Can I apply for internships in consulting even after graduation?

Question

Hey guys,

I really need help. I graduated from my bachelor and decided to do a one year master at HEC Paris without any gap year, hence I don't have any work experience (only a 3 months internship in marketing). This year I discovered management consulting a bit too late and missed many of the deadlines for internships positions. My enrollment form says that I will be enrolled in university until January 2025, but many firms (such as OC&C for example) told me that I have to be enrolled in a university for the whole duration of the internship. Is it the case for all the consulting firms or could I still apply as an intern in September for an off-cycle? Should I ask to my university if it's possible to extend my student status instead?

Because I am afraid it would be very hard to be considered directly for a full-time without an internship.

Answer 1

I am afraid you are working under some false (and even dangerous) assumptions.

You are assuming that in your situation it will be easier to get the internship than the full time job.

This is not true.

You are also assuming that if you apply to the internship they will consider you to the internship and not to the full time role.

This is also not true.

Finally, you are assuming that applying to an internship will increase your chances.

This is also not true. In fact, it may even hurt you.

You are a graduate. Every consulting firm will treat you as a graduate, regardless of your “student status”. They will evaluate your CV as a graduate. And they will offer you a graduate position (full time role). It doesn't matter whether you apply to an internship (they will move you to the right role, and they will use the “full time role” criteria).

If you apply to an internship in your situation… they may even interpret this as you NOT WANTING a full time role in there, but rather as just wanting an internship (to then apply to somewhere else). This will have a negative impact on your chances. Moreover, you might even be signaling that you consider your own CV not to be worthy of a full time offer….

Answer 2

Hi!

Normally, only students that are still pursuing a degree are eligible for such internships.

You could always just give the firms' recruiting teams a call to discuss the viability in your specific situation.

If you are not eligible, I would definitely still apply for a full-time position. The process is not very different from the internship process, and you have to demonstrate the same qualities.

Cheers, Sidi

___________________

Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager & Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant at BCG | Co-Founder of The MBB Offer Machine™

Answer 3

If I were you I would give it a good go at applying for full time roles - interview process is practically the same: you still need a very strong CV, CL, to ace the case interviews and the fit part.

As the others said, I would not think that an internship is the “easier way in”.

Answer 4

Hi there,

1) Is it the case for all the consulting firms or could I still apply as an intern in September for an off-cycle?

This depends on the firm and office, so it is difficult to provide an exact answer. I would recommend checking with the firm or career service. As mentioned in the other comments, you might want to consider a full-time application if an internship is not possible.

2) Should I ask to my university if it's possible to extend my student status instead?

I don't think that's possible, but if it can help with your preferred path, I don't see any harm in asking.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 5

Hi there,

Most firms would only consider a full-time application at this point.

The reasoning is that at this stage of your career, you should already be certain what you want to pursue. An internship is the tryouts (as told by a McK recruiter).

Given your lack of experience, I'd try with smaller firms and T2 firms first before going for MBB in 1-2 years.
Make sure to network as well as this can push your application if some elements on the CV are missing.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 6

Honestly, I would problem-solve this directly with the recruiter.

It's in their interest to take you and it's in your interest to be considered for the role.

Think with them practically through the options.

This way you also pull them in the process as more of a partner rather than a gate keeper.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 7

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

First of all, whether you're still eligible for an internship or not is country- and firm-specific. Therefore, I would highly advise you to reach out to the recruiter before sending out any more applications.
Moreover, consider applying directly for full-time positions as well. Some firms might value your academic background and your proactive approach to gaining consulting exposure, even if you lack extensive internship experience.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen