In our continued series, Life After MBA – Real Success Stories of Merchant Alumni, we are proud to share the incredible journey of Diego, an LBS graduate, who successfully navigated the challenging landscape of management consulting to land a full-time position at Bain & Company. His story is one of resilience, strategic preparation, and the power of networks.
Summer Internship Experience: Navigating the World of Consulting
Diego completed his summer internship at Bain & Company in August 2023, where he truly experienced the fast-paced, dynamic world of consulting. The internship not only confirmed his career aspirations but also provided invaluable learning opportunities.
“The biggest challenge,” Diego recalls, “was incorporating and applying the problem-solving frameworks used in management consulting.” It was a learning process that spanned the entire internship and set the stage for his future role as a full-time consultant. In addition, he honed his skills in prioritizing tasks aligned with the workstream’s objectives and learned to anticipate leadership needs while maintaining clear communication.
The Power of Networks: A Key Lesson from Interviews
During his job search, Diego realized how important networks are for reaching career goals. A friend from his MBA referred him to Kearney Dubai, which led to an interview and eventually a consulting internship offer. That connection was key, as it turned into a full-time role at the firm. It was one of only three interviews he got during the recruiting season, showing just how valuable strong relationships can be.
Diego attributes his success in interviews to early preparation, mock case-study interviews with driven peers, and the use of resources like CaseCoach and Crafting Cases. His ability to naturally lead case-study interviews and communicate his value with structured stories left a lasting impression on recruiters.
Landing the Role at Bain: The Culmination of His MBA Journey
Diego's hard work paid off when he received the full-time offer from Bain & Company. “It was a moment of great relief and validation,” he shares. The offer represented the culmination of a journey that started with his GMAT prep and MBA applications and continued through the challenges and self-discovery of his MBA years.
Diego now looks forward to building a career that allows him to refine his business acumen and tackle diverse challenges across various industries. While he's passionate about both the energy and fintech/crypto sectors, he's confident that Bain's structured approach will position him to succeed in whichever path he chooses.
Reflections on the MBA Journey: A Transformative Experience
As Diego reflects on his MBA journey, he describes it as "the most transformative experience" of his life. “It’s a rollercoaster that teaches you about yourself and your priorities,” Diego shares, adding that the MBA opens doors to opportunities you might not have thought possible.
One of Diego’s key takeaways is the importance of resilience and discipline, especially during uncertain or tough times. “Even when external conditions weren’t favorable, I learned to take a deep breath and keep working toward my goals. Eventually, things aligned.”
Diego also highlights the invaluable friendships he formed during his MBA. “Your friends are your most important asset. You share intense, challenging experiences that create bonds unlike anything else. Investing time in building those connections is key.”
Finally, Diego emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and having a flexible strategy. “Knowing yourself, your motivations, and your strengths is empowering. It helps you navigate the multitude of career paths that an MBA presents, but you also need to stay adaptable to seize new opportunities as they arise.”
Reflecting on the journey as a whole, Diego says, “Overcoming challenges, achieving my objectives, and sharing incredible experiences with friends I deeply admire—while being myself and working hard—was more than I ever expected from my MBA.”
Ready to Start Your Own Success Story?
Are you ready to start your MBA journey? Whether you’re aiming for a top consulting firm or exploring other career paths, Merchant GMAT & Admissions is here to help. From GMAT prep to MBA applications, we offer personalized support to help you achieve your goals.
Your success story starts today! Book a free strategy session now and let’s discuss how we can help you make your dreams a reality.
