What to do if all else fails

Hey all, I'm in my Junior year now at a non-target. My resume has extensive experience in strategy and finance (Interned at a boutique M&A firm, VC Syndicate, Financial Analyst for a startup, Leadership position for a well-known Business Club on campus) but haven't landed ANY interviews at a consulting firm.

Recruiters have praised my resume extensively in the past, I'm not sure why I haven't even been called for a phone screening (Yes I have very solid referrals at every firm I apply to). I'm not looking for pity, but I need advice for where I should go from here, knowing that I want to work in Management/Strategy consulting and want to make the most of my Junior summer internship.

What's the best use of my time if I don't land any offers at a desirable firm? I plan to reapply to everything again for entry-level recruiting next year but I don't even know where to pivot to short-term for this summer.

Appreciate any advice you may have. 

TIA

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps you can take if you haven't landed any interviews at consulting firms and are looking to make the most of your Junior summer internship:

  1. Broaden Your Search:

    • Rather than targeting only top consulting firms, consider applying to a wide array of consulting firms, including smaller, regional, and niche firms. There are many consulting firms out there, and broadening your search can increase your chances of landing an internship.
  2. Leverage Networking:

    • Continue to network with alumni from your school and professionals in the industry. Networking can sometimes open doors that traditional applications cannot.
  3. Consider Related Fields:

    • Look into internships in related fields such as investment management, private wealth management, or family offices. These roles can provide valuable experience and skills that are transferable to consulting.
  4. Offer to Work as an Intern:

    • If you can't find a paid internship, consider offering to work as an intern for free. This can help you gain much-needed experience and potentially lead to a full-time offer.
  5. Perfect Your Interview Skills:

    • Use this time to perfect your interview skills, especially the soft skills portion. Practice case interviews and behavioral questions to ensure you are well-prepared for future opportunities.
  6. Consider Alternative Summer Plans:

    • If you are unable to secure an internship in consulting, consider other high-impact or big-name internships. These can still add significant value to your resume and help you stand out in future applications.
  7. Prepare for Future Applications:

    • Plan to reapply for entry-level recruiting next year. Use the summer to strengthen your resume, gain additional experience, and build your network.

By taking these steps, you can make the most of your time and improve your chances of landing a consulting role in the future.

Sources: No IB offers for the summer...what now?, What should I do as an undergrad if I want to work for Mckinsey?, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Please Advise: Never-Ending Job Hunt, Q&A: 5 Things you can do to help convert your internship to an offer in Consulting

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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