Mckinsey PST

1st tier: MBB
2nd tier: Oliver Wyman, Monitor, Roland Berger, possibly OC&C; anyone similar that I've forgotten

Alright sounds fair enough. I have however noticed none of the second tier consultancies do a placement year either. So I guess thats out of the question as it would be pointless to do at a 3rd tier as wouldnt look great to MBB?

Consulting doesn't have the "internship tradition" that IB does; however, because of the sheer volume of stellar applicants, consultancies are now differentiating candidates by high-calibre work experience (for graduates, most evident through an internship). Therefore, the best thing to do is get an internship at a high-reputation firm, not necessarily in consulting. Just something with a good firm that demonstrates you have done hard work before and are commercially driven and, possibly most importantly, simply to show you were good enough to get on a competitive internship.

Consulting doesn't have the "internship tradition" that IB does; however, because of the sheer volume of stellar applicants, consultancies are now differentiating candidates by high-calibre work experience (for graduates, most evident through an internship). Therefore, the best thing to do is get an internship at a high-reputation firm, not necessarily in consulting. Just something with a good firm that demonstrates you have done hard work before and are commercially driven and, possibly most importantly, simply to show you were good enough to get on a competitive internship.

Ditto the ditto. But also, the key word is 'commercially'. IB internships are not particularly useful, they may tick the competitive box, but aren't particularly relevant. An internship with Shell, Phillips, IBM etc (no idea if they do them - any global company) is likely to give greater insight into the business world and is therefore more relevant. That's why Top 5 uni + IB internship can be 'beaten' by top 10 uni + high level commercial experience.

Thanks but I'm slightly confused by what you mean high level commercial experience?

I suppose an IB internship would leave options more open too as MC's take people with IB Internships but I guess they are less leniant the other way round?

Yeah, great news. I like the sound of the 'Festive Case Study Workshop'... it makes one think that Santa and his elves might have a problem with declining profits...

Hey! Have this coming soon. What should I wear when going to do a PST? Suit is a must on the next stages but how about this, I mean it is just a test. What did you wear?

Doesn't matter, you walk in sit down in a room with 20 candidates, take the test, leave. Smart casual is appropriate.