Bain & Company I will be heading to MBB in a few months. Any advice for how to best prepare for my new role? Any advice on books to read / skills to sharpen before I officially start? Thank you!

McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company.

likesmart
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

Relax & enjoy some time off

likesmart

Start therapy ahead of time. You’ll need it.

likefunny

The real answer here

Recent IconRecent

Everything I did to prepare was useless - just enjoy the time off

likefunny

Fellow D alum here (though many years ago…). The above are all good suggestions about relaxing and focusing on mental and physical health (nutrition, exercise, etc).

If you feel compelled to do some prep and reading though, I’d focus on skill building in a) time management and b) PowerPoint and Excel. Those will help you practically much more than any business/leadership/etc. If you are good at those, you’ll have more capacity to learn the other stuff from your seniors and they’ll be more inclined to personally invest in your growth because you take less remediation on the basics.

At the entry level, no one cares if you’re well-versed in The Trusted Advisor or The Fifth Discipline if you return a sloppy slide after spending an hour on it. For instance, I distinctly remember being asked to create 3 new slides for a Senior Partner with 15min notice before an internal leadership meeting. If you can do that well, you’ll get noticed.

likesmarthelpful

Good Q! It’s going to vary from client to client or partner to partner. Some are visual and some are text. When you join a team, as for a best-in-class example or two to study.

I leave the graphics to our dedicated team, but know how to do quick mock-ups or describe what I want.

More important for me is getting the right information on the page in a clean crisp and accessible way. Study and use proven layouts. Then send to graphics for touch ups.

likesmarthelpful

Develop a low time commitment hobby

like

Yes, preferably something that also doesn’t need to be practiced every day to maintain your skill level at it.

like

Sleep

likesmart

Sleep, I hardly knew ya.

Very good points said above with top down comunication, and basic excel (index match, sumifs, basic shortcuts)

I will recommend you to build a strong morning routine / healthy lifestyle so that when you start it’s already embedded in you and allows you to maintain balance. This job can sometimes go a bit out of control and you might just sleep or work.

By having a strong routine, it maintains a certain level of balance even in tough time.

In my case it was
- having a cold shower
- meditate for 40’
- cooking a breakfast
- removing airplane mode on the phone

But define the one that works for you and if you have any hobby, try to get at least 15-20’ of it in the morning before you start the day (read, piano, etc. )

like

Yes and 30’ before sleeping so I can go out of the work mode. Sometimes I have to reduce the one in the night to still have a decent amount of sleep but the key, I felt, is to maintain the habit and do a very short session if no time instead of skipping the session

like

Why do people say MBB why don’t they just say where they are going?

like

@B2 thanks. Hmm. How have you materially experienced this “different place” would you say?

The one thing you should really do is move to the place you are going to live ahead of time (if you are relocating). I moved right as I was starting at the Firm, and was scrambling to unpack and get situated while trying to do well on my first study. I wished I moved a month earlier. That would have been well worth it. Other than that, as everybody else already said, just enjoy and relax. Maybe get some good workout and healthy eating habits started?

like

Have as much fun as you can. You aren’t going to get much of a head start by doing anything other than relaxing and recharging yourself the way that works for you.

Congratulations!!!

likesmart

McKinsey is like an endless open book exam. You have no idea what’s going to be on the test, and you’re not expected to know anything about what’s going to be on the test. Reading books to prepare is not very helpful.

like

Book a nice long vacation and do NOTHING. Wish I had taken that advice

like

Start planning your exit strategy and sleep a ton. Other than that welcome to the show! And enjoy your time here

likesmart

Congratulations OP! Echoing others, the best thing would be to take advantage of the time you have before work to spend time with family, have fun, and do things you won’t have time to do when you start working. Exercise a lot, consume good films and books, spend time with loved ones.

like

Sleep, lots of sleep

like

This^. And manage your own and your friends / families expectations that once you start, you are there but not really there any more.

As someone who was in your shoes just a few months ago, and who was also very eager to do “pre work” and set myself up for success - don’t. You’ll learn what you need to learn as you do the job- enjoy your time before starting full-time!!

like

.

Post Photo
like

Invest in finding a good therapist that you can build a connection with. Even if you don’t see the need yet, it’ll be immensely helpful a year or two down the line.

I was given this advice by a few ex-Ps from Mck (they’re more transparent after they leave).. I ignored it for a few years and then finally acted on it recently. Game changing.

like

And make sure you develop a habit of exercising daily before you start.

like

Just know that first year at any job is going to be grueling and sometimes even mindless at times. It’s just a process to learn the business and it’s normal. Stay humble, but always remember to be content but never satisfied.

like

Related Posts

I'm an investment banker and in late stages of a couple CorpDev roles of Fortune 200 companies. Both roles report to Head of CorpDev. I would be interested to understand the typical career progression. Assuming Head of CorpDev will stay in position for the next 5-10 years, what is the expectation of upward mobility then? Is it more common to progress through jumping around to different companies?

like

Would someone who works at Google be
willing to give me a referral? I want to do
the apprenticeship for software
engineering. I want to start that journey
and would love to start it there. I want to
get the hands on training. I would really
appreciate it.Google

like

I am not necessarily looking for greener grass. I am looking for more a more peaceful place to tend my liitle patch of Adviosry. Many have worked at 2 or more Bigs. KPMG better place to work than Deloitte - other way around. I realize my set up isn't clear. Another way to ask: are you happy with moving from Big A to Big B? Why?

Dear fishes,
Could someone refer me to PO position with Siemens healthineers?

like

Anyone else here looking to make a switch into healthcare (physician, nurse, etc)?

like

How common are career changes / pivots? Can’t help but feel behind now that I’m considering a change and makes me feel alone. Not sure how to go about making the change (finance to marketing)

like

I need a change so badly I’m on the verge of tears almost every day. I’ve invested so much preparing for this career. I know I have so much talent that’s not being utilized. I feel stifled and stuck. I don’t need the health insurance but I’m terrified of giving up financial security. Any suggestions in NH for a sp ed with a MS in ed tech integration and a CAGS in Ed leadership. I am driven by identifying systems and creative problem solving and also have a background in art & design.

like

How is the market in Dubai for consulting, are you guys busy/hiring?

like

Can any one tell me how to prepare perfectly for ZS job ? BTA, DAA position.

like

Turner & Townsend Hello. Still trying to figure this app out. I’m looking for an Assistant PM role with a GC (Buildings) in SF/Chicago. I was wondering if someone could help me out with it. I have around 3 yrs experience managing 5-10mil multiple projects at a time. Turner & Townsend Turner Construction AECOM Skanska

like

It feels like my pay and title are lower than my scope of duties. I manage Youtube channels and do all strategy, planning, talent management, rework content for socials, reporting, graphic design, + a bunch of other stuff. Do you think I should be something like Video Content Manager? A Strategist maybe? My company doesn't have career pathing & I think they'd be happy to keep giving me more work with the same pay. TIA!!

like

We're seeing a lot of hiring freezes happening in the tech space, with the exception of some high growth startups. Is this affecting anyone else?

like

Are you supposed to receive a signing bonus for an entry level job at MBB?

My career goal isn’t to make it to MBB or a unicorn or FAANG. It’s to feel fulfilled and challenged as I progress. I can’t be the only one that isn’t title or company chasing.

like

Hi Everyone, I have almost 1 year of experience as Business Analyst in telecom domain ( AI poduct specialist/QA) Total experience of 3.5 years in Retail and Trlecom domain. Any referral for Business analyst role

Hello everyone,
I want to know at a time of countdown begins does Accenture fill out the declaration form for working in rotational shifts to everyone or it only depends on position?

like

Considering an offer to move to a (what I believe) late-stage start-up… 200+ million in funding through series A, B, C+ and have heard news of IPO next. I would be in a mid-senior role. Not sure how to negotiate on compensation package with consideration to equity as I’ve been in consulting since starting my career. Anyone have advice/suggestions?

like

What carrer shifts could CSMs make?

I made the unusual transition from SDR To CSM. Considering switching roles or going to full on account management roles.

Thoughts?

like

Hi fishes

Can anyone give me a referral?
Thanks!

like

Hi All

Looking for recommendations for the SHRM-SCP exam; going the self study route…thanks

like

More Posts

Hey Pune Fishes, I am looking for a 2 bhk flat in kharadi area, near WTC, with a flatmate. So if someone knows a good broker or someone who is looking similar kind of arrangement DM me.

Expected budget: 12-15k per head

like

Likes to Open DM please ❤️

Post Photo
likefunny

How many of you still wake up early to watch Test matches ?? I have woken up 3am EST to watch India vs Australia, India vs SA series

like

Can anyone refer me in Capgemini India?

Please note that I'm on notice period and looking for urgent requirements.

Capgemini

Who should I speak to about switching positions within my company ? HR Account AD/Supervisor ?

like

What is the deal with people listening to videos and music on their phones, WITHOUT HEADPHONES, in public spaces?? I’ve seen a huge uptick in this on trains, the tube, in coffee shops, etc. Is this really how self-centered we’ve become? Did people forget that they need to behave differently when around others vs in lockdown at home? Wtf

like

Anyone from the states did a deployment here through work? Any advise on how to go about it?

like

BYJU'S Hi , Any kind soul here who can refer for entry level Product manager role at any good company?🧐🤔 Tata ConsultancyZS Associates Infosys Newco BYJU'S Vedantu Lg electronics india Nagarro Cisco Ola Electric Mobility Pvt. Ltd. Uber Adobe Google

like

I know you can’t count this as luxury, but damn if this isn’t a great watch for the money!

Post Photo
like

When you walk in Friday morning to a dumpster fire of a file (that you’ve never worked on before) sitting on your desk, with no note or email to go with it. It’s as if I’m supposed to magically divine what to do with it. 🤦🏼‍♀️

like
like

Does anyone manage without having a nanny? Kids age 0-10

like

How much time Accenture takes to come back after some one clears the tech round?

Its already a week, please help.

Should i reach out to them in case they did not?

like

Has anyone built an emergent learning group in your consultancy or company that focuses on reflection, feedback, problems of practice... But amongst designers staffed on different projects/clients? How did you structure it? How did you maintain it?

like

Tell me what to do in Iceland

like

Thoughts on Cove Haven Resorts in the Poconos? My wife and I love it there and are about to go for a third time. Curious if anyone else has been and how they liked it. I recommend it, it’s surprisingly enjoyable despite being a bit corny.

like

Fishies, what do we think the brand strategist and strategy department of the future looks like? What are the table stakes skills, and what are the must have roles? What’s changed?

like

Prospecting Ae’s (or bdrs) are you getting a lower open rate/filtered by spam filters due to attaching a link, screenshot or pdf? If yes, I’m curious if it’s the same drop off rate for all or if it’s different

How do I set the formula to calculate “If x falls between 1-10, return 1-10, if it falls between 11-20, return 11-20, and so on”

like

Morons actually thought free speech was free🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

Elons an economist by trade. That free speech is going be behind a paywall.

likefunnyhelpful

Additional Posts in Consulting

May be this is off the topic..
One of my friend who is a doctor & is an international med graduate. He passed his United States Medical Licensing Exams with above average scores. He has applied fr the match last yr & was nt able to match. Match process costs around USD10k; this year he is applying again after borrowing funds frm different sources bt he is under tremendous pressure to get match. I feel his pain as he has studied for 10+ yrs and is struggling to match nw. I m nt sure hw I can help

like

I have like 9 million things I need to do and I just want to hibernate.

like

Anyone know anything about Gap (clothing brand) corporate strategy team? Would love to ask some questions about a role I found!

uplifting

Hot take: you don’t need to give feedback every two days. And if you do, you should ask for feedback too.

likefunny

Does EY provide tuition reimbursement / MBA sponsorship? I know Deloitte has GSAP, but I wasn’t sure if EY has something similar. If so, what are the requirements?

like

What are the best consulting firms for pricing (consumer goods focused)?

like

Need advice. Top performer. Team members have been leaving and I have a stupid amount of responsibilities. I’m not complaining about that but some were very swiftly transitioned while I was dealing with other work streams. TLDR: I am super burnt out and am one of two people who does any technical work. I randomly get forwarded emails from my lead about work steams that predate my tenure on the project. I can’t do it anymore and I’m losing my mind. I’m an analyst so don’t know what do.

like

Deloitte Smart Factory or Accenture Industry X? Received an offer for both, Accenture higher base and sign on bonus

like

How do you meet people from admission offices of top MBA’s?

like

Think I’m going to get the J&J vaccine. Has anyone had anything weird happen to them since doing this one or heard of anything weird? I have had COVID already and have antibodies but feel like the walls are closing in on me here.

likehelpful

Since we’ve all been working from home for months now, what’s the best office chair out that y’all are using for our long work from home hours? Looking to invest in a better one than my ~$150 one from Amazon.

like

Can anyone speak to Baker Tilly levels and comp in consulting?

like

Top consulting firms right there!!

Post Photo
funnylike

Book recommendations? All genre welcome but I usually read nonfiction

like

Best consulting firms for PE work (CDD,Value Creation)? Looking for the best firm for exit ops to PE ops eventually. Thanks!

like

Does anyone have any pre workout recommendations? I’m always so tired from working long hours and need a supplement before I go to the gym.

like

Best places to go in Nashville on a Thursday night?

like

Is anyone else's tax refund status unavailable on the irs website? Been a week since CPA e-filed

like

Does 401k count as savings?

likefunny

Do you send a thank you note to the recruiter after the phone screen?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal