What do I need to do to make it to MBB?

Question

I'll give some basic background to me:

I am studying at UQ, and i do the BAFE program inside of it. I have been averaging a 6.7GPA through my years.
Throughout uni, I have cofounded and ran a business which has made 100k, and its within the tech space.
I have 1 internship right now which is in a venture studio in Brisbane
I have another internship where I have worked as a business development intern for an AI app.

I wanted some advice on whether my resume is anywhere near close enough for MBB in Australia and what kind of experiences would I need before I have a chance to make it in MBB.

Some people tell me I need an IB internship and a consulting internship, or what in particular do you guys think?

Answer 1

All of that seems quite impressive, except for the academic part which I'm not capable of evaluating without knowing the Australian university system. Ideally this would be a top 5 university in Australia and you would be in the top 10% os students in terms of academic achievement.

Answer 2

Hey Alfred 😊

You’re definitely off to a very strong start! A 6.7 GPA, running a profitable tech business, and solid startup/internship exposure already make your CV stand out more than most. MBB in Australia (especially Sydney/Melbourne) is competitive—but not impossible, and you're already ticking a lot of boxes.

A few tips to push yourself even closer:

💼 Try to land one brand-name internship—ideally consulting (e.g. Strategy& / EY-Parthenon / LEK / Oliver Wyman) or banking. This helps position you in the “classic” profile pool recruiters expect.
🚀 Highlight your entrepreneurship—especially how you scaled, used strategy, or made commercial decisions. That’s gold for MBB, especially if you can show impact.
👥 Network! Try to connect with MBB consultants who studied at UQ or are based in AU/NZ. A referral can go a long way.
🧠 Prep early. Strong CV is great, but MBB also screens hard for problem-solving + personal fit.

You don’t need to tick every “prestige” box, but showing business impact + analytical thinking + a standout story will already set you apart.

Let me know if you want help reviewing your CV or prepping for the next step—happy to support you 😊

Best,
Alessa 🌟

Answer 3

Hi Alfred,

Your profile is already quite strong, but breaking into MBB in Australia is highly competitive, so adding a few key experiences could significantly improve your chances.

What You Have Going for You:
    •    Strong Academics: A 6.7 GPA in UQ’s BAFE program is solid, especially if you have strong rankings in your cohort.
    •    Entrepreneurial Experience: Running a tech business that generated $100k in revenue is impressive and shows leadership, problem-solving, and execution skills.
    •    Internships: Your venture studio and AI business development internships give you exposure to strategy and growth, which are valuable.

What You Could Improve or Add:
    1.    Consulting Internship: A top-tier strategy consulting internship (even at Tier 2 firms like Oliver Wyman, Strategy&, or Roland Berger) would give you direct exposure to consulting work and improve your credibility. MBB strongly prefers candidates with prior consulting experience.
    2.    Finance Experience (Optional but Helpful): An IB, PE, or VC internship would strengthen your analytical and financial modeling skills, which MBB values, though it’s not strictly necessary.
    3.    Case Prep & Networking: Even with a strong resume, MBB interviews are tough. Start networking with consultants at MBB Australia to get a referral, and begin rigorous case prep.

Next Steps:
    •    If you’re still in your penultimate year, aim for a consulting internship next (MBB, Tier 2, or boutique).
    •    If you’re in your final year, try securing an IB, VC, or strategy internship as a backup, then network aggressively for full-time MBB applications.
    •    Make sure your resume highlights impact (quantify your results) and problem-solving skills.

Happy to provide feedback on your resume if needed!

Best,

Evelina

Answer 4

Hi there,

Feel free to share your CV for more tailored feedback.

Cheers,
Florian

Answer 5

Hi Alfred,

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

First of all, based on your description, your academic record (if this GPA would place you in the top 10-15% of your cohort) and entrepreneurial experience are strengths.
Moreover, considering your current internship experiences, adding a consulting-specific or at least corporate internship could significantly enhance your profile. Consulting firms value candidates with direct industry exposure.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

Best,

Hagen