Should I Apply MBB US or UK?
Hi all,
Currently applying for consulting summers (MBB predominantly) and would like a second opinion on which office to be targeting.
I've done the first 2 years of my bachelor's at UCL (UK), and now doing my third and final year at Dartmouth College (US) as an exchange student.
Ideally, I'd like to work in the US upon graduation but would still apply for the UK if I'd have a better chance at getting into the mentioned firms there.
Question(s) - Am I correct in thinking I'd have a better shot at applying for the New York/Boston MBB offices than the London one due to Dartmouth being considerably more prestigious than UCL (most MBB summers in the UK are from Oxbridge)? Or will my sponsorship requirement in the US (no requirement in the UK due to being British) negate that and make it such that I'd have a better shot in the UK?
Thanks all and I appreciate that I'm asking for opinions on a subject which inherently includes a lot of luck/guesswork
Hey there,
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're in a unique position with experience in both the UK and US.
When it comes to MBB recruitment, both Dartmouth and UCL are well-regarded institutions. While Dartmouth might have a slight edge in prestige, MBB firms in the UK also recruit heavily from universities like UCL, LSE, Imperial, and Warwick, not just Oxbridge.
However, the sponsorship requirement could indeed be a factor. If you require sponsorship in the US, it might make the process a bit more challenging compared to the UK where you have no such requirement.
In the end, it might be beneficial to apply to both locations. This could potentially increase your chances and also give you options to choose from.
Remember, while the school's prestige and sponsorship requirements are important, they're not the only factors. Your personal skills, experiences, and fit with the firm's culture are also crucial in the recruitment process.
Good luck with your applications!
Sources: I am a consultant at a non-MBB firm in London: Q&A, Choose Between Two Offers (BB/MBB) - Looking for Advice, MBB vs Quant at IBank, UK Target Unis for MBB
Sponsorship is a non-factor at MBB in the US. It isn't a disadvantage at all. It does matter quite a lot at some of the T2s and I think Big 4 straight up don't hire internationals into their general consulting program (excluding EYP/Deloitte Monitor kind of subgroups).
I think you're right about the target school argument - UK MBB is aggressively Oxbridge focused, while Dartmouth is a good target school in the US.
I would probably target MBB in the US and depending on the sponsorship requirements, target T2 between the US and the UK.
Thanks a lot, that's really helpful and confirms the suspicions I had. Unfortunately seems like I've missed the boat for MBB this cycle so may wait and apply for summer 2025. Thanks again
—
As a current MBB in london, I'd like to add the view that while there are many Oxbridge grads at the AC / BA / A level (and LBS / INSEAD at the MBA level), these are by no means the only unis represented here.
I know many people from UCL, I myself am from Notts (as are many people, including AP / P). UCL with a strong grade + good work experience and extra curriculars will definitely be a positive. If you pass the test and are invited to interviews then we (Bain) are CV blind, so UCL or Oxbridge or Harvard makes no difference from that point on.
As an FYI though, Bain doesn't do ACIs in London, so would have to apply for a FT position or for internship at another firm. In any case, happy to answer any questions about Bain you may have, or other MBBs / Consulting if helpful (assuming I am able).
Consequatur sit aut ullam nihil ea odio culpa. Similique possimus excepturi voluptatem quaerat. Quis deleniti atque vitae nostrum reiciendis.
Id eum dolore ut. Occaecati rem tempora consequatur maiores dolores. Corrupti optio voluptatem minus magni accusamus asperiores. Eaque deleniti qui aut. Mollitia possimus voluptatibus deserunt et molestias voluptatibus aspernatur.
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...