MBB Manufacturing PT.2

Question

I received some amazing feedback from my last post and started connecting with coaches and getting a feel for getting into an MBB firm in a manufacturing heavy region.

My next question is, how can I best go about working in China for a summer internship? I’d like to focus on manufacturing and see that there’s a bigger industrial practice presence in China.

Of course, I’d work hard for home base, but China was my goal and seeing the responses from the last post, I’d love to know how to even think about doing that.

Thanks in advance, fantastic platform here.

Answer 1

Hi Daniel,

In focused on manufacturing during my time at BCG.

I am from Germany originally and was based in the Detroit office. Through BCG's Ambassador program (rotation program) I spent 12 months in China.

Feel free to reach out, if you want to discuss. Happy to provide my perspective.

Cheers, Andreas

Answer 2

You can apply... but without language skills you may be at a disadvantage for a summer internship.

Answer 3

Hey there 😊

I love how focused and intentional you are—targeting China for a manufacturing-focused internship is such a smart move, especially since the industrial practices there are super active. I actually did a summer internship in Shenzhen myself at a startup and worked on supply chain management, so I totally get the appeal—it’s fast-paced, hands-on, and a great learning curve!

To work in China for a summer internship at MBB, here’s how I’d approach it:

Make your interest clear early to your home office recruiter, ideally before interviews. If you get the offer, you can push for a summer placement or even a rotation in China.

Try to connect with consultants in the China offices (Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen). A quick intro + asking about the industrial practice there can go a long way and might help you get internal support later.

Language isn’t always a blocker, especially if you’re placed on international or joint projects—but having regional or sector experience like your startup supply chain work is definitely a plus.

Let me know if you want help crafting your outreach message or navigating this process—happy to support 😊

Best,
Alessa 😇

Answer 4

Hello ! I focused on Manufacturing during my time at McKinsey and would be happy to chat if helpful. Loved my exprience there ! I also come from a manufacturing background before MBB :).

For China, I'd start by connecting with consultants or alumni who've worked in the region, especially in the industrial practice. I find it to be always easier to contact people, especially those with whom you have something in common. Expressing a clear link between your goals and the market's needs can also go a long way in building a case internally. Good luck!

Answer 5

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for the follow-up - and great to see your focus sharpening.

To be realistic: landing an MBB summer internship in China is extremely difficult. The market is much smaller than in other regions (despite the size of the country), and they already have a deep local talent pool. Fluency in Mandarin is typically a must, and in southern manufacturing hubs, even Cantonese can be expected.

Your best shot is to play the long game: focus on getting an offer at your home office first. Once you're in, internal transfers or project staffing in China become much more realistic, especially if you can build credibility in industrials along the way and network smartly with leading partners in the region and the relevant practice.

Keep the goal, but adapt the path. Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Florian