Shall I apply for MBB for their graduate roles?

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your rejections from McKinsey and BCG, and I hope you feel better now!

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

• First of all, as long as you applied within the deadline, I unfortunately do not see any reason to believe that timing had anything to do with your rejection from BCG.
• Moreover, as you have been invited by McKinsey in the past, I would advise you to reapply if you really want to get into consulting. Your profile seems to be strong enough at least to some of the firms you applied to.
• Lastly, you should properly prepare these applications – by applying to more firms simultaneously, polishing your application files to perfection, and properly preparing for both the pre-interview assessments and interviews. I’d be more than happy to help you with all of those steps as the most experienced coach in terms of consulting, interviewing, and coaching.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your applications, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hey! 

I would advise you to go ahead and apply early, but ensure your resume is strong and explain any gaps (like illness) briefly in your cover letter. For case prep, start now with the basics (e.g., drills). Focus on structuring your answers and practice with mock interviews here on PrepLounge.

If you feel underprepared, consider applying to tier 2 firms first to build experience before reapplying to MBB later. Don't worry about past rejections; each application is a new chance, and firms value resilience. Good luck!

Alessa

Hi there!

Earlier is always better — you've got nothing to lose!

I've been exactly where you are — it took me a few years to figure out how to sell myself to the consulting firms before I began getting interview calls and offers. I had the same fears you've got around "gaps in the CV" — I had plenty of those too because of various circumstances. Ultimately, it all comes down to the story you are able to tell the recruiters through your CV and cover letter. They're looking for specific qualities in the candidates — beyond just the numbers and fancy names.

I'll certainly be very happy to help you through the whole process, including planning your outreach and networking, looking through your CV and cover letters, and giving you an introduction to case interviews (when I first began looking at consulting jobs, I had zero knowledge or background and had to self-teach because I was already out of school by then, so I know exactly how you feel as a beginner!)

Feel free to reach out for a free 15-min intro call and we can figure out your next steps.

All the very best!

Hi there,

Thanks for the detailed information. That helps a lot with a proper evaluation.

Let's unpack it:

I did try to over the summer but became quite ill and was in and out of the hospital so my 3 month summer wasn't helpful.

Hope you feel better now!

However, I am a weak candidate in the UK. My A Level grades are not great but I go to a strong semi-target (we get people into IB, MBB and other consulting firms, and big law firms).

My CV hasn't changed since my last application (cancelled internship in a different industry and due to illness so I don't know if this just means another automatic rejection).

Generally, if you are rejected a new application only makes sense if you can demonstrate significant improvements on your CV in terms or education, work experience, leadership, etc. Chances are high that you will run into a direct rejected without an updated CV, especially in the current recruiting climate.

I think applying for Bain and T2 firms could be the way to go in your case.

As for case prep, happy to help you out. Send me a quick DM if interested.

Kind regards,
Florian



 

The real question is: do you really want to get this job and are willing to give your best (or at least significant effor) to maximize your chances? If yes, then apply. 

If not, then no.

So this is really an "internal" question. Consultants are "go-getters", hard working problem solvers. If you are one, you'll apply. If you don't believe you are one (or can become one), you won't apply.