| Topic Name: |
AC recruiting question |
| Message Name: |
selectivity is meaningless |
| Date Posted: |
01/11/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
Selectivity does not mean anything by itself, but it is a way people measure prestige, quality, etc - just look at how colleges are so competitive about admission rates (basically Harvard's real selling point is that they reject loads of "hopeless longshots"). I was curious about Bain when comparing it vs other jobs as well as thinking about my chances. Finally, are the types hired by GS, MS, and Bain/BCG/McKinsey really that different? From my school, I see the same types - strong academics and confidence. A lot of people I know interview for both banking and consulting positions (and subsequently choose between them). The biggest deciding factor for me is not type of work, but lifestyle vs compensation for 2-3 yrs and broad exit options. |
| Message: |
Selectivity means very little. People self-select out for many firms, and that reduces the denominator of your equation. It's a very poor measure of anything.
Banks are looking for people who will not mind working 140 hours a week (see the story of Jessica Kennedy in "The Running of the Bulls") as spreadsheet and pitchbook monkeys for 2 years before buring out. Consultancies are looking for well-rounded future Partners with a nose for value and good client skills. There is a lot of collineraity among these traits, which is why you see the same people doing well in both types of interviews.
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