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Is the Amazon business development internship worth it for MBB?

Hello, I’ve been offered a Business Development intern position in the UK for next summer, which I believe falls under operations. I’m also interviewing at consulting firms, investment banks, and for product management roles, though I’m less prepared for those, so I’m uncertain about the outcomes.

How does a business development internship, particularly at a company like Amazon, compare to other opportunities? I noticed that BCG, for example, seems to value Amazon internships only if they're in software or product management based on the leaked documents.

I originally applied for a Business Analyst position, but due to my limited experience with coding languages (coding isn’t really my strength), I was offered Business Development instead.

How does this compare to internships at consulting firms, especially T2s? Some say Amazon’s brand name makes it a better option, but T2 firms are also big names and directly related to consulting, which could be more relevant.

I can't seem to link the intern role.

As I’m in my final year and applying for graduate schemes, I’m wondering if this internship will be valuable if I don’t secure a grad role this year, or if I should explore other opportunities.

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
edited on Sep 23, 2024
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer from Amazon!

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

  • First of all, if your ultimate goal is getting into consulting, a consulting internship would most likely be preferred to the Amazon one.
  • Moreover, depending on your deadlines, if you will not be able to secure a consulting internship in time, I would advise you to accept the Amazon internship, as it will nonetheless be considered valuable for future consulting applications.

You can find more on this topic here: Salaries in the consulting industry.

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

Alessa
Coach
on Sep 20, 2024
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

Hey! 

In my opinion, an Amazon Business Development internship is valuable, especially for its strong brand name and exposure to a fast-paced environment. However, for MBB or consulting roles, internships in consulting firms or more directly related fields like product management might be seen as more relevant due to the nature of the work.

That said, the best internship is one you’re genuinely interested in. If you’re passionate about business development and see it aligning with your career goals, it could be a great fit. If consulting is your priority, a consulting-related internship might provide more targeted experience. Ultimately, go for the opportunity that excites you most and helps build the skills you want.

Best Alessa :)

Anonymous A
on Sep 20, 2024
My career goals are more in consulting. It's my ultimate goal particularly at the top firms hence why I am not sure if the internship is seen as a strong internship for MBB as it's not product management or software engineering. There is a bit of transferable skills but like you said, it doesn't directly relate to it.
Fathu
Coach
on Sep 20, 2024
Ex-BCG Europe/ME/Africa | 50+ offers from MBB, Kearney, OW | Personalized coaching | Free 15-min intro call

Hello there,

Congratulations on the offer!

If MBB is your ultimate goal, then a Tier 2 consulting internship would be more to your advantage than your current offer.

But if you don’t land any of your desired grad programs or Tier 2 consulting positions, the Amazon Business Development internship would also boost your profile based on the company’s reputable brand and renowned work culture.

Fathu

Anonymous A
on Sep 20, 2024
Thank you! How much would it boost it by? Is it a significant difference to a CV or is it something that's a little boost that doesn't make too much of a difference? How much weight would it carry?
Fathu
Coach
on Sep 21, 2024
Ex-BCG Europe/ME/Africa | 50+ offers from MBB, Kearney, OW | Personalized coaching | Free 15-min intro call
There’s really no clear cut answer to that since it depends on what other internships are currently on the resume and the perception of the recruiter reviewing your application which you have no influence over. I’d suggest you focus on optimizing for experiences you can get that would maximize your chances.
on Sep 21, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: How does a business development internship, particularly at a company like Amazon, compare to other opportunities?

Given you are interviewing with Tier 2 as well and your goal is MBB, if you manage to land an offer from a Tier 2 (Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger, Strategy&, Kearney), I would pick that over Amazon (you would work in consulting, preparing you better for MBB, plus the brand name would be sufficiently strong). 

If that’s not an option, whether Amazon would be the best choice depends on what would be the alternatives. If you just have Amazon, then you don’t really have a choice. If you have more than one option, I would recommend checking on LinkedIn the track record of those who joined the Amazon internship and the alternative option to see which one has better results in consulting. 

Good luck!

Francesco

Florian
Coach
on Sep 23, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

In simple terms: An Amazon internship would be a great addition to your resume, also for top-tier consulting. 

To make a final recommendation, you would need to have definitive other options to compare it to. Feel free to ask again in the forum once you have other offers as well.

All the best,

Florian

Pedro
Coach
on Sep 29, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Private Equity | Market Estimates | Fit Interview

Amazon is a very well respected brand name. So it doesn't hurt your chances versus a T2.

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