. Networking might be your primary differentiator.
2) You'll probably interact with clients earlier in consulting than IB. You'll definitely present sooner (though to less senior people). It'll probably happen on your first engagement to be honest. You'll be expect to lead/deliver the pitch

Your resume is solid and I think you stand a good chance. Your IB experience is a very strong signal in consulting that you're switched on, a good communicator and fiscally literate. Apply to T2 and McKinsey, but with tempered expectations for McKinsey! 

Focus on case prep, personal fit, networking and preparing for the assessments (they aren't just psychometric/IQ tests or quant questions). Obviously, I can help with the McKinsey solve assessment! 

 

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