Would I have a chance at being competitive for MBB FT?

I'm trying to assess whether it will be realistic to pursue MBB FT next fall. This isn't really an "is it possible" thing because I'm sure it may be, it's more of an opportunity cost/numbers game issue that I'm hoping to figure out. I'll obviously apply and network a bit either way, it's just a question of degree. GPA: Probably by fall a 3.5 --- (3.8/9 Junior year) - Far and away my biggest problem. Most likely thing to kill me outright. School: Solid target for all 3, but it's also one of the more popular/competitive options. Major: Econ related + Quant Test scores: Super high. ECs: Some interesting breadth, a little depth with a couple of leadership roles - very involved overall. Work: Quality corporate finance roles, legacy political volunteering, a super unique/intense AM/PE/VC. This summer hasn't shaken out yet, but should hopefully have something boutique IB/PE/VC at the least. However, very unlikely to hang anything with a killer or even particularly recognizable name. Network: A couple of decent contacts at one MBB and time to develop a number of others before FT with some serious effort, but again, I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it over cultivating other, more realistic relationships. Diversity: Super fucking white. Any thoughts?

 

 

Interview and getting an offer are two very different things. With what you've listed, having a good contact in the firm can help you get in the door (depending on how senior and how hard they will vouch for you). Don't forget, a contact will look bad if you do bad so generally they will just tell them to take a longer look at your resume.

Getting an offer from the interview is a whole different process. I know top candidates who have missed out completely because of lack of preparation or a different mindset. Studying isn't enough, you need to be genuinely intelligent.

 
Best Response

Yeah I'd say you're in a decent spot. Really everything you've listed above is only a factor in determining whether you get an interview. If your test scores are high my guess is that you do, at least at BCG and Bain. So, realistic to pursue.

It's good that you're thinking about it early, because as jkea said interview and offer are two different things. Once you get that interview you can get yourself an offer if you do well enough, regardless of your GPA. Of course, you can also suck bad enough to screw yourself out of an offer regardless of your GPA.

Studying can really only do so much, but I'd say pick up a used copy of case in point and make sure your mental math is good. There's the consulting case 101 site (WSO doesn't let me link), and there's an app designed for consulting math practice if you have android called casebase.

 

Combination of high test scores, a unique summer experience (that'll you'll have to pump up to make the name not matter), and a semi-solid school should be enough to offset your GPA if you have a contact.

Definitely going to want to leverage your one contact as much as possible and get 1-2 at the other two MBB otherwise the GPA might not get you past the pile.

 

So I'm on track with my GPA and I've ironed out my internship plans. Boutique PE through the semester and then a low tier strategy consulting firm (not 2nd tier, but a good group within the firm and a semi-recognizable name) for the summer internship.

By recruiting, that leaves me at:

  • 3.5GPA

Internships:

  • Corp fin multiple
  • Super unique AM/PE/VC
  • Boutique PE
  • 3rd/nth tier strat consulting

ECs:

  • Strong community involvement
  • Decent academic involvement (multiple TA positions, research assistant, etc.)
  • Decent school ECs (couple of clubs, student gov, assorted leadership)

Time to leverage strong alumni network in consulting/MBB from here till recruiting.

I'm not solely set on MBB, I'd be happy to land something in strategy in tier 2 as well. As for my summer, is low tier MC a decent intro for full time recruiting through first and second tier? Should I pursue one of my opps in boutique banking instead? Is this still doable? I keep trolling linkedin and seeing all of those people at MBB+ with MBB summers and BB IB summers. I wont have that and on top of that, I'll have a dreadfully mediocre GPA. I can kill interviews, but If I can't get the interview, that clearly doesn't matter in the least.

 
leltec:

So I'm on track with my GPA and I've ironed out my internship plans. Boutique PE through the semester and then a low tier strategy consulting firm (not 2nd tier, but a good group within the firm and a semi-recognizable name) for the summer internship.

By recruiting, that leaves me at:

- 3.5GPA

Internships:

- Corp fin multiple
- Super unique AM/PE/VC
- Boutique PE
- 3rd/nth tier strat consulting

ECs:

- Strong community involvement
- Decent academic involvement (multiple TA positions, research assistant, etc.)
- Decent school ECs (couple of clubs, student gov, assorted leadership)

Time to leverage strong alumni network in consulting/MBB from here till recruiting.

I'm not solely set on MBB, I'd be happy to land something in strategy in tier 2 as well. As for my summer, is low tier MC a decent intro for full time recruiting through first and second tier? Should I pursue one of my opps in boutique banking instead? Is this still doable? I keep trolling linkedin and seeing all of those people at MBB+ with MBB summers and BB IB summers. I wont have that and on top of that, I'll have a dreadfully mediocre GPA. I can kill interviews, but If I can't get the interview, that clearly doesn't matter in the least.

I think you have put together a good road map. Low tier MC is better than boutique banking (although, if you can get BB IB, this changes things). MBB will be rough (although not impossible), but I definitely can see you ending up at Strategy&, Deloitte S&O, LEK, etc.

 

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