Pre-MBA internships and programs are valuable opportunities for incoming MBA students to gain industry exposure, build networks, and strengthen their candidacy for full-time roles. These experiences typically take place during the summer before business school and are offered by leading firms across consulting, finance, tech, and other industries. Jump ahead to specific opportunities.
- Gain early exposure to industries of interest
- Build relationships with key employers before recruiting officially begins
- Develop relevant skills and experience to strengthen your MBA resume
- Secure potential return offers for internships or full-time roles
Both Pre-MBA Programs and Pre-MBA Internships offer incoming MBA students opportunities to gain industry exposure before starting business school, but they differ in structure, purpose, and commitment level.
Pre-MBA Programs
- Purpose: These are short-term, typically 1–3 day immersive experiences designed to introduce students to an industry, company, or function.
- Structure: Often includes networking sessions, case workshops, industry insights, and leadership discussions with executives.
- Timing: Usually held in the spring or summer before business school starts.
- Recruiting Strategy: Highly competitive; applications open early (as early as January) and focus on career-switchers or underrepresented candidates.
- Common Employers: McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Amazon, and various private equity firms.
Pre-MBA Internships
- Purpose: These are structured work experiences that provide hands-on exposure to a specific role or industry.
- Structure: Typically 4–12 weeks long, similar to a traditional internship but shorter than a full-time MBA summer internship.
- Timing: Runs during the summer before business school, usually May–August.
- Recruiting Strategy: More informal than traditional MBA recruiting; networking and proactive outreach are key to securing these roles.
- Common Employers: Startups, boutique consulting firms, venture capital/private equity firms, and corporate leadership programs in tech and finance.
Which One Should You Pursue?
- If you’re exploring industries and want to network, a Pre-MBA Program is ideal.
- If you want hands-on experience to build your resume, a Pre-MBA Internship may be a better fit.
Common Employers & Industries
- Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain (Diversity & Insight Programs), PWC, Strategy&
- Investment Banking & Private Equity: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Evercore
- Technology & Product Management: Google, Amazon, Microsoft (Pre-MBA Workshops)
- General Management & Leadership: PepsiCo, Danaher, CPG and Fortune 500 rotational programs
- Start-ups: make your pitch
Current Opportunities
MBA Takeoff (Forté) (Registration Opens: Feb. 26, 2025)
MBA Takeoff is a virtual program designed to help incoming MBA women feel confident, prepared, and connected before they step into business school. In six interactive sessions, you’ll strengthen your leadership skills, build relationships, and gain strategies to navigate the challenges ahead — all in a supportive, women-focused environment.
BCG International Office Summer Events
Over the next few months a number of BCG’s offices in Asia Pacific, EMESA, and Mexico will be hosting these receptions. Some will be virtual, others will be in-person, so please be sure to check the event description when registering. This is a great opportunity for you to connect and learn more about the BCG office in your home country as well as network with future MBA colleagues.
Reaching Out Summer Treks
Treks are an amazing opportunity for admitted LGBTQ+ MBA students to connect with a range of top-tier companies looking for MBA talent. The treks run through June and July every summer and focus on the following industries: finance, consulting, technology, marketing/retail, and healthcare.
Analysis Group – Ignite@AG
Analysis Group’s in-person externship is designed to introduce incoming M.B.A. and current Ph.D. students to the impactful world of economic consulting. Externs will gain hands-on experience in the associate role and gain insights into how Analysis Group consultants address critical problems in business and litigation through data analysis, strategic thinking, and research. (Apply through April 2025)
Fall MBA National Conferences
National Black MBA Association – September 23-27, 2025
ROMBA – September 25-27, 2025
MBA Veterans – October 17, 2025
Prospanica – October 20-22, 2025
Toigo MBA Class of 2027 Program
The Toigo Foundation has dedicated more than 30 years to identifying and supporting next generation leaders through its programs and services. We look forward to learning more about you and your interest in a career in Finance and how you will contribute to the impact of the Toigo legacy in years to come.
Opportunities to Watch for
We’ll post additional opportunities as soon as we receive them (typically March). These programs will continue to be posted throughout the spring and summer. (Dates and links below are from Summer 2024 Events and Timelines)
BCG Unlock
Build your skills, grow your networks, and see firsthand what it means to be a consultant with BCG Unlock. The virtual events are designed to fit your schedule. If you’re interested in consulting, register today and stay up-to-date on the latest from BCG through the summer and fall. Register by April 30.
ExperienceBain
ExperienceBain will help you put your best foot forward at school and in your future career. You’ll leave with new skills, experiences and connections with Bain people, affinity groups and your future classmates. Apply by May 1.
Building and Supporting Excellence (BASE) Scholars – Bain & Company
The BASE program is a launch pad for success long-term and including BASE Camp, an in-person “week in the life” of a Bain Consultant, including a full day of training followed by 3 days staffed to a real Bain team. There’s also an opportunity to secure a 2024 Summer Associate offer before starting business school. Apply by May 7.
Evercore’s Pre-MBA Diversity Program (2024 Summer Associate Internship)
This diversity pre-MBA fellowship will award merit-based fellowships to high potential underrepresented students. Successful first-year students will receive a: $40,000 scholarship, an Investment Banking summer internship in one of the U.S. offices, and the opportunity to receive a further $35,000 stipend post-MBA program upon successful completion of the Evercore summer internship and full-time employment commencement. Apply by June 4.
Evercore Pre-MBA Educational Series
Online (May 6 – May 20)
This is the first step in the Pre-MBA process to have the opportunity to receive technical training, connect with representatives through office hours, and be pipelined into the Pre-MBA Summit. Technical sessions are on May 6, 13, and 20. Office Hours are May 10 and 17. Register by May 2.
Poets & Quants Pre-MBA Virtual Networking Festival
Online Multi-Employer Event (May 11 – May 12)
It’s never too early to forge important connections, become savvier about your internship and career options, and get a head start on your business school pivot. Meet with top MBA employers and network with your peers from business schools all over the globe.
Cognizant Digital Leadership Academy
Online (May 23 – May 24)
You’ll explore the career possibilities at Cognizant that are yours to build, participate in learning activities, and network with your peers and Cognizant professionals.
Evercore Pre-MBA Summit and Networking Reception
New York Office (May 23 – May 24)
This is a unique opportunity to meet Evercore representatives and gain the necessary tools to make informed decisions about pursuing an investment banking career. This is an invite-only event in the New York office. Apply by May 14.
McKinsey & Company Diversity Connect – Europe
Online & In-Person (June 2 & August)
This event will bring together individuals from across Europe who self-identify as having an African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, Middle Eastern, North African, Turkish, or mixed heritage. This is a two-day program, with one virtual event on June 2 and one in-person event in August. Apply by April 30.
L.E.K. Consulting Women’s Program
Online (June 5 – June 6)
This is an opportunity for incoming female MBA students to learn more about strategy management consulting as a career path. Apply by April 28.
L.E.K. Consulting Diversity Program
Online (June 8 – June 9)
This is an opportunity for incoming Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, and Native American MBA students to learn more about strategy management consulting as a career path. Apply by April 28.
The Strategy& Catalyst
Curious to discover what it takes to work in the dynamic world of strategy consulting? The Strategy& Catalyst offers incoming MBA students an unparalleled look into the life of a consultant and the meaningful work that sets Strategy& apart.
3rd Annual Google VetNet Career Week
Online (June 13 – June 16)
A virtual three-day event starting on June 13 offering veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses/partners the tools, support, and advice needed to establish and advance their careers. Google is also offering access to this event to US newcomers displaced by the conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
• VetNet Career Week is NOT a “Google Recruiting” event, rather, it is organized by their Veterans Network employee resource group and will feature 30+ companies.
