By Rebecca Holderness & the Career Centre Team
We caught up with Clive, a MiM 2026 student, to find out how he partnered with the Career Centre to secure his role in consulting.
Tell us a bit about your exploration and how you decided to go into consulting.
I have an offer from Bain as an Associate Consultant at Bain & Company in London. I’ve always been passionate about the business world and inspired by the impact it can have on society. The idea that businesses can drive profound social change while creating value really resonated with me. Early on, I explored this interest through entrepreneurship, joining incubator programmes and working with start‑ups. While these experiences were exciting, I realised they exposed me to only specific stages and functions of a business’s journey rather than the full picture. This prompted me to explore consulting, which stood out for its breadth, problem‑solving intensity, and exposure to diverse industries and challenges.
This realisation came during my final year of undergraduate study, and it was one of the reasons I chose to attend London Business School: to gain exposure, learn from peers, and validate my career direction. Through conversations, workshops, and employer events, I realised that consulting aligned with my interests and strengths.
How did you use the Career Centre during your job search and applications?
I used the Career Centre throughout my job search in three key ways. First, for career exploration. I booked a session with a career coach early on in September, which helped me take a step back and reflect on what I genuinely wanted. That self‑discovery gave me clarity and focus before starting applications.
Second, I attended skill‑building workshops on storytelling and self‑awareness, which helped me sharpen my approach and communicate my experiences more confidently.
Finally, the Career Centre provided hands‑on support during applications and beyond. They reviewed my CV and cover letters multiple times, which strengthened my materials, and they also supported me through the emotional side of the process, helping me handle rejections and stay motivated. Having that support made a real difference.
What challenges did you face during recruitment?
One major challenge was adapting to structured hiring processes. My previous experiences were in small teams without formal recruitment steps, so online tests and technical interviews were new to me. Time management was another hurdle, particularly when balancing multiple applications efficiently.
The Career Centre helped me develop a structured approach and prioritise tasks. For technical preparation, I leaned heavily on peer leaders and resources like case interview practice sessions, which were essential for building confidence.
How did you stay motivated during the process?
It wasn’t easy; I had moments when I felt like giving up. What helped was breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, instead of stressing about an entire week of preparation, I focused on daily goals like completing one application or practising one case. This approach made the process less overwhelming and kept me moving forward.
What advice would you give to others still seeking opportunities?
I would say keep pushing and know yourself. The job market is tough, and rejections are part of the process, so it’s important to break tasks into smaller chunks and tackle them systematically. Once you finish something, move on without dwelling on it.
Equally important is understanding your strengths, values, and preferred work culture, because recruitment is a two‑way process. Tailor your applications to companies where you genuinely fit, and remember that sometimes rejection happens simply because the culture isn’t the right match, and that’s okay. The right opportunity will align with who you are.