“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.”
Your chances of securing full-time interviews at MBB are strong given your profile. Based on the most helpful WSO content:
Academic Background: A 3.8+ GPA at an Ivy League school is a significant advantage. MBB firms highly value strong academic performance, especially from prestigious institutions.
Relevant Experience: Your 2-month internship at a non-U.S.-based MBB and incoming EB internship in NY demonstrate both consulting and finance exposure, which are highly relevant. These experiences will likely make your resume stand out.
Networking Importance: Networking is critical in the MBB recruiting process. As highlighted in WSO threads:
To maximize your chances: - Continue networking proactively with consultants and alumni at your target offices. - Prepare thoroughly for case and behavioral interviews, as performance in these is crucial once you secure an interview.
Your profile is competitive, but networking and interview preparation will be key to converting opportunities into offers.
Sources: Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, Q&A: Recent graduate starting at MBB soon, What do companies look for in intern applications?, IB Associate and VP Exits - Where are you now?
Basically identical profile to you and got into Bain's NE process last year but was rejected from BCG/Mck
Thanks for the input. A couple of Qs: did you network at all, and if so, what's the timeline for networking?
networked at BCG and Bain. I was told networking matters the most at Bain. I networked in August for the September deadline, but I also had the benefit of being friends with a Bain employee in the office I wanted
Honestly, you have a really strong profile! 3.8+ at an Ivy, MBB internship, and EB in NY is nothing to sneeze at. I’d say your chances for FT interviews are definitely solid. Networking is key though — try to have actual conversations, not just LinkedIn requests. People remember genuine interactions way more than a cold resume.
Given you broke into an EB, which is arguably harder than any MBB NY as someone who went through both processes, it’s not unreasonable to get 2/3 for FT. Assuming you tailor your cv for consulting recruitment and network correctly with alums from your school.
Sounds like other people who were in my class... if you don't check any diversity boxes though, it'd probably be good to differentiate yourself with some volunteering/non-recruiting related activities because there's a ton of asian/white dudes who apply with similar qualifications.
For BCG, it depends on who you're networking with... From experience, it's only really useful to gather information (which is really important) because in a regional office of hundreds of employees, less than 20 will be involved in the application process. If you can talk to one of the 1-3 people who review resumes from your school or the person in-charge of associate recruiting, then that's a different story, but chances are you can't. Anyone in the firm can forward your resume, but I think the impact of that is pretty marginal. It's not at all like IB where it's basically a requirement to talk to someone on the team you're recruiting for.
Thanks for sharing. Do you mind if I PM you?
Yeah sure
Made the switch from banking, happy to answer questions on how to position,
Couple questions:
1. When did you switch over?
2. Did the process involve networking, or straight applications?
3. When does/how does the experienced hire process work?
Thank you!
Awesome. I have some questions too.
Going to an mbb ny but felt I’d weigh in.
Networking for mbb is no where near as important as what my friends made Banking out to be. If in banking 90 pct of the ppl who get interviews got their resume forwarded, I feel like consulting is not even half of that. Resume is the most important part - though process can be random my friend who worked at an EB and 3.9+ didn’t get interviews.
For casing, it’s still the most important part probably. McKinsey really cares about behaviors and they do some unique stuff. You may find casing easy but the hard part is that you never know. Maybe you did pretty well according to the case book answer key on a general case - doesn’t mean anything because everyone does. It’s not lik banking where there is for sure an answer they are looking for, and I think that’s what makes it hard (but I’m a stem major and always liked th fact that there are objective answers).
TLDR resume matters most, don’t try to treat casing like banking techs, find creative ideas and always stay grounded in logic
Does anyone know if I'll be disadvantaged with only having a BB internship compared to other kids with banking + consulting internships?
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