Pre-MBA Skill-Building Opportunities
“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”
— ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL
Before You Apply
In addition to building your resume and LinkedIn presence, as you begin the process of preparing to apply to business school, investing your time in programs that both prepare you for an MBA program as well as potentially offset any application weaknesses can make a big difference. There are a variety of programs and opportunities specifically for the military community that can be helpful additions to your resume. Our team is happy to discuss these opportunities and provide guidance on the best way to use your time and energy as you prepare your MBA applications.
Skillbridge Opportunities at Top Consulting Firms: McKinsey, Bain and BCG
Military service members transitioning to civilian careers have exceptional opportunities through the DoD SkillBridge program at elite consulting firms. Here's what you need to know about SkillBridge opportunities at McKinsey, Bain, and BCG (MBB).
What is the SkillBridge Program?
The Department of Defense SkillBridge program allows service members in their final 180 days of service to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships. Participants continue receiving military compensation and benefits during their placement. The SkillBridge program offers an exceptional pathway to launch a post-military career in management consulting. Note: The MBB SkillBridge programs are highly competitive so plan your application carefully, especially case interview preparation! Follow all three companies on LinkedIn to ensure you have the most up to date program and deadline information.
Bain & Company: Military Veterans Program
Program Overview: Bain's Military Veterans Program offers 10-week SkillBridge fellowships for transitioning service members. Fellows work directly with Bain case teams and clients, receiving mentorship from Bain veterans.
Eligibility:
Active duty service members within 180 days of separation/retirement
Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred
Strong leadership and analytical skills
Application Deadlines:
Summer Cohort: Applications due March
Program Link: Bain & Company Skillbridge Program
Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Military Pathway Program
Program Overview: BCG's Military Pathway Program offers 10-week SkillBridge internships where participants function as consultants on active case teams, gaining hands-on consulting experience while being mentored by former military personnel.
Eligibility:
Within 180 days of military separation
Bachelor's degree required
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Application Deadlines:
Summer Cycle: Applications due February
Program Link: BCG Military SkillBridge Program
McKinsey & Company: Military Veterans Program
Program Overview: McKinsey's 10-week SkillBridge internship allows service members to work alongside consultants on real client engagements. The program includes comprehensive training, professional development, and mentorship.
Eligibility:
Active duty military with separation date within 180 days
Bachelor's degree required
Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities
Application Deadlines:
March Start: Applications due September
Program Link: McKinsey Military SkillBridge Program
Pre MBA Skill Building and Networking
Over the years many of our clients have enjoyed building mentor relationships through American Corporate Partners. We highly recommend this free mentorship program as a way to explore career opportunities and build new networks outside the military.
Resume and LinkedIn
Google Skill Videos for Transitioning Service Members
Google Education has a series of skill-building videos specifically for transitioning service members. If you are starting from scratch on a resume, the resume tutorial is a great way to begin the process of building a custom resume. In addition, there are videos on workplace skills like communication and digital project management.
Michael Quinn has put together a tremendous resource for veterans and transitioning service members looking to build a LinkedIn presence for the first time. While some of the information here applies more to those going directly into the private sector (vs. an MBA as the first transition point), this is a great foundation for thinking about LinkedIn and your digital post-military presence.
Pre-MBA Skill-Building and Academic Programs for Veterans
Google VetNet Career Week Held annually in June.
Breakline Be sure to check out their classes on Networking, Interviewing and Salary Negotiation!
Pre-MBA Quantitative Skill Building
Training The Street: Designed for those interested in finance careers, this self-study program builds a strong foundation in excel modeling that will help you not only within a finance internship but also within the MBA program itself.
HBS Online CORe Anyone transitioning from the military with sights set on HBS should strongly consider HBS Online CORe (in fact this is a very valuable pre-MBA skill-building program regardless of your target schools!). Active duty military are eligible for scholarships which reduces the cost by more than half!
GMAC/Kaplan Business Fundamentals More affordable than CORe and new to the pre-mba space, the Business Fundamentals courses are an affordable, easy way to build foundational skills prior to an MBA.
MBAmath.com This is a great resource for anyone wanting to strengthen their quant skills pre-MBA. Many schools will recommend this for waitlisted applicants and, if you are applying with a lower than average test score or GPA, this is also a smart time investment pre-application.
Post-Acceptance, Pre-MBA Opportunities
Just when you thought you were done with applications! It is hard to believe but eventually the application process does end (!) and you will be well on your way to starting an MBA program. The following resources are internship programs and/or seminars available to incoming MBAs or first year students. These programs are a fantastic way to gain private sector experience and test out new industries and functional job roles. Most Pre-MBA opportunities have program application deadlines in the summer.
Pre-MBA Internship for Veterans:
Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking
Target Audience: First Year MBAs: military veterans, women, underrepresented minorities, LGBTQ
Application Deadline: August
Target Audience: First year MBAs: merit fellowships available for military veterans
Application deadline: end of June
Goldman Sachs Veteran Integration Program
This is not a specific pre-MBA program but would be worth considering for someone with a gap between separation and MBA start date.
Blackstone MINT Program: A Pathway for Veterans into Finance
The Blackstone Military Internship Program is designed to provide transitioning Veterans an opportunity to work in the financial services industry before matriculating at a full-time MBA or JD program in the Fall. The internship includes approximately 1 week of financial training followed by 9 weeks of on-the-job experience. This internship is intentionally experiential, focusing on providing participants mentorship and key skills as they transition into the private sector. The program targets: Transitioning service members and veterans and candidates planning to attend full-time MBA programs.
Application Deadlines: Summer Cycle: Applications due February
Program Link: Blackstone Military Programs (Follow Blackstone on LinkedIn for application updates)
Pre-MBA Internship Opportunities Open to ALL Incoming MBAs
Bain & Company: ExperienceBain
Application Deadline: May
McKinsey: Early Access Program and McKinsey: Global Connect
Target Audience: All incoming MBA students
Application deadline: May
Oliver Wyman: MBA Summer Reception
Target Audience: All incoming MBA students
Application deadline: July
Consumer Products Goods (CPG) Camp (Online Boot Camp)
Target Audience: All incoming MBAs
Procter & Gamble: MBA Brand Management Camp
Target Audience: All incoming MBAs
Application deadline: June
Boston Consulting Group (BCG): BCG Unlock Program
Target Audience: All incoming MBAs
Application deadline: May
Deloitte: Meet Deloitte Consulting
Target Audience: All incoming MBAs
Application deadline: end of May