Seeking Advice and Coaching for Breaking into MBB Nordics

Question

I’m looking for advice and guidance as I navigate the journey toward landing a role at MBB or Tier 2 consulting firms in the Nordics. Here’s a bit about my background and goals:

Profile:
- PhD in Finance and Strategy from Lund University
- 2 years of experience as an Investment Associate at a boutique buy-side firm in Switzerland.
Target Firms and Offices:
- MBB and Tier 2 consulting firms
- Target offices: Stockholm (I have the right to work in Sweden) and Copenhagen (just 30 minutes away from where I live)
Challenges:
- CV Screening: I’m concerned about getting through the screening stage, as my experience as an immigrant in the Nordics has shown that even for roles well-matched to my profile, I’ve faced challenges in gaining traction. This has led to a bit of a rut and underconfidence about my fit. It's strange.
- Referrals: Getting a referral from MBB Nordics has been difficult. I’m continuing to network, but I’m not optimistic about securing one at this stage, and would not rely upon it.

I fully understand the level of practice and preparation required to crack these roles, and I’m committed to putting in the work.

How You Can Help:
If you’ve successfully helped candidates break into MBB Nordics or have personal experience with this region, I’d love to connect. I’m in search of a mentor or coach who can guide me through this process end-to-end, help me address my challenges, and prepare for cases + fit interviews. Any tips on overcoming CV screening hurdles, building a compelling case for fit, or networking in the Nordics consulting scene would be invaluable.

Thank you so much in advance for your support!

Best regards.

Answer 1

Hey!

Tailor your CV to highlight quantitative and strategy skills from your PhD and investment experience, emphasizing problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and impactful achievements. Engage alumni from Lund University and past colleagues working at MBB Nordics, attend regional industry events or webinars, and reach out to Stockholm or Copenhagen consultants with tailored messages reflecting your shared regional understanding. Focus on Tier 2 firms as a stepping stone and use informational interviews to improve visibility. Develop fit stories showing structured thinking, collaboration, and results-oriented actions, emphasizing your international experience and strategic insights relevant to the Nordics. Leverage free case prep resources like PrepLounge or case-solving clubs in Sweden, and consider finding a coach specializing in MBB Nordics. Build confidence by recognizing your unique value: academic depth, finance expertise, and international adaptability, while staying consistent and persistent, as Nordic consulting culture values tenacity and quality.

Best, Alessa

Answer 2

Hi Kalyan,

Thanks for sharing! Regarding your question:

1) I’m in search of a mentor or coach who can guide me through this process end-to-end, help me address my challenges, and prepare for cases + fit interviews.

To find a coach matching your needs, I would recommend the following:

Go to the main page listing the coaches: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach
Filter the coaches based on your criteria (eg budget, reviews)
Read reviews/profiles – define a shortlist (eg 3-5 coaches)
Send a message to the coaches with your questions and what you would like to work on to see if there is a match. In your particular case, ask about the experience with MBB in the Nordics
Select the coach that best suits your needs

As a bonus point: you can check their Q&A answers (there is a section called “Q&A Answers” in the profile) – it should give you an idea of the style of the coach and if it matches what you are looking for.

If you need more help, please feel free to send me a message, I coached several candidates who got into MBB in the Nordics and help candidates with CV and referrals as well.

2) Any tips on overcoming CV screening hurdles, building a compelling case for fit, or networking in the Nordics consulting scene would be invaluable.

In terms of general preparation, you can find some tips below:

▶ How to Land a Consulting Offer

For the CV and referrals, you can find some tips below:

▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

For any questions please feel free to PM me.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Hey there,

Some certain steps you can think about:

Obtaining referrals: Reach out to MBB consultants that are Lund Alum, as well as MBB consultants from Switzerland that you may know who may be able to leverage their internal networks with the Nordic offices. Remember that seniority has an influence, so the more senior, the more impactful the referral
Passing initial screening: Craft your CV and profile to reflect achievements and high performance, showing you possess management consulting qualities, namely problem-solving. I'd leverage and index expertise and specialisation in your PhD area
Breaking into MBB Nordics: This part is all about artful preparation and practice to break through the Fit and case portion of the interviews.

Feel free to reach out! I'm happy to help you through the entire process to, including how to craft your CV, write a cover letter, templates for reaching out for referrals including giving you access to my MBB Network (including those in Nordics) and case + fit preparations

All the best

Answer 4

I’ve already helped several people join McKinsey in the Nordics and worked closely with the Nordics offices during my time at McKinsey.

Happy to help—just send me a private message.

Best,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Sierra Sprints - New Product Launch

Answer 5

Hi Kalyan,

As the most experienced coach in terms of consulting, interviewing and coaching experience, having helped numerous coachees land McKinsey, BCG and Bain roles in the Nordic countries, I'd be more than happy to help you succeed.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey/BCG/Bain pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen