Cassi McLemore
Former BCG Recruiter
If you’re just starting your consulting recruiting journey, you’ve likely heard about the prestigious MBB firms: McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. However, limiting your applications to only a handful of firms can significantly reduce your chances of landing a consulting role.
The Big 4 consulting firms, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, offer excellent opportunities to launch your consulting career with world-class training, client exposure, and career opportunities. Bigger, global firms often have more opportunities to grow within the firm.
To help you stay on top of your applications, we have a list of key Big 4 consulting application deadlines. Whether you’re applying for an internship or a full-time role, mark these dates on your calendar and ensure your applications are on time.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
Contents
- Full-Time Consulting Deadlines for Undergrads & Masters’ Candidates
- Consulting Internship Deadlines for Undergraduates & Masters’ Degree Candidates
- Full-Time Consulting Deadlines for MBAs
- Consulting Internship Deadlines for MBAs
- Full-Time Consulting Deadlines for Ph.D. & Advanced Degree Candidates
- Consulting Internships Deadlines for Ph.D. & Advanced Degree Candidates
- Career Paths in Big 4 Consulting vs. Other Firms
- How To Prepare Your Consulting Application
- What If You Miss the Big 4 Deadlines?
Table of Contents
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Key Dates for Big 4 Consulting Application Deadlines
Full-Time Consulting Application Deadlines for Undergraduate & Masters’ Degree Candidates
Firm | Deadline | Region | Read this for more info! |
---|---|---|---|
Deloitte deadline - Strategy Analyst | December, 2024 | U.S. | Deloitte Consulting Resume |
Deloitte deadline | September 13, 2024 | Toronto | |
Deloitte deadline - Government & Public Services Strategy Analyst | Rolling | U.S. | Deloitte Government & Public Services Case Interview |
Deloitte deadline - Government & Public Services Business Analyst | December, 2024 | U.S. | Deloitte Government & Public Services Case Interview |
PwC consulting application deadline | NA | U.S. | PwC Case Study Interview |
EY application deadline | NA | U.S. | The EY Online Assessment |
EY-Parthenon application deadline | closed | U.S. | EY Case Interview (Including EY Parthenon) |
KPMG application deadline | NA | U.S. | KPMG Advisory Interview |
Consulting Internship Deadlines for Undergraduates & Masters’ Degree Candidates
Firm | Deadline | Region | Read this for more info! |
---|---|---|---|
Deloitte internship deadline - Strategy Summer Scholar | December, 2024 | U.S. | Deloitte Discovery Internship |
Deloitte internship deadline | September 13, 2024 | Toronto | |
PwC internship deadline | NA | U.S. | |
EY internship deadline | NA | U.S. | EY Summer Leadership Program Expedition EY |
EY-Parthenon internship deadline | Closed | U.S. | EY Case Interview (Including EY Parthenon) |
KPMG internship - deal advisory, Financial Due Diligence | Rolling | U.S. | KPMG Advisory Interview |
KPMG internship deadline - Advisory, Risk Services | Rolling | U.S. | KPMG Advisory Interview |
KPMG internship deadline - Advisory, State & Local Solutions | Rolling | U.S. | KPMG Advisory Interview |
Full-Time Consulting Deadlines for MBA Candidates
Firm | Deadline | Region | Read this for more info! |
---|---|---|---|
Deloitte application deadline - Government & Public Services Strategy Consultant | Rolling | U.S. | Deloitte Government & Public Services Case Interview |
Deloitte application deadline - Government & Public Services Strategy Senior Consultant | Rolling | U.S. | Deloitte Government & Public Services Case Interview |
PwC consulting application deadline - Advisory | September 24, 2024 | U.S. | The PwC Psychometric Assessment |
Strategy& Senior Associate - Operations Strategy | Rolling | U.S. | PwC Case Study Interview (Including Strategy&) |
PwC Health Transformation Senior Associate | Rolling | U.S. | PwC Case Study Interview |
EY application deadline | NA | U.S. | The EY Online Assessment |
KPMG application deadline | NA | U.S. | KPMG Advisory Interview |
Consulting Internship Deadlines for MBA Candidates
Firm | Deadline | Region | Read this for more info! |
---|---|---|---|
Deloitte internship deadline | NA | U.S. | Deloitte Consulting Resume |
PwC internship deadline - Advisory | November 26, 2024 | U.S. | The PwC Psychometric Assessment |
PwC Management Consulting Senior Associate Intern | November 26, 20204 | U.S. | PwC Case Interview |
EY internship deadline - Finance MBA Intern | December 1, 2024 | U.S. | The EY Online Assessment |
EY Consulting Customer MBA Intern | December 1, 2024 | U.S. | EY Video Interview |
EY Consulting Health MBA Intern | December 1, 2024 | U.S. | The EY Online Assessment |
EY Consulting Technology Strategy & Operations MBA Intern | December 1, 2024 | U.S. | EY Video Interview |
KPMG internship deadline | NA | U.S. | KPMG Advisory Interview |
Full-Time Consulting Application Deadlines for Ph.D. & Advanced Degree Candidates
Firm | Deadline | Region | Read this for more info! |
---|---|---|---|
Deloitte deadline | NA | U.S. | The Deloitte Online Assessment |
PwC application deadline | NA | U.S. | |
EY consulting application deadline | NA | U.S. | The EY Video Interview |
KPMG application deadline | NA | U.S. | KPMG Advisory Interview |
Consulting Internships Deadlines for Ph.D. & Advanced Degree Candidates
Firm | Deadline | Region | Read this for more info! |
---|---|---|---|
Deloitte internship deadline | |||
PwC internship deadline | |||
EY internship deadline - Financial Services, Quantitative Advisory | September 27, 2024 | U.S. | The EY Online Assessment |
KPMG internship deadline | NA | U.S. | KPMG Advisory Interview |
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Differences Between Career Paths in Big 4 Consulting vs. Other Consulting Firms
1. Broader Service Offerings
Big 4: Big 4 firms offer various services, including audit, tax, financial advisory, strategy, operations, implementation, and technology consulting. This allows employees to specialize in one area or, potentially, to pivot between services. Insiders note that switching from audit to consulting is possible, though competitive, and best done early in your tenure.
MBB: These firms focus also do operations, implementation, and technology consulting, but not audit and tax work. What they’re most known for is strategy consulting, solving major firms’ most high-impact problems. Consultants have less flexibility to pivot into other areas internally.
2. Global Network & Mobility
Big 4: The Big 4 has substantial operations in hundreds of countries, offering significant international mobility and access to a massive network. Consultants can transfer between global offices and gain experience in different international markets.
MBB: While these highly regarded firms also operate globally, they don’t have as many employees and may not offer the same scale of internal global mobility as the Big 4. Global mobility is typically tied to client or market-driven needs.
3. Multiple Career Paths
Big 4: There are many different entry points and career paths with the Big 4. If you discover that you don’t enjoy consulting work, they provide alternative paths.
MBB: The path at these firms is more traditional and linear. Consultants typically start as business analysts or associates and progress into more client-facing leadership roles. Typically, there is an “up or out” policy, where consultants either get promoted or leave the firm to a plethora of exit opportunities.
4. Training Opportunities & Certifications
Big 4: Because Big 4 firms provide a variety of services, they offer training in certifications like CPA, CFA, or even tech certifications (e.g., AWS or SAP) for those wanting to expand beyond consulting.
MBB: These firms heavily invest in leadership and strategy consulting development, but may offer fewer opportunities for formal certifications.
5. Work-Life Balance
Big 4: Work-life balance can vary between service lines. Consultants doing strategy work often deal with long hours and travel. However, more of the consulting work at Big 4 firms is implementation-oriented, where consultants work embedded with client teams and on a more sustainable schedule. Tax or audit roles may also offer more predictability.
MBB: These firms are known for long hours and frequent travel. While industry shifts over the last few years have provided more flexibility, consultants still work demanding schedules. Some consultants grind for a couple of years and then move to industry roles with more work-life balance.
How To Prepare Your Consulting Application
The Big 4 firms receive thousands of applications each year, so ensure your resume and cover letter stand out. You want to write a clear, concise, and results-driven application demonstrating your analytical, client-facing, and leadership skills.
After over a decade of experience as a recruiter, I’ll share my tips and provide key focus areas to remember when crafting your resume and cover letter.
Resume
Relevant Professional Experience: Your Big 4 resume should include work experience in consulting, finance, operations, or other business-related fields. Showcase the value you delivered in these roles and quantify where possible, rather than just listing your responsibilities.
Example: Reduced reporting time by 30% by leading a team of 5 consultants to redesign the client’s financial reporting process.
Academic Achievements: Big 4 firms seek candidates with a strong academic background. List all degrees, test scores, awards, and GPA. Highlight courses in business, economics, mathematics, and other quantitative and/or analytical subjects to signal you’re prepared for the demands of consulting. If you earned top grades in these courses, include those as well.
If you don’t have the best grades, consider writing an addendum to provide additional context, such as a personal emergency or other reason why your grades may be lower.
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Big 4 recruiters want to see examples where you demonstrated analytical thinking, such as data analysis, financial modeling, or strategic decision-making. Demonstrate how you’ve tackled complex problems and turned them into solutions.
If you are proficient in data analysis, mention those skills (e.g. Excel, Tableau, and SQL.)
For more tips on writing a winning Consulting Resume, see our article.
Cover Letter
Bullet Points: At MCO, we suggest using bullet points and bolded titles to highlight 3 to 4 key stories that showcase your unique strengths and make you stand out. The bullet point format gives your cover letter a more approachable feel and allows the recruiter to scan the key points.
I know how daunting it is to read through a pile of lengthy cover letters that all look the same. Most applicants will use the traditional cover letter format, with long, bulky paragraphs. Using the bullet format can help you stand out.
Story Telling: Consider your 3 to 4 most compelling stories: professional, academic, and personal. These stories should showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills, leadership and teaming abilities, and passion or resilience.
Firm Values: Research the values of the Big 4 firm you are applying to and consider which values align with your stories. These values will function as the title of each story, quickly catching the recruiter’s eye. This demonstrates you understand and embody the qualities they look for in candidates. While you will tailor the values/titles to each Big 4 firm application, your stories shouldn’t change.
See our Consulting Cover Letter articles for examples of cover letters that landed clients consulting interviews.
What If You Miss the Big 4 Consulting Application Deadlines?
Missing the Big 4 deadlines may feel like the end of the world, but all is not lost! There are still opportunities for you to land your dream consulting offer. Below are steps to help you stay on track, diversify your options, and prepare for future opportunities.
Check for Rolling Applications
Sometimes Big 4 firms will accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can still apply outside the typical recruitment cycle. Set alerts for job postings and career sites, as positions may open.
Network With Recruiters
Recruiters are the gatekeepers of hiring timelines and insights at the Big 4 firms. Connect with these recruiters through LinkedIn, email, and industry events. This can help you stay on their radar for off-cycle hiring opportunities, next year’s recruitment cycle, or networking events.
Consider Off-Cycle Hiring
While the Big 4 firms have structured recruitment processes, they may offer off-cycle hiring. Off-cycle hiring generally occurs when there’s an unexpected need for more consultants or in response to increased client demand. Firms may quietly open positions outside the typical hiring window, so it’s key to regularly check the firm websites and network with recruiters and consultants.
Broaden Your Options
If you missed the Big 4 deadlines, consider applying to Tier 2 or Boutique Consulting Firms. These firms can provide great experience in specialized industries and the opportunity to grow your skill set and enhance your resume. Boutique firms also tend to offer more direct client interaction earlier in your career.
Prepare for Next Year’s Deadlines
If you missed the Big 4 deadlines, start preparing early for next year’s recruitment cycle. Take the opportunity to refine your resume and cover letter, sharpen your case interview skills, and network with current Big 4 consults. Connect with recruiters so your name is on their radar months in advance.
Consider certification or training that will enhance your application, such as Six Sigma, PMP (Project Management Professional), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
3 Tips on How to Craft Your Big 4 Consulting Application
1. Demonstrate Versatility
The Big 4 firms offer a broad range of services, from audit to advisory, tax, and consulting. Demonstrating your ability to adapt and succeed in diverse environments can enhance your application. Include experience working across various industries or tackling many different projects.
2. Showcase Leadership & Teamwork
The Big 4 firms seek candidates who can lead teams and collaborate effectively. Emphasize leadership roles and successful teamwork stories through academic projects, internships, or professional jobs.
3. Highlight Industry or Technical Expertise
Because Big 4 consulting firms work across many different service lines, highlighting specific expertise or technical skills can make your application stand out. Specialized experience in finance, healthcare, tech, data analysis, or programming can show the firm that you can add immediate value.
In this article, we’ve covered:
- Key dates for Big 4 Consulting application deadlines
- What is different about a career in Big 4 Consulting vs. other firms
- Tips from a former MBB recruiter about the Big Four
- What happens if you miss the Big 4 Consulting application deadlines
Still have questions?
If you have more questions about the Big Four Consulting application deadlines, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.
Other people prepping for Big 4 Consulting application deadlines found the following pages helpful:
Help with Your Consulting Application
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Get access to Exclusive Free Training on passing consulting case interview.
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Exclusive Free Training on passing consulting case interview.
Exclusive Free Training on passing consulting case interview.
Contents
- Full-Time Consulting Deadlines for Undergraduate & Masters’ Candidates
- Consulting Internship Deadlines for Undergrads & Masters’ Candidates
- Full-Time Consulting Deadlines for MBAs
- Consulting Internship Deadlines for MBAs
- Full-Time Consulting Deadlines for Ph.D. & Advanced Degree Candidates
- Consulting Internships Deadlines for Ph.D. & Advanced Degree Candidates
- Career Paths in Big 4 Consulting vs. Other Firms
- Your Consulting Application
- What If You Miss the Big 4 Deadlines?