Should I apply for an internship or directly for a full-time position in consulting when I complete my Finance studies at HSG in July 2025?

Hey There,

Your situation sounds very interesting indeed,

I can see from what you mentioned that you already have some good credentials that would make up a strong resume.

Now, coming to your question; getting an internship at a top consulting firm is a good entry point into said firm, as if you perform well, you will eventually get a return offer to join the company on a full time basis.

My advice to you would be to go for the internship in March - May, as it will allow you a doorway to the industry while keeping your options open to join other large consulting firms in full time roles,

Hope this helps,

Fady

Hi there,

Q: I am uncertain whether I should do another internship in the spring of 2025 (March to May) or focus directly on securing a full-time position

If you do an internship in the spring of 2025, can you start full-time right after the internship? If so, I would apply for the internship whenever possible. If you are rejected from the internship, you might have the option to apply for full-time in any case, so this could give you two shots (this should be verified with HR as it might depend on the office/company).

If you cannot start full-time after the internship and have to wait several months even if you are successful (eg, starting in 2026), I would apply for full-time directly, as your goal is to start right after graduation.

Hope this helps, 

Francesco 

Hi there,

I would recommend you aim directly for the full-time offer. 

Why?

• Same prep needed, same interviews = more efficient
• MBB usually want to see candidates apply for FT toward their end of studies ("they should know by then what they want to do")

Reach out if you need help!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

Solid credentials you’ve got!

I’d suggest you apply for the full time offer because:

1. You seem to have the grades, professional experience, and extracurricular curricular profile that would make the cut. You now need to focus on curating your narrative in the most optimal way
2. Expectations from candidates during application and interviews are similar for both internships and full-time positions so it’s better to get maximum output for your efforts

Feel free to reach out if you need support with preparations.

Fathu

Hi there,

since your internship slot would be basically right before your graduation, I would directly apply for the full-time position. It sounds like you have enough internships already.

Good luck

Go for the full time role. Your experience is already relevant and honestly if you go for the internship and apply afterwards to MBB you likely won't be able to start at your target date or will be applying too late for the 2nd semester cohort.

Other option is to apply for both at the same time :)

Hi there,

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

• First of all, given your academic and professional background, I don't see the need for a strategy consulting internship in order to be invited. Keep in mind that as a graduate, you are mainly invited based on the name of your university and your grades.
• Moreover, since you are committed to working full-time in consulting either way, this is another reason to apply directly for a full-time position.

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

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen