Applying to MBB 1 Year Out of College

Question

Hi everyone,

I graduated from an Ivy in June of last year and am working at an investment bank in a debt product group (not coverage) for the last 7 months. I don't like the job and I want to go into consulting at an MBB soon. I interned at a large consulting firm earlier in college and know I enjoy it but wanted to try finance first. I am willing to wait up to the 1 year point of experience but am finding it hard to know how recruiting for MBB works in the US if you're not on campus anymore and graduated almost a year ago.

What time of year is the best time to try and apply? Is it even worth trying with a year of experience? And are these firms in the US even hiring people right now?

Answer 1

Hi,

You can apply already now as an experienced hire. This process is running all year round (with some calmer periods during the holiday periods). Having a referral is definitely an important factor that would largely improve your application. In my opinion, staying longer at your current company to gain more experience does not outweigh the fact you are not happy at your current job.

Hope this helps.

Mattijs

Answer 2

Hi, you can definitely apply for an experienced associate position at BCG or a similar role at McKinsey or Bain. The process differs from on-campus recruiting—it’s essentially the same as any other job application where you apply online. Your chances of landing an interview will increase significantly if you can secure a referral.

As of November/December last year, BCG was hiring experienced professionals quite aggressively. I would imagine that all MBB firms will continue to focus on experienced hires as their business picks up rapidly.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hello!

Here are two options you can consider for applying to MBB 1 year out of college (given you wouldn't do on campus recruiting):

Networking and referral: Try to network with alumni of your school, people in the consulting company where you did your internship (provided you would like to work there), and other current consultants (if no alumni connection, the response rate will be lower, but some people will be open to chat). Through networking you could get referred internally and get an interview
MBA: Another option for you is to apply for an MBA and then do on campus recruiting there, but this might mean needing to stay in your current job longer, so you need to decide if you'd be open for that

Regarding your 3 questions at the end of your note: (1) The off cycle interview timelines are less organized vs. on cycle, so interviews happen throughout the year; (2) If you're asking whether you have a chance, then yes and that depends on, e.g., how well you can network / your access to school alumni who are consultants; (3) Yes, MBBs are hiring (in smaller numbers than a few years back, but hiring; some of the spikes in hiring a few years back were more out of the ordinary than current hiring levels)

Best,

Maria

Answer 4

Hey!

You’re in a solid position to apply, even with just a year of experience, especially given your Ivy background and previous consulting internship. MBB typically hires off-cycle for experienced hires, so you don't necessarily need to wait for the traditional fall recruiting cycle. That said, applying around late summer to early fall could align with their main intake periods. Networking is key—reach out to alumni and consultants to get insights and potential referrals, as off-campus recruiting is more relationship-driven. The market has been a bit slower recently, but firms are still selectively hiring strong candidates. Definitely worth trying! Let me know if you need any help. 😊

Alessa