Recruiting Information by Program
MFin (12mo/18mo)
2025-2026 Dates
MBA/LGO (2-Year Program)
2025-2026 Dates
- Check back in July for offer deadline information (for summer internships)
- Check back in August for fall recruiting information
MSMS, SFMBA, EMBA
2025-2026 Dates
Annual programs: Bain ADvantage, BCG Non-MBA Masters, McKinsey Advanced Degree
Career Paths in Consulting
Consulting attracts students from diverse academic disciplines who are eager to gain broad exposure to the business world and develop specialized expertise in one or more industries. This dynamic experience makes it one of the most sought-after career paths among MBA students. Students typically enter the industry through one of the five paths below:
Big 3 Consulting Firms
Big 4 Consulting Firms
Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PWC; called the Big 4 because they are also the largest 4 accounting firms.
Mid-Sized + Large Consulting Firms
Examples: Accenture, Kearney, L.E.K., Oliver Wyman
These mid-sized and large consulting firms are well-respected providers of strategic advisory services and industry-specific expertise.
Boutique Consulting Firms
Examples: Bridgespan Group, Putnam, OC&C Strategy Consultants, Putnam Associates
- Best Boutique Consulting Firms (Vault)
- Highest Paying Boutique Consulting Firms (BusinessBecause)
Internal Consulting Teams
Examples: BNP Paribas, Cisco, Dell, EMC, GE, Google, Ford, Pfizer, Samsung, Siemens
Some companies have internal consulting teams that provide expert advice on business issues.
Want to Learn More? Explore these resources from CaseCoach:
Where MIT Sloan Students Have Landed in Consulting
Specialized + Boutique Firms
AlixPartners
Analysis Group
The Brattle Group
L.E.K. Consulting
RISE Corporate Innovation
Consulting Hiring Trends
2025 Jobs Outlook
- Highly competitive; qualified applicants exceed supply of jobs
- Apply early and meet the first deadline
- Good outlook for specialty masters graduates
- Good outlook for internships, a key path to full-time opportunities
Market instability often drives demand for consulting work, but in the current market firms will be cautious in hiring. The best path to a full-time offer is through an internship. In addition to MBB, consider boutique firms, mid-sized firms, and internal strategy practices. For mid-career candidates, spring just-in-time hiring will be competitive.
Through the MBA/LGO Employment Surveys, we gather robust data on career outcomes that we share with the community. Below is targeted information for Consulting from that survey. Follow this link to view the complete Consulting Industry Hiring Trends.
Percent of MBA Class Accepting Opportunities in Consulting
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| 31.2% | 28.3% | 31.2% | 33.7% | 32.1% |
Consulting Offers Accepted by Years of Experience
| Less than 3 Years | 3-5 Years | 5+ Years |
| 5.5% | 40% | 54.4% |
Top Locations*
- Boston Metro
- New York City Metro
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Chicago Metro
- Houston Metro
- Miami Metro
| Mean Base Salary | Median Base Salary | 25th-75th Percentile | |
| Class of 2024 | $179,172 | $190,000 | $175,000-$190,000 |
| Class of 2023 | $180,036 | $190,000 | $175,000-$190,000 |
| Class of 2022 | $175,068 | $175,000 | $175,000-$190,000 |
| 3-Year Average | $178,139 | $186,500 | $175,000-$190,000 |
*Job seekers should apply to roles and offices strategically: consider industry focus of each office and potential for opportunities based on the market.
In 2020-2023, we surveyed MBA, LGO, MSMS, MFin, MBAn, EMBA, SFMBA degree-program graduates, 5 + 10 years after graduation. You can view the complete reports for more details.
Featured Roles
- Associate Partner/Partner
- Director
- Independent Consultant
- Managing Director
- Project Leader
Salary Summary
| Mean Base Salary | Median Base Salary | 25th-75th Percentile | |
| 5 Years After Grad | $196,353 | $197,000 | $180,000-$215,000 |
| 10 Years After Grad | $304,400 | $320,000 | $247,000-$355,000 |
Tools for Your Job Search
Job Sites
- Career Central (CDO)
- Handshake (MIT CAPD)
- MBA Exchange Job Board
- Consulting Firm Websites
Interview Preparation Tools
Contacts + Connections
Industry Trends
- 2025 Consulting Trends
- Recruiting Overview (2-Year MBA Program)
- Hiring Trends @ MIT Sloan
Free @ MIT
- Wall Street Journal
- LinkedIn Learning (Excel and other skills)
Clubs, Certificates, + Courses
Management Consulting Club
Industry events, interview preparation, and peer coaching.
Enterprise Management Certificate
Learn holistic approaches to solving the most pressing challenges in business.
More Opportunities
Industry and Career Advice
MIT Sloan Industry Advisors
View the 3 Sloan Industry Advisors specializing in Consulting
CDO Career Advisors/Coaches
MBA/LGO/MSMS | MFin | MBAn | SFMBA | EMBA
MIT Alumni Advisors Hub
Connect with MIT alumni who volunteer as through partners for students in the job search.
