Dreaming of a career at McKinsey, BCG, or Bain? The journey into consulting begins long before you submit your resume. On the first article of the series, we explored MBB consulting. Now, in this guide, we’ll uncover the secrets to standing out, revealing the winning strategies for the pre-application phase.
From choosing the right university to targeted networking, relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities—every step matters. Ready to build your springboard to an extraordinary career?
Find out how to set yourself apart right from the start!
Education: the first step toward an MBB career
Choosing the right university plays a crucial role, especially for those aiming for an internship or entry-level position at McKinsey, BCG, or Bain (MBB). The university you choose can shape your journey, influencing your exposure to recruiters, networking opportunities, and overall readiness for the consulting world.
While there is no universal formula for success, attending a "target school" can provide a notable advantage, offering direct pathways to the industry’s most prestigious firms.
Here’s why your choice of university matters and how top schools can set you on the path to success.
What is a target school and why does it matter?
A target school is a university or academic institution that companies like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain (MBB) consider prime sources of talent.
These schools are renowned for producing highly skilled and prepared graduates, making them a focal point for consulting hiring managers.
Why are they so important?
Target schools offer significant advantages for aspiring consultants:
- outstanding academic reputation: their rigorous programs are internationally recognized, equipping students with the skills to excel in professional challenges.
- influential alumni network: graduates from these institutions often hold key roles at MBB firms, facilitating professional connections and providing direct access to the industry.
- exclusive recruitment events: workshops, corporate presentations, and on-campus interviews provide a competitive edge for students.
- recruiter focus: consulting firms actively scout these universities, streamlining the hiring process for top talent.
Attending a prestigious school isn’t a prerequisite for success, but it provides an advantageous starting point. With the right strategies you can stand out regardless of where you study.
Not at a target school?
Attending a non-target university might mean putting in a little extra effort, but success is well within your reach. With smart planning, strategic networking, and solid preparation, you can still stand out.
The key is to focus on your strengths and highlight the unique value you bring, making it impossible for recruiters to ignore you.
Practical tips to stand out
Breaking into consulting is all about preparation and making the most of the opportunities available to you. Whether you're at a target school or not, these practical steps can help you build a strong foundation and get noticed by headhunters.
Get involved in a consulting club – Joining a consulting club at your university is a fantastic way to dive into the industry. You’ll learn the fundamentals, connect with like-minded peers, and gain access to insider resources that can set you apart.
Keep your grades up! A solid GPA - Grade Point Average - isn’t just about numbers; it’s a reflection of your commitment and ability to handle challenges. HR specialists are always on the lookout for those qualities.
Work experience: a crucial step
During your academic journey, securing a relevant internship can make all the difference in breaking into the MBB consulting world. Targeted internships in areas like consulting, corporate strategy, or data analysis showcase your initiative, motivation, and ability to apply knowledge in practical settings.
Work experience is also invaluable for developing key skills such as:
- problem solving: essential for tackling complex situations and finding innovative solutions.
- data analysis: critical for gathering, interpreting, and presenting information effectively.
- communication: vital for collaborating within teams and presenting ideas clearly and persuasively.
Choose an internship that challenges you with real projects, ideally in sectors related to consulting.
Experiences in other strategic areas can also add value, provided they strengthen your profile and highlight your adaptability in changing business contexts.
Opting for the right internship will enhance your résumé and demonstrate to recruiters that you have the ideal mix of practical and theoretical skills to excel in the consulting industry.
Extracurricular activities: elevate your profile
Getting involved in extracurricular activities can be a valuable differentiator for your profile. Whether it’s participating in case challenges, managing projects, or taking on leadership roles in student organizations, these experiences showcase your initiative and leadership skills.
They also highlight your ability to collaborate, take ownership, and deliver results - qualities highly sought after in consulting. From leading a team to organizing events, these activities help you build practical skills and demonstrate your readiness for the challenges ahead.
Continuous networking: start building connections early
Don’t wait until it’s time to apply to start fostering relationships. Begin early by connecting with people in the industry and fostering genuine relationships. Establishing contacts is a long-term strategy that can open doors, offer valuable insights, and give you a competitive edge in the consulting world.
Networking strategies: build meaningful connections
Effective networking is all about using the right strategies to grow your connections. These steps might get you started:
- university events: take advantage of your school’s career services and networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
- LinkedIn: use your profile to reach out to former students, colleagues, and consulting professionals. Personalized messages can make a lasting impression.
- tailored outreach: whether it’s cold or warm, focus on crafting thoughtful messages that reflect genuine interest and effort.
- industry events: attend workshops, conferences, and corporate presentations to meet professionals and learn about the consulting landscape.
By combining these strategies, you’ll build a solid network that can open doors and offer valuable support. But networking doesn’t stop here. Building connections is only the first step.
Nurture your connections
Once you’ve established initial connections, the next step is to build and maintain these relationships over time. It’s not just about making contact, it’s about cultivating meaningful, long-term ties that will support you when it matters most.
Consider these steps to nurture relationships effectively:
- stay in touch: periodically check in with your connections, share updates, and engage with their professional content on LinkedIn.
- offer value: networking is a two-way street. Share articles, congratulate contacts on achievements, or provide insights that interest them.
- be genuine: focus on building authentic relationships instead of transactional ones.
Referrals carry varying weight depending on the seniority of the recommender.
A recommendation from a junior associate can still be valuable, especially if you share a common background, such as attending the same university. However, one from a senior professional, like an engagement manager, tends to carry more influence on HR and decision-makers.
Cultivating relationships with senior professionals takes time, so it’s crucial to start early and not reach out at the last minute before submitting your application.
By doing so, you’ll have a network that’s both available and enthusiastic about supporting you, increasing your chances of landing an interview.
Building your path to success
Laying a strong foundation through education, work experience, extracurriculars, networking, and referrals is key to standing out in the competitive world of consulting. Each step helps you build a profile that grabs talent acquisition specialists’ attention and sets you apart.
Next, we’ll explore the application phase: how to create a standout résumé, prepare for interviews, and succeed in landing your dream consulting role.
