You’re applying for a management consulting internship. What’s the most important thing to keep in mind?

We have a very rigorous selection process for our management consultant apprentices recruitment, including a technical assessment and group exercise alongside all the usual stuff. My biggest tip for the group exercise is that facilitating the discussion and making the most of the groups contribution, is so much more important than being an expert in the subject being discussed. Speak confidently and encourage others is always a winner.

I'd like to point out that the most crucial aspect to remember when applying for a management consulting internship is showcasing your problem-solving abilities. Management consulting is fundamentally about providing strategic solutions to complex challenges, so highlighting your analytical skills and ability to think critically is essential. Demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to learn is critical, as the consulting landscape often requires quick adaptation to new industries and problem domains. Emphasizing your teamwork and communication skills is also vital, as consultants frequently collaborate with diverse teams and communicate findings to clients effectively.

Being able to answer standard interview questions, such as "why do you want to join this firm?" with a well structured and thorough answer will set you apart from most candidates. If you have any insight into the firm, how they work, what makes them different - weave that into your answer. Research the business, their website, social media, podcasts etc

You will be one of many candidates that need to be remembered. Try to impress with some peculiar insight about the company: something on the website that could be clearer, some social network posts that you think are interesting. Show some interest in the firm and your POV, if it is about some improvement they can do, the better!

Understand a few things. The niche and cache of the firm. What is industry/type of problem they specialize. What type of boss do you have? Do they offer training other than on the project? How does this fit with your end game! What do you want to do in 3 to 5 years? Consulting or industry?

The case interview is a pivotal assessment in management consulting internship applications, mirroring the complexities of real-world consultancy projects. Success hinges on honing structured thinking, mental agility for math and data interpretation, and adept communication skills. While frameworks offer valuable organizational aids, overreliance can hinder adaptability and innovation in problem-solving. The ability to think creatively and pivot when necessary demonstrates the depth of one's analytical prowess. Ultimately, excelling in case interviews demands a balanced blend of preparation, adaptability, and originality in approach.

I would like to showcase your fit for management consulting, which involves highlighting your technical competencies, interpersonal qualities, and adaptability. Recruiters seek evidence of your ability to collaborate effectively within teams, manage pressure, navigate uncertainty, and embrace feedback constructively. Utilize concrete examples from your academic, professional, or extracurricular experiences to illustrate your achievements, leadership roles, and proactive initiatives. Express genuine enthusiasm, curiosity, and a deep-seated passion for the consulting field to demonstrate your intrinsic motivation and alignment with the industry. Strive for a balance between confidence and humility.

Think about what you information you might not have been able to gather in your research, what further info can you get from actually speaking to someone in the business? Ask that. It's important to have at least a couple of questions

Preparing thoughtful questions for the end of an interview is crucial to leaving a lasting impression. Crafting inquiries shows your understanding of the company and industry and showcases your dedication and interest. Rather than asking generic questions available online, I would like you to focus on eliciting insights into the interviewer's experiences, the company's culture, internship dynamics, or relevant industry trends and challenges. Tailoring your questions in this manner shows your preparedness and engages the interviewer in a meaningful dialogue, potentially setting you apart from other candidates. Remember, this final opportunity to ask is a chance to solidify your candidacy and further showcase your suitability for the role.

I'd like to point out that following up with a thank you note after an interview is crucial for leaving a positive impression on the interviewer. I want you to know that expressing gratitude for their time and attention reinforces your professionalism and interest in the opportunity. Personalization is critical to making your note stand out; referencing specific points from the interview demonstrates attentiveness and engagement. Timing is also essential - sending the note within 24 hours shows promptness and keen interest. I'd like to point out that you should avoid generic messages, which makes your follow-up sincere and tailored to the specific conversation and context of the interview.

Particularly in the UK, when applying for an internship it's unlikely you'll have tonnes of previous work experience to pull upon when answering questions. It's more than okay to use examples from a bar/restaurant/retail job, or from a sports team/society, or even a working group