MCA: Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions, please send us a message via the "Contact Us" page or reach out to our VPs of Knowledge Management.

What is consulting?

Simply put, consulting is all about solving business problems for an organization.
 
See our Overview of Consulting Recruiting at Stern for more information.

I wasn't a consultant before coming to Stern, am I at a disadvantage?

Not if you join MCA, attend Casing Bootcamp, corporate presentations, and MCA events! Langone students should also enroll in the Langone Professional Development Program.

Consulting firms look for people with diverse experiences. Stern students going into consulting have come from all sorts of backgrounds such as engineering, non-profits, finance, consumer goods, and even musical performance!

Which firms recruit Stern students?

Stern has amazing relationships with a wide range of firms. In past years, Sternies have accepted offers from firms including McKinsey, Deloitte, PwC/Strategy&, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, EY/EY-Parthenon, The Chartis Group, L.E.K., Mars & Co, AT Kearney, and many others. If there's a firm you're interested in, there's almost definitely a Sternie there to connect with.

When should I start preparing for interviews?

See MCA's recommended timelines for recruiting preparation. Join MCA to get access to members-only preparation once you're on campus, and in the meantime be sure to check out our resource pages too.

How should I prepare?

Attend all MCA events: bootcamp, casing workshops, and networking events. Practice with other students going through consulting recruiting.

Do I need to attend Casing Bootcamp?

If you are going into consulting, it's absolutely necessary! Other industries (marketing, media, internal strategy, etc.) are also using more case questions in their interviews. It's a great way to learn how to think quickly and answer business problems in a structured way.

How do I figure out which firm is right for me?

Like all consulting answers, it depends. People often decide based on their functions and industries of interest as well as people they meet in the recruiting process.
 
Attend corporate presentations, MCA events, and check out the useful resources we've compiled for you under the Members and Prospective Student sections.

Which classes should I take?

The core curriculum offers a wide range of topics that will be helpful for pursuing a career in consulting.
 
Please be sure to review courses for specializations and make sure that you take the required prerequisites from the core classes to avoid missing out on those opportunities in the spring semester or in your second year.

What is the recruiting timeline typically like for consulting firms?

Each firm varies a bit, but as an MBA1 your corporate presentations will begin in the Fall semester, typically at the end of September, and continue into November. 
 
Coffee Chats, firm specific competitions, and invite-only events are offered throughout this period, with interview invitations often being extended by mid-December. Interviews then take place during winter break and offers are made before the end of January.