Pre-MBA Opportunities

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

Adenia Partners Internship 2023 - Lagos, Nigeria

Founded in 2002, Adenia Partners is a private equity management firm investing in some of Africa’s most promising businesses.

Through five fund vehicles, Adenia manages $800 million of assets. Adenia’s investment team is composed of experienced private equity professionals with a broad set of skills in strategic consulting, M&A, and company management. The team, comprised of 18 professionals, is based in 8 African countries with offices in Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Madagascar, and Mauritius.

Adenia focuses on control buy-out and growth capital investments in market leaders exhibiting strong potential for operational improvement.

Adenia targets companies generating minimum EBITDA of $3 million. The fund seeks to invest in a variety of sectors including, but not limited to, consumer goods, business services, manufacturing, financial services, ICT and telecommunications, and hospitality.

Internship Information:

  • Location:  Lagos, Nigeria
  • Length: 3-6 months
  • Start Date: Rolling
  • Position: Pre-MBA Intern (candidate should be admitted to an MBA program starting Sept. 2023)
  • Description: Participate in the analysis of investment opportunities: industry analysis, macro-economic overview, financial models, valuation analysis. Participate in the preparation of financial models and business plans. Assist the deal team in the preparation of information memoranda and due diligence activities. Assist the deal team in the preparation of portfolio monitoring reports.
  • Candidate Profile: 2-6 years’ previous work experience in a PE firm, investment bank, strategy consultancy, or accounting firm. The candidate must have prior work experience based in Nigeria. This opportunity is for candidates about to begin a top-tier MBA program. Excellent skills in financial analysis, modeling and valuation are mandatory. Fluent in English. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Soft skills: Autonomous, ability to take initiative, intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, strong ability to synthesize and communicate insights, understanding and enthusiasm for profitable and sustainable businesses
  • How to Apply: Please send your resume to Prisca Ahimah at p.ahimah@adenia.com

BCG Unlock - Virtual

BCG Unlock is a virtual summer program that introduces incoming MBAs to BCG‘s people, insights, and experiences as they prepare to set out on the exciting-yet-challenging journey ahead.

The program includes:

  • Personal, candid dialogue with BCG consultants and leaders
  • Deep dives into the unique programs, support systems, and innovative tools we offer to help our people succeed
  • A behind-the-scenes look at our transformational client work
  • Opportunities to ask the questions that are top-of-mind about the year ahead

Learn more at on.bcg.com/bcg-unlockRegister by April 30th, 2023.

If eligible, we also encourage incoming MBA students to apply for Empower. Further information on program details, eligibility, and key dates can be found here.  The application is embedded within the Unlock registration form.

Strategy &/PWC MBA Consulting Preview

Consulting Preview is designed for students entering into their first year of business school, pursuing a Masters in Business Administration, and who self-identify as members of traditionally underrepresented minority groups in the professional services industry, protected veterans, female and/or individuals with disabilities. The Consulting Preview internship will provide you an opportunity to develop your consulting capabilities, leadership skills and exposure to firm and Consulting education.

Program Dates: July 10, 2023 – July 21, 2023

  • Consulting Preview is a two-week internship experience providing individuals exposure to the firm and consulting at PwC while developing your leadership and technical skills
  • Experience the world of consulting at PwC as you complete a consulting project, applying problem-solving, analytical and consulting skills while learning more about our business
  • Gain exposure to our partners, principals and client service professionals through networking and formal and informal shadowing opportunities
  • The two week paid internship experience will include both virtual and in person components

Apply by April 26th

Learn more and apply here: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/mba/consulting-preview.html

ExperienceBain & BASE

Bain offers two programs Experience Bain and Building and Supporting Excellence (BASE) to connect with pre-MBAS who are interested in joining the next summer associate class.

  • The BASE program is a foundational part of Bain’s commitment to meet, hire and nurture the next generation of Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Indigenous business leaders hosted in all US and Toronto offices.
  • ExperienceBain is their flagship pre-MBA offering, which allows Bain to introduce pre-MBAs to the firm, and gives them the opportunity to get to know Bain.

More information about BASE can be found here.  Apply by 5/7.

More information about ExperienceBain can be found hereRegister by 5/1.