Recruiting Timelines

Application season is almost here! If you are planning to apply to consulting jobs or internships for summer 2025, you’ll find useful recruiting timelines, guidance for preparing, and helpful tips for interviewing below. 

Through our connections with employers, CCE’s Employer and Alumni Relations team continues to collect the latest deadlines and updates to keep you IN THE KNOW.

MOST FIRMS PLAN TO RECRUIT THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER AND EARLY FALL.

The consulting industry adheres to a fairly structured annual recruiting timeline and process. Recruiting timelines can vary based on factors such as an organization’s size, focus areas, geographic location, global market conditions, and overall business strategy. Despite these variables, several common trends can be observed across the industry.

Most consulting firms report plans to recruit for internships and full-time positions starting in mid-summer and continuing into the fall. This schedule is largely consistent with timelines from previous years. However, this year’s recruiting timelines have slightly shifted compared to last season, starting a bit later than last year. For more detailed information about consulting recruitment schedules for 2024, please check out our In the Know post “The Essential Guide to Industry Recruiting Timelines: 2024-2025.”

In your research you may come across the acronym “MBB,” which stands for McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain, or with the name “The Big Four,” (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC). These groups name some of the largest and most well-known firms, but they are certainly not the only companies hiring consultants. While considering firms, you may decide that exploring an opportunity at a boutique consulting firm may be a better fit for you. Don’t hesitate to check out some additional information on this path.

TIMELINES FOR SPECIFIC EMPLOYERS

MCKINSEY

Application opens July 1, 2024.

To learn more about McKinsey & Company and keep an eye out for upcoming events and key dates, check out McKinsey’s Columbia University and Barnard College Website.

BAIN

To learn more about Bain & Company and keep track of upcoming deadlines and events, visit Columbia University Website.

BCG

Applications open approximately six weeks ahead of the application deadline.

To learn more about job opportunities at BCG and recruiting timelines, check out their Columbia Page.

Tips from Your Career Counselors

How to Stay Up to Date

Here are some ways to keep tabs on recruiting for your firms of interest:

  • Do an online search to see if the firm has a Columbia-specific recruiting page, and if so, bookmark it.

  • From that page, or the company’s LionSHARE/Handshake profile, make note of any specific recruiter information. Got questions for that person that aren’t answered on the website? You can reach out—that’s why they’ve made their information available.

  • Make a profile on the firm’s careers page or student careers page and sign up for alerts about the type of position you’re seeking. Some firms will only post on their own website, so this is a must!

  • Follow the firm on your social media channel of choice. This will help you hear about recruiting news and keep up-to-date on what the firm is promoting.

  • Favorite and follow the firm on job boards like LionSHARE, so you see their posts and if they  are coming to Columbia recruiting events in the fall.

  • Be sure to have a consulting internship or job alert set up on LionSHARE to catch new postings from firms not on your radar.

  • To practice for your case interviews, use Management Consulted. This premium resource, provided free to Columbia undergraduate students and alumni, helps you better understand consulting, prepare for case interviews, and sharpen your math and finance skills. Explore our library of tools.

Each consulting firm has its own application process, but you can often expect three types of interviews: 

Behavioral: These interviews seek to learn about your interest in the role and the experience you have that’s transferable to the role.  If you want to learn more about how to prepare for behavioral or cultural fit interviews visit the Management Consulted  “Cultural Fit Interview Questions Ultimate Guide.”  Also, here are some sample behavioral interview questions you can use to practice.

Case: These interviews seek to understand how you approach a business problem by presenting you with a business scenario and asking you to walk the interviewer through your approach to it. They test your thinking, communication skills, and adaptability. Learn more about case interviews.

Cognitive Ability: These online assessments aim to learn about how you think, without requiring prior business knowledge. For instance, if you apply to a BCG office in the US you’ll be invited to complete a 25-minute, game-based pymetrics assessment within 48 hours of receiving the invitation. BCG’s assessment process involves a series of interactive neuroscience exercises known as pymetrics games. These games are designed based on neuroscience research to measure various aspects of cognitive and emotional functioning. Unlike traditional or standardized IQ tests there are no right or wrong answers, making them enjoyable for most participants. These mini games assess different traits related to social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Completing the games provides an understanding of your potential for success at BCG. Additionally, you will receive a comprehensive trait report that is private and visible only to you once you finish all the games. 

Similarly, McKinsey offers an assessment game designed to evaluate problem-solving abilities and cognitive thinking. Known as Solve, this simulated world assessment measures a wide range of cognitive skills, providing interviewers with insights beyond traditional resume and cover letter information. To learn more about Solve and experience its look and feel, you can visit Solve on McKinsey’s website or explore their FAQ section.

6 Tips for a Successful Application and Interview

  • It’s okay if you don’t have prior consulting experience! Consulting firms are interested in candidates who have an interest in business and skills like structured thinking, intellectual curiosity, clear communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Think about how your experience uniquely prepares you for consulting—firms want to know! Use these sample resumes as a guide to learn how to articulate your experiences.

  • Start networking now to build a few quality connections. Check out our networking programs and resources and learn how to connect with Columbia alumni.

  • Don’t wait! After applications open, consulting firms often review applications and select candidates on an ongoing basis. Try to apply as soon as you are ready.

  • Be ready for both in-person and virtual interviews. For virtual prep, check out our tips on nailing virtual and phone interviews. Dive into firm websites for more advice and practice with tools like Big Interview. If you’re gearing up for an in-person interview, book a 30-minute mock interview with a CCE career counselor—they can help you shine face-to-face. And don’t forget, CCE can also guide you through virtual interview practice too. Get prepared and ace that interview!

  • Take advantage of the many free resources available for case prep directly from firms and from consulting-focused websites, like Management Consulted’s prep guide. Connecting with students or those in your network can also be helpful in gaining insight into their experiences with case interviews and tips they may have to offer. Check out some of these student-sourced tips on consulting interviews. 

  • If you’re pressed for time, you don’t have to do a million cases. Be smart about your case prep approach. Focus on a few key cases and really nail down your strategy. If you want to dive deeper into different types of case interviews and get some solid prep tips, check out the Management Consulted Case Interview Bootcamp. It’s a great way to level up your game!