“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.”
As for whether technical background helps, in my experience it's not a deal maker/breaker but could definitely be an interesting point to talk about during interviews and may give you an edge in getting your resume pulled (especially because 3.7 in CS is pretty solid) because it's likely different from the dozens of business/econ kids who apply.
McKinsey's new data science positions are for New Ventures (you can search for more info) - I actually got a bunch of mixed comments on what New Ventures actually does but I think the general impression is that they're like a semi-support team that helps build industry-specific solutions for clients and provides support on more traditional engagements. Note that this is separate from the traditional BA/summer BA route, and since the group is so new it's tough to say if you can necessarily switch (though one BA I know did a rotation for New Ventures for a few months).
The timeline for recruiting consulting varies on a per school basis. For my school, recruiting for junior internships basically began when school began with info sessions for the first month or so and the bulk of interviews spread out across October/mid-November.
Overall across MBB (and tier 2 firms) the general vibe is that offices 'specialize' in industries specific to their region with the exception mostly being McKinsey because of its global staffing model. Bain's home-staffing model ensures low travel - its SF office specializes in tech/PE due diligence, LA specializes in media/entertainment, and NYC specializes in financial services. Also note that for west coast, McK has both SF and a Redwood City (South Bay) office - South Bay is known to be more laid back as most people retire in South Bay so there's nothing to do while McKinsey NY is notorious for working you hard. Can't speak too much to BCG though I do know the partners there really like French Laundry and the firm eats there (relatively) often.
Forgive me for being underinformed, but what swayed you away from software engineering? Aren't comp/hours better?
Also curious, in the same boat (Maths&CS).
Contrary to juicetin's input, there are actually new data science -oriented positions at McKinsey that are not in New Ventures. These roles travel just like any other BA and work on projects specializing in DS/analytics.
CS is a really popular major for consulting recruiting, and I think a lot of other CS majors get dissuaded from SWE as well. With a 3.7 in CS you definitely pass the bar academically - getting an interview will be about making sure your resume is polished and also some networking.
P.S. sounds like we go to the same school. Feel free to PM if you want.
Thanks for the input! I thought the positions were only for New Ventures because those are the only data science-related intern/analyst positions posted from McKinsey for my school. Interesting to know that there's more out there.
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