How to start preparation to get into MBB?

Question

Hello.

I am a 2nd year undergraduate student from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. I wish to join consulting in the near future (probably after completing my MBA just after engineering). Can someone help me by advising on how an ideal resume for selection in MBB look like? Also, what skills does MBB value when they hire consultants. Suppose, I don't go for an MBA straightaway after UG, what are my chances then to get into MBB just after engineering and what role would I be offered?

Answer 1

Hi Rishabh,

as mentioned by Vlad it is unusual to join consulting doing an MBA straight after undergrad; normally you can join MBB either after undergrad or grad school. You could also work for some years, ideally for second tier consulting companies, strategy roles or in banking, do an MBA and join MBB for a post MBA role.

In terms of the elements to consider in your CV, for undergrad the elements used for screening for consulting interviews are normally the following (in order of priority):

University reputation
Degree
Academic performance
Work experience
Extracurricular activities
Experience abroad

The probability to be invited for interviews will depend by the previous elements and by the presence of referrals. You can find some more information on that below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

After the invitation, you will be evaluated on your fit and case performance, your chances to land an offer will depend on that. If you join after undergrad (or grad school in some countries, pre MBA) you will join at entry level position (Business Analyst at McKinsey, Associate at BCG, Associate Consultant at Bain).

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi Rishabh,

If you need a template as well as some sample "perfect" resumes please DM me and I'll be happy to provide them!

Answer 3

Hi,

There might be many factors that influence the decision:

University brand and relevance of the educational field
GPA
The office you are applying to (Competition, Languages, work permit, etc)
Extracurricular activities:

Launching your own venture and entrepreneurial activities (even failing them is fine)
Grants / scholarships - even better if related to some research or entrepreneurial projects
Projects for companies - you may consider doing a free project for the company or a startup or writing a case that future grads will use
Volunteer / social activities. I would aim at the activities where you can have a leadership role. Organizing some club may work as well.
Case Competitions-especially the ones organized by your target company
Researches / articles published in well-known sources

As far I understand you still don't have that much of work experience so you will be assessed both by your graduate activities and by your career moves so far:

Brand of the company
Career growth and achievements
Postgraduate extracurricular activities
The relevance of your engineering field (e.g. engineering in Oil & Gas is very relevant for particular offices)

It also helps to get a referral. Pls find more information regarding the referral here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-is-a-referral-really-1103#a2129

Now regarding the chances:

You need work experience, in any case. There are not that many cases of getting an MBA right after undergrad and in these cases, the candidates usually have issues with recruiting due to lack of work experience
Engineering work experience might be relevant, but I am not sure what kind of engineering you are talking about.
You can apply right now after undergrad (but still you need to have at least some internships in your resume)

Best,