Reasoning: Applying at 3rd tier firms after 2nd tier internship

Last year, I did a successful internship at a top 2nd tier strategy consulting firm (think OW / Booz). Next year I'll be running for FT offers at MBB. However to prepare, I'm going to interview at 3rd and 2nd tier companies beforehand.

How would you guys argue for the "level down" in the interviews? Why should someone with a successful internship at a top 2nd tier company apply for ft position at a 3rd or different 2nd tier place?

One possible reason that came to my mind is "I think your culture will suit me better", but that's hard to say if you haven't done an internship at the place. Plus, it adds negativity about past employer which should be avoided in interviews.

So how would you deal with this?

 

You want to use the 3rd tier interviews as practice for the MBB interviews? Wouldn't it be better just to do an extra mock or two with an MBB interview buddy? Doing an actual interview and having to lie through it would seem like a taxing and non-time efficient exercise. Also, what will you say when MBB asks you who else you are interviewing with?

 
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