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Should I Apply Widely or Focus on Specific Firms for Consulting Internships?

I am in my senior year and will graduate in August. I plan to apply for consulting internship opportunities starting in this January at offices in Riyadh. If I do not secure an internship, I will face a one-year application freeze, which means I will need additional time to prepare.

Should I apply to all available internships at firms like MBB, the Big 4, and Tier 2 firms to enhance my chances of gaining valuable experience, or should I focus on specific firms so that I can apply to them after graduation? (I want to be in MBB or Tier 2 after I will graduate )

I heard I am applying as an intern. Companies will have lower expectations than a full-time role and your mistakes in the interview will be overlooked.

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Top answer
Florian
Coach
on Nov 01, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

I would apply to all firms for internship positions.

  • It increases your chances to land an offer
  • You go through a lot of real-world practice
  • If a target firm takes you as an intern, you can convert it to a full-time offer during the internship
  • If a non-target company takes you as an intern, it still would be a great improvement on your resume that warrants a new invitation next time from MBB and other firms
  • If you fail with a firm, you can re-apply within 1 year usually after a failed internship application

All the best,

Florian

on Nov 01, 2024
+600 Interviews | Free 30-min alignment call | Ex-Principal & Member of the Recruiting task force | 360° Coaching

Hi there,

Definitely apply to all of them. Start with interviews at firms that are not your top choice can help you practice and refine your approach before interviewing with your dream companies. 

Good luck!
Kairavee

on Nov 01, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Should I apply to all available internships?

For several companies, if you apply for an internship and are rejected, you can still apply for a full-time position, so that gives you two shots (this should be verified with HR as it might depend on the office/company).

In any case, given you will graduate in August, even if you have to wait until January 2026, that would be only a few months, so I would still recommend applying for all the internships first.

Good luck!

Francesco

Ashwin
Coach
on Nov 03, 2024
Bain Senior Manager , Deloitte Director| Free 45 mins Strategy Session | 200+ MBB Offers | INSEAD

Given your situation, it’s best to apply widely. Securing any consulting internship, even at a Tier 2, will give you valuable experience and strengthen your profile for future applications to MBB.

Thanks

Ashwin

Daniel
Coach
on Nov 11, 2024
FREE 15 MIN CALL | ex-Strategy& Manager & Interviewer | Non-Traditional Path | 50+ Coachings

Good question. For a current student, it is always best to apply first to firms that recruit directly from your campus / program. Otherwise, it can be an uphill battle to get an interview. With this market, applying broad, having targeted conversations, and preparing appropriately (e.g., resume, case preparation, fit interview, etc.) is essential. Feel free to get in touch for a free 15 min consultation. 

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