“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.”
It doesn't matter what you major in. You should do things with your time that are impressive. It doesn't matter in what field or format. Obviously that's gonna be harder if you have literally no passion except getting an offer from a consulting firm. That'll definitely hinder you. The frosh that come in obsessed with consulting are always the most boring.
Also, consider most people leave MBB after two years. Why do you want to go there, what do you actually want? Even if it's just money, there are better ways.
Best of luck.
When there's a will there's a way. It sounds like you would be competitive as you are already a Honors Student at the college. I'd advise you network with alumni after your sophmore year and immerse yourself in consulting cases, most specifically on Market Sizing questions. Ideally, I'd major in Engineering to show that you have a quant background as overcoming adversity is a key quality that consulting recruiters look for. If you maintain a high GPA with such coursework, you'd be unstoppable. Finance and Econ is a good combo as well as it shows your interest for business. I'd aim for a 3.8+ GPA. By the looks of it, you have what it takes to be successful but you can't rest on your laurels. Look for internships in PWM or Fortune 500 companies in your freshman and sophmore year. Then I'd try to build a story with your past experience and clearly articulate why you'd be a good consultant. Make friends in college who are also interested in consulting so you'd have a case partner. Lastly, I'd advise you to keep an open mind and have a Plan B and C as life throws you curve-balls. With that said, you're in a great position. Good Luck!
Admist great responses here, **I do believe I have the answer you are looking for. ** Slightly off your direct questions, I do believe the insight here will help you.
And they are 4 MBB senior consultants that have decided to take it upon themselves to really focus on people with challenging profiles or do not fit the "top MBB consultant mould". These veterans are *Micheal Boricki (Became a partner at Mck before 30), Bill Matassoni (Ex- Mckinsey and BCG Partner), Kevin P. Coyne (Ex-McKinsey partner & Worldwide Strategy Practice Co-Leader), and Kris Safarova (Partner and Author, "Succeeding as a Management Consultant"). *It is important I mention all these people so you know that there are people out there who want people like you and me to succeed at management even when it doesn't look like we can. You can find them and their work at FIRMSconsulting "dot com".
Head over there, subscribe to their mailing list, listen to all their free content and podcast, and then decide if you would like to delve deeper. **The key is, just you have mentioned, start early. **
If they can get the following people into Mckinsey and BCG, you should be able to:
Tell me, is your profile as bad as anyone of the,m?
You got a chance.
This is not the first account I've seen that suddenly appears and all of its content is saying positive things about FirmsConsulting. I find it highly suspicious that this account is just promoting that company, which also happens to have plenty of bad reviews on this site for its cost.
It is clear you have some personal grievances to settle. Other than that, your post makes little sense to me. I share content based on what I know and I have found incredibly useful! I use the service and I am not being paid to do this. I'd be happy to see where I have violated any of the platform rules and I will be happy to take down my post.
If a former partner has nothing better to do than spend 1:1 time with undergrads to prep for recruiting, there's something seriously wrong.
That, or you guys are consistently misleading folks by talking all about those people despite them not being all that involved, which I think is more likely.
Literally nobody responds to your ads on these forums positively so I'm wondering why you keep posting here.
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