The good news for anyone looking to pivot into consulting post-MBA is that the major consulting companies – such as McKinsey & Company, Bain, and BCG – recruit from all the top MBA programs. As a former campus recruiter for McKinsey, I can attest that the firm has recruiters who are aligned with leading business schools both across the United States and globally. Consulting companies know that the best and brightest MBAs come from the premier MBA programs and represent a variety of backgrounds and interests, so it behooves the firms to recruit from most graduate management programs.
Here’s our look at eight MBA programs with especially strong consulting tracks and impressive placement rates at elite consulting firms.
| MBA Program | Class of 2023 Hired into Consulting |
| INSEAD | 44.0% |
| Kellogg | 42.0% |
| Chicago Booth | 38.6% |
| Columbia Business School | 36.0% |
| MIT Sloan | 33.7% |
| Wharton | 28.8% |
| Harvard Business School | 25.0% |
| Stanford GSB | 15.0% |
1. INSEAD
With campuses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, INSEAD offers a unique global perspective that is highly valued in consulting. The one-year MBA program is intensive, allowing students to quickly transition into the workforce. INSEAD’s strong network with leading consulting firms and its diverse cohort further enhance its standing in the industry. With 44% of the Class of 2023 hired into management consulting, INSEAD is a great option for those interested in this career path and looking for a global MBA program.
2. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Kellogg is renowned for its collaborative culture and strength in marketing and strategy, which are critical in consulting. The school’s emphasis on teamwork and strategic thinking aligns well with the demands of top consulting firms. Kellogg also boasts a robust consulting club and high placement rates at McKinsey & Company, Bain, and BCG. Of Kellogg’s Class of 2023, a full 42% accepted jobs in the consulting field.
3. Chicago Booth School of Business
Chicago Booth’s data-driven approach and analytical rigor make it an excellent choice for future consultants. The school’s emphasis on empirical research and quantitative analysis prepares students for the analytical challenges of consulting. Chicago Booth also benefits from a strong consulting club and an extensive alumni network in the industry. With a whopping 38.6% of the Class of 2023 taking jobs in consulting, Booth is an excellent program for prospective MBAs interested in this professional path.
4. Columbia Business School
Columbia Business School’s location in New York City provides students with unparalleled access to major consulting firms. The program offers a strong consulting track and has a high placement rate at top consulting firms. Its connections and location make it a prime choice for aspiring consultants, as proven by the 36% of CBS’s Class of 2023 who entered consulting roles.
5. MIT Sloan School of Management
MIT Sloan’s focus on innovation and analytical problem-solving makes it a strong contender for aspiring consultants. The school’s curriculum includes a variety of consulting-focused courses, and Sloan’s Action Learning Labs provide hands-on consulting experience. The school’s graduates are well prepared for the strategic and analytical demands of the leading consulting firms. Of MIT’s Class of 2023, 33.7% accepted consulting roles.
6. The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Wharton is known for its analytical rigor and strong finance program, which translates well into consulting. The school has a strong track record of placing graduates at McKinsey & Company, Bain, and BCG. Wharton offers a dedicated consulting major and numerous consulting-focused electives. With 28.8% of the Class of 2023 moving into consulting post-graduation, Wharton is a great choice for those interested in a position with one of the big three firms.
7. Harvard Business School
Harvard Business School (HBS) consistently ranks at the top of MBA program rankings and offers a strong pipeline to top consulting firms. It boasts a robust consulting club, extensive alumni network, and a curriculum that uses the case study method exclusively — an approach that prepares students particularly well for the rigorous problem-solving component of consulting positions by simulating real-world problems. The latest HBS employment report backs this up, revealing that with 25% of the Class of 2023 went into consulting.
8. Stanford Graduate School of Business
The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) emphasizes leadership and innovation, which are highly valued in consulting roles. Its smaller class size ensures that students receive personalized attention and forge strong relationships with faculty, which can be beneficial in securing career placements in consulting. In 2023, the GSB saw 15% of its graduates go into the field.
For individuals aspiring to work at an elite consulting firm, attending a top MBA program can provide a significant advantage. These schools provide not only robust consulting recruiting opportunities, clubs, and extensive networks but also the analytical, strategic, and leadership training essential for graduates to succeed in consulting roles. Selecting the right MBA program, therefore, involves considering how well it aligns with your specific career goals, its consulting track record, and the strength of its alumni network in the consulting industry.
Kara Keenan Sweeney has more than 15 years of experience in MBA admissions, having worked for some of the world’s top business schools, including Columbia Business School, INSEAD, and The Lauder Institute’s joint degree MA/MBA program with The Wharton School and the MA/JD program with Penn Law at the University of Pennsylvania. Kara has guided, coached, and counseled thousands of MBA and EMBA applicants, reviewed innumerable applications, sat on admissions committees, and interviewed countless applicants, including while running Wharton’s Team Based Discussions both virtually and in person. Want Kara to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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