Insight #1:
"Build as much pedigree as you can."
This means going to the right schools, the right clubs, the right academics and the right extra-curriculars.
This also means that you need to get good brands on your resume early and fast. Working in NA, EMEA, Singapore and Australia is typically a plus point.
You typically need to go to M7 schools or IIM-BLACKI or ISB to even have a remote shot at getting in.
This means great GRE/GMAT scores are a necessity. This also means that you need to really nail your LORs. Finally, you need to have exceptional spikes that changes the way people perceive you and your potential translating into a resume.
Insight #2:
"They care about optics a lot."
The way you look, speak and conduct yourself is probably the biggest thing you can do to improve your odds of getting in. Being at the right places is important. This means if you are already in social circles with Management Consulting folks then some of their habits will rub off on you. This also means that playing Tennis, going to the Gym, going Golfing/Squash/ whatever rich guy sport, the right parties, restaurants and clubs is an underrated advantage.
Insight #3:
"Prepare for Case Interviews"
Case interviews are a crucial part of the consulting recruitment process. Practice solving case studies and seek guidance from mentors or resources to improve your case interview skills. 'Case in Point' is your fucking bible and you need to make sure that you can work your way around guesstimates and reach a conclusive solution in an insight driven manner.
Insight #4:
"Be prepared to walk away."
MBB is not the end of the world and you can out do your peers in terms of Money earned per unit effort spent easily in other fields. So, don't care about what happens. Double down on your Plan B instead.
But if you want to travel the world, walk shoulder to shoulder with some of the smartest people in the business then it is not a bad option.
Picture: From one of my trips to Bangalore(2023)
