semi-target school, poli sci junior, recent change in career plans- chance/ tips?
I am a junior majoring in political science/ economics at a semi-target Ivy.
I have a 3.9 GPA and fairly strong ECs (leadership position/ long-term involvement in several clubs, none on finance/business though), and have some interesting social science research experiences with professors because until recently I have been preparing to apply for a poli sci PhD program.
I decided to look for a different career path after last summer's research internship at a think tank+undergrad research assistant position in fall. After research/ thoughts I decided that consulting would let me do the research/ analysis I enjoy, without the extended academic research cycles and the loneliness of academic research (I want to work with / learn from others rather than work /think mostly alone)
I have a lot of qualitative social science research experience and have taken finance/econ/management courses along with my poli sci courses out of interest in econ, but my lack of quantitative/ business internship experience definitely worries me.
I really want to be in consulting and I'd appreciate any tips/ comments on my chances for an internship/ full time offer at MBB.
For the cover letters, I was going to emphasize my ability to learn quickly (which I had to do for new research topics) + leadership / experience as a facilitator. Is this a good route to take?
I was also thinking of applying for any IB internships for this summer (in addition to a lot of consulting firms) if that might increase my chance at a consulting firm in fall-- or would it reflect as a lack of focus?
I am ready to do whatever reading/ prep I might need for interviews/ bettering my chances, so any recommendations on these regards would help too.
Many thanks in advance for helping me get closer to my dream :)
Have you thought of reaching out to your professors? It sounds like you have a closer than average relationship with them. I am sure either they know of someone or they are close with another professor who knows someonein the areas you are interested in.
I was looking at a friends facebook and they went to Harvard for physics and then went to Booz Allen so considering you are at an Ivy and have strong everything else I don't see it being too big of a leap to get into consulting.
I think by MBB he means McKinsey, Bain and BCG; not Booz Allen. MBB is much harder but you should have no problem if you network well and go to your alums who I'm sure are already at MBB in some quantity.
I'd definitely recommend applying for IBD as well. You might have a rough time (I felt like IBD interviews were much more about convincing the interviewer you really wanted the job, vs. consulting interviews), but the interview experience will be good + if you end up doing IBD, it'd strengthen your resume for FT consulting recruiting.
Doing some of the networking stuff could also be helpful to make sure you get the first rounds. I'd also send your resume to some current MBB consultants to make sure it says "consulting" and not "poly sci research".
Ducimus quae nulla repellat delectus minima. Asperiores et dolorem ut quos autem repellendus nulla. Eaque voluptas pariatur eligendi sapiente amet harum suscipit quia.
Dolor minus labore nesciunt officia. Dolor cumque quisquam quidem aut ut minus. Non voluptatibus molestias ut.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...