Prior to joining Wharton, some students choose to participate in pre-MBA programs and internships for early career exploration, or to build their network. Pre-MBA internships and experiences are not a required part of the Wharton MBA Program, but many students find they help build confidence and a career network before starting their MBA.
Opportunities to participate in pre-MBA programs will be posted here as we learn of them.
WHAT IS A PRE-MBA INTERNSHIP AND SHOULD I PURSUE ONE?
There are two typical types of Pre-MBA internships. The first is offered by larger, established companies who provide structured experiences that may carry through into an MBA summer internship opportunity, acceptance of which may be obligatory. The second is Pre-MBA internships that are typically secured through networking and are focused on gaining industry or functional experience with no expectation or obligation of an MBA summer internship position.
The decision to pursue and/or accept a pre-MBA internship is left to the discretion of each admitted student. Individuals should not feel that it is necessary to conduct a Pre-MBA internship (structured or unstructured) in order to be successful in recruiting for summer internships or full-time positions while at Wharton. At Wharton, you will be provided with numerous academic, social, and leadership opportunities to grow your professional skill set. You will also have access to a best-in-class career management team that will help you devise and implement a strategic and successful job search.
Occasionally, companies will host receptions to congratulate the incoming members of top MBA programs. These events will also be posted on this list.
CAN I CONTACT MBA CAREER MANAGEMENT ABOUT PRE-MBA INTERNSHIPS?
As MBA Career Management (MBACM) is dedicated to supporting current students in their search for summer and full-time opportunities, the team is unable to support the search process surrounding Pre-MBA internships. MBACM looks forward to working with admitted students once they arrive in Philadelphia for Pre-Term.
If you are in conversation with a company about a summer internship during your first year as an MBA (i.e. next summer), we recommend that you speak with a career advisor before making a decision and finalizing your plans. If you receive a first year summer internship offer before arriving to campus in the fall, please contact us so we can assist you.
Current Pre-MBA Opportunities
P&G MBA Brand Emerging Leaders
Come learn from the World’s Best Marketers during Procter & Gamble’s MBA Brand Emerging Leaders program. This is a hybrid program with 3 virtual sessions in July and a 3-day visit to Cincinnati in September. MBA candidates entering their first year of business school who desire a career in Marketing or General Management are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: June 21, 2024
Apply here: https://www.pgcareers.com/us/en/job/R000101736/MBA-Brand-Emerging-Leaders-2025-Internship
BCG Unlock: Summer Learning Program
BCG Unlock is a summer learning program that introduces incoming MBAs to the insights and experiences that make BCG unique. Through BCG Unlock, you can get a head start on the Fall recruiting internship season, building your skills and growing your network through a series of virtual events.
BCG Unlock programming is optional and virtual, designed to easily fit into your summer schedule even if you are still working full-time.
Register here by April 28, 2024.
BCG Empower: 3-day Workshop
BCG Empower is an invite-only, three-day deep-dive into the world of consulting for selected participants who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and/or Native American/Alaska Native/Indigenous.
To learn more, we encourage you to attend our upcoming info session on Monday, April 2nd from 7:00-8:00pm ET. Join for an interactive webinar to learn more about Empower 2024, hear from former participants, and ask us anything! Register here to receive a Zoom link and additional information. We will also share the recorded session with registrants following the event.
If interested in Empower, please click here to apply in addition to registering for Unlock by Sunday, April 28, 2024. BCG will notify all Empower applicants in late May if they have been invited to participate.
Bain Building and Supporting Excellence (BASE)
This summer, we’re hosting Building and Supporting Excellence (BASE) to connect with pre-MBAs who are interested in joining our next Summer Associate class.
BASE is for Black, Hispanic/Latin American, and/or Indigenous pre-MBA students entering a two-year MBA program in the fall who want to explore life as a consultant. BASE is a launch pad for long-term success where you will:
- Attend Base Camp: Immersive training and case team experience
- Build Community: Cultivate a supportive and diverse network
- Experience Bain’s Culture: Tailored coaching and professional development
Deadline to apply: May 5, 2024
Forté MBA Financial Services Fast Track
Get the most out of your MBA with Forté! This conference is for incoming MBA women at Forté partner business schools.
Make an impact with your MBA and find your financial niche. This free conference provides an opportunity to explore the finance industry and the diverse career opportunities available.
May 30-31, 2024
New York City, NY
Early Bird Deadline: April 15
Final Deadline: May 17
Forté MBA Women’s Leadership Conference
Get the most out of your MBA with Forté! This conference is for incoming MBA women at Forté partner business schools.
Competition is fierce — so you should be, too. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with hundreds of incoming MBA women and representatives from leading companies. Start conquering the business world before you begin your MBA program.
June 28-29, 2024
Chicago, IL
Early Bird Deadline: April 26
Final Deadline: June 7
Forté MBA Takeoff
Get the most out of your MBA with Forté! This program is for incoming MBA women at Forté partner business schools.
Successfully navigating your MBA program is about so much more than picking the right classes and getting to know your classmates. Join our MBA Takeoff program to prepare for the unique experience of being a woman in business school. You’ll learn how to balance school with the rest of your life, find your voice in team settings, and prioritize what’s important — everything you need to make a seamless transition back to the classroom.
April 30 – June 11, 2024
Virtual
Because your school is a Forté partner, you get $100 off the registration fee!
Road to Kearney Webinar | Consulting 101 Panel
As you begin to think about the upcoming summer internship recruiting season, we hope you will consider a career at Kearney. As a global consulting partnership in more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We’re individuals who take as much joy from those we work with as the work itself. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we help our clients break through.
Join our Kearney consultants to learn more about a career in consulting. Our Associates will give you advice on recruiting and walk you through the type of work consultants do.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
5:00 PM – 5:45PM CT
Strategy& Catalyst
The Strategy& Catalyst: Start your pre-MBA journey
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 in their Middle East Offices and the meaningful work that sets Strategy& apart.
Apply here by May 10, 2024
McKinsey Early Access
All McKinsey Early Access applicants will receive:
- Education on consulting as a profession
- Access to webinars throughout the summer that highlight our firm, our people, and our work
- Information on our 2025 Summer Associate Intern opportunities
- Recruiting tips to help set you up for success as you enter the recruiting season
- Invitations to virtual meet-ups with McKinsey recruiters and/or consultants
- An opportunity to build a peer network with fellow MBA students
- Priority access to Solve (our innovative assessment game)
- The chance to explore our offices in the US, Mexico, Canada, and across the globe
Select McKinsey Early Access applicants will receive the above, as well as:
- Invitations to events and programs hosted by our diversity and inclusion networks, including Inspire and the Women’s Leadership Summit
- Invitations to small group and one-on-one connectivity opportunities (both virtual and in-person) with our colleagues
- An introduction to one of the offices you are most interested in
- Touchpoints with your MBA program’s McKinsey recruiter
To express your interest in McKinsey Early Access, please complete the following form by May 13, 2024.
In order to be considered for Inspire you must indicate interest in the program through the McKinsey Early Access application. When completing the application, you are encouraged to also complete the affinity interest form so that we can tailor your experience and engagement with McKinsey based on those interests.
2024 Inspire (Hosted by McKinsey’s Black, Hispanic & Latino, and Indigenous networks)
We are excited to kickoff Inspire 2024, a program co-hosted by our Black, Hispanic & Latino, and Indigenous at McKinsey networks. Inspire is an immersive two-day event for incoming US MBA students during which attendees will connect with members of our host diversity networks, explore the potential of a career in consulting, and refine their problem-solving and leadership skills. Through interactive activities, case workshops, panels, and networking events, attendees will learn about our work, culture, and people, and hear examples of how we strive to make our firm, clients, and society at large more inclusive and equitable. Attendees will enjoy getting to know peers and McKinsey colleagues during the program and through a series of interview preparation and connectivity sessions following the event.
In order to be considered for these programs, please complete an application by May 13, 2024.
To be considered for Inspire you must indicate interest in the program through the McKinsey Early Access application. When completing the application, you are encouraged to also complete the affinity interest form so that we can tailor your experience and engagement with McKinsey based on those interests.
Kearney MBA Diversity Boot Camp
Kearney’s MBA Diversity Boot Camp is back. Our MBA Diversity Boot Camp aims to provide newly admitted MBA students from Black, Latinx/Hispanic, Indigenous, and Native American backgrounds an opportunity to learn more about the firm. At the end of the two-day program, select participants will be invited to interview for our 2025 Summer Associate Consultant Program, giving them the opportunity to secure an internship before they set foot on campus.
Looking to learn more before you submit your application? We are hosting a Boot Camp webinar! We’re inviting newly admitted MBA students of Black, Latinx/Hispanic, Indigenous, and Native American backgrounds to learn about our MBA Diversity Boot Camp. Webinar participants will learn about the firm, our commitment to diversity, recruiting timelines, and details about our upcoming MBA Diversity Boot Camp.
Kearney MBA Diversity Boot Camp
June 27-28-2024
Chicago Office
Learn more by joining an info session on May 9th: Register Here
Applications due by May 20th: Apply here
Bain Be Bold Scholarship - Bain Australia
We welcome business school students who identify as female or gender diverse that have a keen interest in a career in consulting in Australia. If you’re ready to take your career to new heights and make a lasting impact, the Be Bold Scholarship is a great opportunity for you.
As the scholarship winner, you’ll receive an early internship offer to Bain Australia’s Summer Associate program to kickstart your career in Consulting and set a foundation for your future success. You’ll also have the opportunity to be a Bain Australia ambassador on your campus.
Applications are open now, apply by deadline Wednesday 8 May 2024. Interviews will be held in mid-June.
- Submit a CV and a Cover Letter addressing the following topic:
- Describe an achievement you are most proud of
- Tell us what interests you about working in Australia
- Choose your preferred Australia office in Perth, Melbourne, or Sydney
- Interested to understand more? Register now for a coffee chat with one of our Australian Bainies.
Morgan Stanley MBA Early Insights Program
Morgan Stanley prides itself on fostering an environment that promotes diverse talents and perspectives. The Investment Banking MBA Early Insights Program has a strong emphasis on attracting populations who have experienced barriers to entry in the finance industry, including: Women, Hispanic, Black, veteran, disabled, LGBTQ+, first-generation college students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Date: Tuesday, July 30th
Application Deadline: Thursday, June 20th at 11:59pm EST
After submitting the application online, candidates will be asked to complete an additional video component via HireVue as part of the application process.
Lincoln International | DE&I MBA Recruiting Workshop
Lincoln International is seeking participants to join us for a day long M&A workshop hosted in our Chicago Office on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Applicants must be rising first-year MBA students who identify themselves as female, LGBTQ+ and/or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American or Pacific Islander. This workshop will provide you with great insight into the role of an Associate in a middle market investment bank, as well as networking opportunities with Lincoln bankers.
- Date and Time: Thursday, August 1, 2024 12:00PM – 4:15PM CT
- Location: 110 N. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606
- Deadline: Thursday, July 11th, 2024
- Application link: https://www.lincolninternational.com/greenhouse/?gh_jid=5924212