5 questions about landing a consulting internship at MBB

Hey guys,

I'm currently a sophomore studying Economics and Chemistry at a CA state university, 3.98 GPA. I just stumbled across this forum today and I was stunned at how much i didn't know about consulting internships, getting the job, prep work, etc. Here are the questions:

1) I go to a crappy state school that doesn't even begin to compare with the top universities. How will that affect my chances of even getting an interview for an internship in the first place?

2) Since I go to a non-target, there are no consulting alumni from my school at LinkedIn that I can cold-call or meet with for a cup of coffee.
How should I go about networking and finding resources?

3) I've read some threads that it's easier to switch from IB to consulting. Can I do internships in investment banking and then use that experience to work in consulting at MBB, etc.?

4) What's a boutique consulting firm?

I guess the main question I'm asking is: what can I do as a sophomore studying Econ and Chem at a non-target state school to improve my chances of getting selected for a junior year consulting internship, and maybe even a FT after graduation?

Sorry for the overload of questions. I'm kinda depressed after reading all the threads having to do with extremely competitive internships and all :(

2 Comments
 
Best Response

Try to secure a internship position at F500 in California. It doesn't have to be investment banking as it'll be hard enough competing with the kids that want banking internships. I am thinking more in the lines of working for Disney or other entertainment related internships or tech related up in San Francisco. The best way to reach out to alumni would be trying to do a search on Linkedin or if not try reaching out to other California school grads, Berkeley, UCLA doesn't matter and try to make that connection. Do you think its possible for you to transfer to Berkeley or UCLA?

 

Illo et magni soluta temporibus. Deleniti voluptate nesciunt et soluta est vel ipsa. Eaque voluptas illo ea dolorem enim delectus in.

Necessitatibus ipsa aperiam quaerat dolor aut. Asperiores doloribus et odit vel mollitia. Et amet reiciendis est doloremque accusamus et quam.

Voluptate deleniti libero quos et suscipit. Culpa maiores doloremque eveniet ea eum omnis similique. Doloribus perspiciatis distinctio assumenda iusto et. Rem odit dolore ratione. Officia ad asperiores quisquam nihil repellendus consequatur. Dolores autem autem omnis culpa.

Sapiente cupiditate quia non alias accusantium ipsa. Ipsum et facilis magni ea repellat totam. Nesciunt voluptates quia eos cum temporibus ipsa vel. Eaque aperiam esse deleniti ipsam et quam sit. Ullam dolor suscipit veniam deserunt. Corporis dolores autem qui rem similique ducimus. Dolores consequatur rerum rerum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (113) $232
  • Manager (170) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 1st Year Associate (576) $121
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (390) $104
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1163) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (208) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (631) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”