I started a hobby many years ago which involved posting humorous posts online on social media. I gained a global audience quickly and started doing activism work through it. I started the profile to have a platform where I can talk about certain issues. This led to an activism profile that blew up and gained global support too (number of followers is in the low 6 digits).
I kind of wanted to add it to my cover letter to show my creativity side of finding an issue and tackling that problem in this way. It highlights my dedication, creativity, and I guess problem solving as I encountered a few issues.
The thing is I am applying for a position straight out of university. My other paragraph talks about my professional internship that I did so I thought to add another paragraph that showed a more personal touch? I don't have much experience and not sure if this would be seen as a bit too "unserious". Every MBB cover letter I have seen has been strictly focussed on professional experience and mainly consulting (I don't have much consulting experience but have 2 other internships and a few extracurriculars).
I am a weak candidate on paper if that helps with your responses (I go to a strong semi-target uni in the UK (just below the target unis)), health issues meant I didn't do well in my A Levels, I also had health issues throughout university (surgery, etc). My main downfall are my A Level grades really but they seem to be the biggest part too.
Would adding a weird hobby on my cover letter be seen as inappropriate for MBB UK?
Frankly whatever you have, unless you are an olympic medallist, 30 under 30 or some humanitarian champion / award winner isnt going to move the needle or mask your scores. With that said, no harm in putting it in!
Hi there,
Q: Would adding a weird hobby on my cover letter be seen as inappropriate for MBB UK?
If you can showcase entrepreneurial or problem solving skills with your social media activity (which seems to be the case), it would be fine to add it. I cannot see any downside, and it seems you have been quite successful in terms of results.
Good luck!
Francesco
Hey! I think it is a great way to showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills, from my interview experience, especially since BCG appreciates such personal stories and often asks about them during interviews. However, for McKinsey, it might be seen as less relevant. Just ensure you connect it to skills relevant to consulting while maintaining professionalism. Overall, if framed well, it can enhance your application.
Best, Alessa
Hi there,
Yes, you should definitely include it. Your social media activism shows initiative, creativity, and drive - qualities MBB firms value. Growing a platform to a global audience highlights your ability to communicate effectively and think outside the box, which can set you apart. Make sure to link it to relevant consulting skills like problem-solving and resilience.
Have a great day and best of luck,
Kairavee
Hi,
Including your activism work and social media presence could actually be a strength, especially if framed correctly. MBB values creativity, problem-solving, and initiative, which your hobby clearly demonstrates. If you can tie it back to relevant skills—like managing a global audience, driving change, or overcoming challenges—it could add a personal, unique angle to your application.
That said, keep the focus on the skills and experience that are directly transferable to consulting. It’s important that it complements your professional experience rather than taking attention away from it. Be concise and strategic in how you present it.
Best of luck!
Stefan
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