Standing out in an MBA application involves a strategic approach to showcasing your unique qualities and experiences. With thousands of management consultants applying to top MBA programs each year, consulting is one of the most overrepresented candidate pools, alongside finance. Entering class statistics at US M7 schools (2025) US M7 school Total class size (2025) […]
Author: Jeff Zhang
Consulting case interviews are a critical part of the hiring process for many top consulting firms. They are designed to assess a candidate’s problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and ability to think on their feet. Preparing for these interviews can be daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can overcome this challenging hurdle. In […]
I had the privilege of joining a unicorn startup that was eventually acquired by a multinational company. Many people, including myself, have been surprised by the professional experience you can gain from startups as a mid-twenties professional. While luck played a significant role in my positive experience, I also spent considerable time evaluating whether the […]
During my undergraduate education, I was always mesmerized by the sessions run by the MBB consulting firms: McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. Having worked at a boutique consulting firm and a Big 4 firm, I always sensed that the MBB experience was distinct. My friends at MBB firms have unique opportunities, such as travelling the world […]
The MBA journey is a deeply reflective process, centered around understanding your goals and aspirations. Being honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses is crucial in determining how you measure up and which schools are the best fit for you. While targeting M7 schools is an admirable goal, it’s important to diversify your application […]
After years of planning for your MBA, you will eventually reach the stage that involves completing the MBA application package. This includes compiling your background information, reflecting on your goals and aspirations, writing essays, and securing recommenders. Below I’ve outlined key tasks to consider starting 12 months before application deadlines. 9-12 months before application deadline […]
I was always inspired by students who graduated from top MBA programs. Through several internships and networking opportunities, I met many individuals from these programs who thoroughly enjoyed their experiences. As a result, I knew that I wanted to pursue an MBA after completing my undergraduate business degree in 2018. Over the past few months, […]
Business students and prospective consulting candidates often ask me what life is like as an MBB consultant. The answer can vary significantly depending on the client, project, and team. However, I wanted to provide a glimpse into a typical day during a longer-term client project to give you a better understanding of what your daily […]
I have often heard from leaders at MBB firms that management consulting is a close substitute for an MBA program. From my experience at one of the MBB firms and now as an MBA candidate, I want to share the similarities that I have found between being an MBB consultant and doing an MBA, whether […]
In my last series of publications, I shared my opinions on the MBA and the key elements of an MBA application package. However, when it comes to actually applying to schools, it can often be a daunting task. I found that reading articles and watching YouTube videos only provided high-level, general advice, not something specific […]
MBA rankings are a significant factor for many prospective students when choosing a business school. However, understanding the methodology behind these rankings, their significance, and how to interpret them is crucial for making an informed decision. In this article, we will delve into global MBA rankings and provide guidance on how to use or not […]
In the previous article, I provided a high-level overview of the MBA landscape. Now, I will delve deeper into each component of the MBA application package. The key application components, along with their estimated importance weights, include: Standardized tests (GMAT or GRE) – 20% Academic transcripts – 18% Resume – 15% Letters of recommendation – […]
If you are a business student or working professional, terms such as “MBA”, “M7” and “GMAT” may be familiar. For me, I never seriously considered pursuing an MBA until my final year of undergraduate studies. Now as an experienced professional, I want to share the potential significance of pursuing an MBA and offer guidance on […]
In my journey from university to the professional world, I, like many of my peers, initially gravitated towards the allure of prestigious roles in consulting or finance. These fields promise versatility, growth opportunities, and the potential for exciting career transitions. However, what my undergraduate business program failed to emphasize was the often-overlooked world of startups—particularly small businesses that operate outside […]
In my previous article, I shared my thoughts on mentorship and how to become a more effective mentor. However, that article only highlights one side of the mentorship journey; mentees play an equally important role in determining whether that relationship becomes valuable and long-lasting. While there is no “perfect” mentor, finding a mentor who is […]
Although COVID-19 has created new problems and obstacles for many of us, the situation has also brought out the best in all of us in terms of our willingness to help others. Over the past few weeks, I have observed people giving back to their communities by supporting local businesses, creating services to help job […]
You might have been given an opportunity to have a coffee chat with a firm representative or with a Partner at your dream consulting firm. However, one observation that I have made as both a potential hire looking for a job and as a consultant guiding others is that oftentimes, we are not prepared for […]
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with another blog contributor to the SpencerTom community, Jason Oh, to share our experiences about the consulting recruiting process. More specifically, we were able to go over a few common questions about the differences in recruiting at a ‘target university’ and a ‘non-target university’ […]
University is a difficult journey for anyone, regardless of major. Oftentimes, it takes a lot of navigating to truly understand what you want from your experience and where you want to end up. For me, I was fortunate to study at a Canadian business school and interacted with numerous small and large companies from a […]