Coaching during MBB

Hey there, 

Really for this, you will be getting lots of "on the job" training and coaching from your Project Leads / Engagement Managers (depending on the level you get in) and senior leadership (Associate Partners / Principals and Partners). You can even get tons of coaching from peers that are more tenured than you are. The great thing about this is you will get coaching opportunities that you'd need to use directly in your engagements and projects that make the learnings more practical vs theoretical. 

The feedback culture in MBB's is very strong, and you are encouraged to seek as much coaching, guidance and mentoring opportunities as much as possible. 

Furthermore, MBB's will have lots of training assets, materials, templates, user-guides, etc. across multiple topics and areas that you can use for self-learning, and then leverage your teams, peers, development guidance leaders, and leadership to further that understanding and growth

I know there are some coaches here that offer additional external coaching for this, but in my view - you can get enough targeted and specific coaching whilst in there. But this does mean there's additional coaching opportunities from alumni and consultants that may have left the MBB's that can still guide you

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss this in more details. I'd be happy to chat more on this!

All the best

Hi there,

Great question!

Coaching is a key part of the MBB experience and happens in several ways:

1. Formal Coaching
    •    Career Development Coach (CDC): A senior mentor provides career guidance and feedback.
    •    Project-Specific Coaching: Managers and partners give regular feedback to refine problem-solving and client skills.

2. Informal & Peer Coaching
    •    Consultants often seek advice from peers or informal mentors.
    •    Some invest in external coaching for leadership development or promotions.

3. Structured Training
    •    MBB firms offer regular training sessions tailored by tenure, covering problem-solving, client management, and leadership.

Coaching continues throughout your career and learning on the job is a key aspect. 

Feel free to reach out to me, if you’d like more details!

Best,

Evelina

A typical feeling when leaving MBB: "I am looking forward to less feedback" 

You will get more feedback and coaching than you like frankly. 

What it typically looks like: 

1. On the job: 

Feedback sessions with your managers twice a month. 

In the moment feedback, if you have a good manager 

2. Formal training curriculum

Standardized training (roughly ~2 a year), that are great for networking but frankly not that uselful for learning 

3. Custom coaching (as needed) 

E.g., many get custom, 1-1 communication coaching. 

But what and how much is case by case 

Hi there, 

that is an excellent question because people are so focused breaking into MBB that they forget on what comes after! 

Generally, you will get a lot of on-the-job coaching from your PL and peers but in my opinion having a coach by your side who has been in your shoes before and can guide your steps is invaluable. 

I do this coaching for a few other MBB employees right now. This is how we structure it: 

1. Regular meetings - Usually 1x or 2x a month depending on personal preference 

2. Ad-hoc meetings - In case of special situations such as unclear feedback received, immediate staffing decisions required or review rounds coming up

3. Direct communication - Continuous exchange via text message or quick call in case of small questions or considerations

Reach out anytime in case you want to know more. 

Best, 
Sebastian

It's training on the job. You get coaching every single day. 

Hi there,

Not in the way that you would book an internal coach.

Feedback in MBB is constant from micro-feedback after a meeting on the way to lunch to regular feedback talks with partners and EMs (every few weeks) to formal feedback and review cycles.

With that in mind, you are constantly learning and improving. 

On top of that, you will attend tons of training weeks throughout the year, where you work with coaches (often more senior firm members and some outside coaches) on all the skills you need (problem-solving, stakeholder management, leadership, communication, Excel/PPT) and on personal reflection and growth.

Cheers,

Florian

Hey there 😊,

Yes—many people continue coaching even after getting into MBB, especially in their first 6–12 months.

✨ What Does Coaching Look Like at MBB?

– Frequency: Often bi-weekly or monthly
– Format: 1:1 sessions focused on real project challenges, communication, stakeholder mgmt, or feedback prep
– Topics: Slide writing, managing up, confidence, building presence, and navigating the culture

It’s super helpful, especially if you want to ramp up fast, stand out early, or position for promotion.

Let me know if you’re starting soon or already in—I'd love to support you 😊

Best, Alessa 😇