What do MBB firms look for in CVs?
I'm a final year at a "target uni" (edit: not Oxbridge) in the UK, on course for a First Class and have some relevant consulting experience (but at mid-sized firm and not in strategy) and also have some leadership positions in societies. I've managed to get interviews a few times at T2 firms like S&, OW and OC&C but have never got an MBB interview after applying twice. What is it that they look for that's different from the T2 firms and what more can I do to improve my profile?
Ah, the quest for the golden ticket into MBB - McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. It's like trying to find the most appealing banana in the bunch, isn't it? Let's peel back the layers and see what makes your CV stand out to the MBB firms, based on the most helpful WSO content.
MBB firms evaluate your consulting resume on four main components: 1. Academic Performance: You're on course for a First Class at a target uni, which is fantastic! MBBs love seeing strong academic records. They look for: - Selectivity of your undergraduate and graduate institution – the more selective, the better. - Your undergraduate GPA – a First Class honours definitely ticks this box. - Any academic honors you might have received.
Work Experience: Your experience at a mid-sized firm, even if not in strategy, is valuable. MBBs look for:
Extracurriculars: Leadership positions in societies are a plus. MBBs seek candidates who:
Clear Communication: This is about how well you articulate your experiences and achievements on your CV. Ensure that:
Given your background, you're already hitting some key areas. To further improve your profile for MBB: - Network: Engage with MBB professionals through your university's alumni network, career events, or even LinkedIn. Insightful conversations can lead to referrals. - Case Prep Quality: While you have consulting experience, MBB case interviews can be quite specific. Focus on quality case prep, perhaps with someone who has received an MBB offer or works there. - Tailor Your Application: Highlight aspects of your experience that align with MBB values, such as impact, leadership, and problem-solving in complex environments. - Seek Feedback: If possible, get feedback on your previous applications to understand any gaps or areas for improvement.
Remember, persistence is key. Many successful MBB consultants applied multiple times before getting in. Keep refining your profile and approach, and don't hesitate to reach out for more personalized advice or mentoring. Good luck, and may your efforts lead you to the top of the consulting jungle!
Sources: Q&A: PhD -> MBB (with some steps in between), Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, Q&A 2.0: 3rd Year BA/A/AC At MBB Going To UMM/MF This Summer, NE M7 to MBB: What I wish I knew, observations, and ask me anything, NE M7 to MBB: What I wish I knew, observations, and ask me anything
By target uni, do you mean Oxbridge? Different answers depending on Oxbridge vs everything else. Happy to review your CV either way if helpful
Not Oxbridge unfortunately, it's Imperial/LSE. Sure, that would be very useful! I can anonymise it and then PM you
This is more of a semi target for MBB consulting btw. If from here, you're going to need more than good grades and a few springs. Any business experience is good such as start up, consulting case competitions among others.
Remind me if I forget and I'll share my thoughts later this week
Hey, would love to hear your thoughts!
I'd ignore everyone telling you LSE/ Imperial are not target universities for MBB. At McKinsey at least they are strongly represented. The current London office managing partner went to Imperial.
A) The BCG recruiting funnel for UK undergrad hires for 2017 has been shared a few times online - worth checking out.
B) There is a bias towards Oxbridge but this is changing. At McKinsey London, plenty of LSE/ Imperial kids as well as other unis (Bath, Nottingham, Exeter, etc).
C) MBB as a general rule do not really do experienced hires. What we look for in BAs is potential to be a partner at the Firm. What this means in practice is multifaceted; evidence of intellectual horsepower, resilience, confidence and strong communication, ingenuity and entrepreneurship, etc
D) In practice this means things that are looked on favourably are high level sport attainment, president of major university societies, winning business competitions, academic honours. I think MBB vary a bit here: winning academic honours is a big thing at BCG London (they also love JCR presidents), while McKinsey London love major society leadership roles (lots of Oxford Union/ Cambridge Union types).
E) It is helpful to have an idea of where you would fit in. Talk to alumni at MBB and ask for their CVs and see what profiles were successful
This final point is also helpful once you get in, although this is probably more McK specific. Knowing people at the Firm once you join is helpful as lots of "non-target uni" kids struggled for staffing because Partners would rather take a chance on a new BA from their college at Oxford rather than a new BA they have nothing in common with. Think back to the first few months in first year at uni- remember the people that came in with a friendship group and always seemed to know what was what? Yeah those are the people that get good opportunities and get promoted early.
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