Top MSF program to MBB possible with past IB/PE experience?
Hey all — I'm planning to do an MSF in the fall at a top program (Vandy/WashU). All my 4 prior internships (apart from an accounting one early in college) have been across IB/PE and I come from a non-target undergrad, my cumulative gpa is a 3.9. I've come to realize that IB may not be the career for me, and I might be looking to pivot into management consulting due to more diverse work, and just getting away from the general pettiness of IB culture. I've been looking into employment reports for the school I'll be at and it doesn't look like there has been any kids who've placed into MBB, but looks like kids have placed into tier 2 firms like LEK and Deloitte.
Is this an unrealistic path to go from a top MSF to MBB? I know most people in the program are gunning for IB, and I'm still considering that option but I did not get a return offer from my top MM IB SA gig last summer. Will me going to a non-target undergrad hurt my chances? As that's something I've heard consultants care more about than bankers. Would love to hear thoughts.
Breaking into MBB from a top MSF program like Vanderbilt or WashU is challenging but not impossible, especially with your strong GPA (3.9) and prior IB/PE experience. Here's what you need to know based on the most helpful WSO content:
Leverage Your IB/PE Experience: Your prior internships in IB/PE are a significant asset. MBB values candidates with strong analytical and corporate finance skills, which align well with your background. Highlight these experiences in your applications and interviews, emphasizing transferable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Networking is Key: Since MBB placements from MSF programs are rare, networking will be critical. Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, and any connections from your internships to build relationships with consultants at MBB. Attend school events, case competitions, and consulting-specific workshops to increase visibility.
Address the Non-Target Undergrad Concern: While MBB does place some emphasis on educational pedigree, your high GPA and top MSF program can help offset this. Focus on demonstrating your capabilities through case interviews and networking. Additionally, your IB/PE experience can help you stand out as a candidate with real-world expertise.
Consider Tier 2 Firms as a Stepping Stone: If MBB proves elusive, securing a role at a Tier 2 firm like LEK, Deloitte, or Strategy& can be a great way to build consulting experience. Many professionals transition from Tier 2 to MBB after gaining a few years of experience.
Prepare for Case Interviews: Excelling in case interviews is non-negotiable for MBB. Start preparing early by practicing frameworks, mental math, and problem-solving. Resources like WSO's Consulting Case Interview Prep can be invaluable.
School Employment Reports: While your program may not have a strong track record of MBB placements, this doesn't mean it's impossible. Focus on being the exception by leveraging your unique background and networking aggressively.
In summary, while your path to MBB from a top MSF program may be less traditional, your strong GPA, IB/PE experience, and proactive networking can make it achievable. Keep Tier 2 firms in mind as a viable alternative or stepping stone.
Sources: Unhappy at MBB, Graduating MSF - no job, Checking in 6 years later [IB to MBB transition], Future of Non-Target Recruiting
i think it depends if MBB is a likely outcome, but as you said, T2 is on the table (which can be a great fit too depending on your goals and values)
im not sure if washu is a top msf program, and washu itself is like a low semi target for MBB.
vandy msf is great, but not a lot of consulting placement. maybe look into uchicago/gtown also?
your non target undergrad - u have a good gpa so thats good. what was your major? how non target is it (big difference in uc san diego and iowa state)? can you network?
you not getting a return offer is also a red flag. if your internship this summer is not equal value or better, im not sure how HR will think. do you have any internship plans for this summer?
I saw a kid from one of those MSFs placed at McKinsey.
My major is finance and accounting. I go to a small private college in the midwest, we've actually placed one kid at Bain and another at BCG out of undergrad so it's definitely not known for consulting but has been done before. It's well known by people in the midwest.
Only 3/8 interns in my group got return offers. Planning to a MM PE internship this summer, and go hard with the networking and IB training/case prep. I've heard consultants don't really mind as much if you didn't get an RO as compared to IB where you're pretty much cooked interviewing FT.
1 kid isn't a lot lol
i think the MM PE internship will look good. won't raise any red flags.
not an MBB guarantee but i think the rest will depend on the rest of you profile. school is only one thing, and you have decent interest also.
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