Can you apply to MBB right after college graduation?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am a recent graduate of an Ivy League school in the United States (May 2024). I will be beginning work at a top investment bank in a couple months, but was hoping to recruit for consulting and did not have time to apply last year for full time roles.

Now that I have graduated, what is the best time to apply for MBB roles? Should I be applying through campus recruitment or do I apply as an experienced candidate, assuming I will have at least 1 year of experience in banking if I were to receive an offer?

Thank you for all your help.

Answer 1

Hi there,

This is kind of an in-between case. Experienced hires would usually mean 3 years of FT work experience.

I'd reach out to recruiters from your target office as well as current consultants and use this as a discussion starter during networking, with the ultimate goal of getting

insights into when it's the best time to apply
a referral

All the best,

Florian

Answer 2

Since you haven't yet started working (and typically also if you have <1y of work experience) then you should apply through campus recruiting.

But if I were you, I'd drop an email to the recruiter from your target office and firm and check in with them - just so you don't waste much energy or time on this subject.

Then you can use this guide when putting together your application:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Hope it will help.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Hi there and congrats on your investment banking offer!

I think Florian's suggestion is spot on.

Only thing I would add is to definitely make the most of the time you have now to at least prep for consulting interviews (including the networking bit). I'm sure you'll already have a great starting point, but it will be good to have the rest of the ground work done, before the banking hours hit you …

In worst case scenario, if you apply after, you will still have had your foundation in place.

Good luck!
Ariadna

Answer 4

Hi there,

Q: Now that I have graduated, what is the best time to apply for MBB roles? Should I be applying through campus recruitment

It depends on your goals. If you are sure you want to work in consulting, you can apply during the next recruiting cycle. If you have the option to apply via campus recruitment, I would do so, as it is a preferential channel. Sometimes that’s not possible if you graduate, you can check with your career service for that.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 5

Please ignore the comments suggesting you to stay at your current job. If it's not what you want, any additional day in there is a day you are not spending on your desired career.

Regarding application process - check with career services (asap). If you can apply through school, that's ideal; if you can't, there's your answer, you have to apply directly.

Answer 6

My advice to you would be to complete 2 years at the investment bank and then apply as an experienced hire. You will have a great shot at getting into the PE practice of any MBB firm after your experience.

Answer 7

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the investment banking offer!

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

First of all, I don't think you qualify for campus recruiting or for applying as an experienced hire, as this usually requires at least 2-3 years of relevant work experience.
Moreover, I would highly advise you to wait and start with your future employer before making plans to change industries.

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

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

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