“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.”
I would try to get above 3.3. Maybe 3.4 by the time you interview next year. I was similar engineering- econ minor though ended up in trading.
Deloitte business analyst might be best bet or whichever program they have for engineers (lower required gpa). Accenture strategy works to. I had a final round with a boutique strategy firm that from what I can tell got bought out by accenture strategy now.
You can probably get second tier ib interviews. I had BB in public finance (worst IB group). With your GPA sounds like 2-3 year job then top MBA to do MBB. Someone in my class did deloitte, insead (1 year program), then mbb.
Have you considered looking for tech/engineering product management internships? The recruiting is more spread out through the year and it's a good way to get a big name on your resume. They like people from technical backgrounds and aren't as GPA sensitive.
I have and Ive considered general software engineering internships. Only problem that occurred was that studying for software engineering interviews, product management interviews and case interviews made it so I wasn't up to par on either of them. I think next year for full time ill focus on case prep and pm interviews and keep prepping.
That looks like a good plan. SWE interviews also don't adhere to a strict interview schedule so it's a good backup in case things don't go well in the fall. I will warn you, at my school (top CS school) SWE hiring has been crazy for a while but has noticeable tightened up this year.
I have a similar situation and would love to hear more advice. I went to a target undergrad, but was a science major and pre med. After deciding I wanted to go the consulting route and not medicine, I was too late to get any offers. I'm now doing an MS in Accounting at an okay school, straight out of undergrad to get some sort of business names on my resume. Not at all interested in accounting but obviously did not want to get an mba too soon and waste my shot. I have an audit internship with a Big 4 right now and still another year left of my MS program. What is the best route for me to get into MBB or even tier 2? Trying to network hard within my internship and maybe be able to intern next year with Deloitte S&O or be able to apply there full time? Any advice would be great. I wish I knew everything I know now when I was wasting my time as an undergrad neuroscience major.
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