All AnswersIs an MBA from IESE, LBS or INSEAD better for getting a job at top consulting firms?
Asked by T Rohit 3 months ago
Senior Assistant Manager in Operations Management
It depends on where someone wants to work and how quickly they want to get there.
- INSEAD sends the highest % of its class into consulting, especially MBB — and across global offices, not just one region.
- LBS is great for breaking into consulting in the UK, with many students landing at Bain, BCG, or McKinsey in London. The program's flexibility also gives time for internships and prep.
- IESE has strong links with European consulting offices, but tends to place more regionally — knowing Spanish or another EU language helps a lot.
- INSEAD’s one-year program is intense, but the alumni network is massive and very responsive for consulting prep.
- LBS’s longer timeline gives more room to build consulting-specific experience through electives, clubs, and projects.
So if the goal is fast-track MBB access worldwide, INSEAD leads. For a more immersive, UK-focused route, LBS is a strong choice. IESE fits best for roles in Southern and Western Europe.
Seo Executive
All three schools — INSEAD, LBS, and IESE — are strong targets for consulting, but INSEAD typically stands out for MBB placements. It sends the highest percentage of its class into consulting, often over 50%, with McKinsey being one of its top recruiters every year.
LBS also has a strong track record, especially for those targeting London or UK-based offices of consulting firms. The longer format allows students to do internships, which can be a big advantage when trying to pivot into consulting without prior experience.
IESE is strong in Europe, especially Spain and Germany, and has good MBB presence too — but fewer international placements compared to INSEAD or LBS. If the goal is global mobility and fast consulting entry, INSEAD probably offers the broadest reach. If someone prefers a more structured, internship-driven route, LBS makes sense. IESE works well for those with language skills and a Europe-focused job search.
If the aim is to get into MBB, INSEAD places the highest number of grads into consulting—over 400 each year, with strong recruitment across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The average consulting salary post-INSEAD is around €105,000–€115,000, and most offers come within 3 months of graduation.
LBS places about 250+ students into MBB annually, especially in London and Europe. Average salaries for consulting roles are similar—€100,000–€110,000—but LBS’s longer program helps with internships and off-cycle recruiting, which is helpful for switchers.
IESE has solid consulting placement too, mostly in Spain and Latin America, with around 120–150 consulting offers per year. The average salary in consulting roles is around €90,000–€100,000, slightly lower due to the regional market.
If the target is global MBB roles, INSEAD gives the strongest edge. For UK-focused or career-switch strategies, LBS is more flexible. IESE is best for Spain/LATAM-focused consulting paths.
Explore the top schools and roles in this quick guide: Best MBA Programs for Consulting.
Content Writer
All three—INSEAD, LBS, and IESE—can get someone into top consulting firms, but the outcomes aren’t the same. If the goal is McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, here’s a quick comparison that covers the key differences:
INSEAD leads for global MBB access, especially across Europe and Asia. LBS is best for London and Europe, with a longer program that helps with internships and career switches. IESE is solid but more regionally focused, mostly in Spain and Latin America.
So if the goal is global MBB roles, INSEAD or LBS offer a clearer path.