I understand that at MBBB it's very intense, but what firms including the Big 4, Accenture, IBM, PA, etc - would you say it's fairly difficult to secure a grad job? What does one do if they fail to gain a grad job at a consultancy after completing their undergraduate degree?

It is pretty competitive. I've just been through the process and found that just getting a first round interview is difficult. The bigger firms such as Deloitte and Accenture are easier to start with as they invite a lot of people to take online tests and phone interviews.MBBB and the other strategy houses consider fewer candidates to begin with so it's fairly common to be rejected immediately.I applied to around 10 firms, mainly strategy-based and was rejected immediately by half. But I managed to get two offers so it is possible!And I don't think it's the end of the world not getting anything on your first try - all firms seem perfectly happy to accept offers from graduates, though they may have a record of having already rejected you.

anon,Congratulations on getting two offers. Did you apply direct or go through agents?

Directly, following instructions from their websites. I don't really see how agents could help...

Well, agencies can help you to practice particular procedures that firms go through before hiring you as a consultant. Even the best graduates do need sometimes advice in applying for a job because nobody was born a great applicant.

I turn up, I get on with it.

Or if you're not quite as naturally talented as Born then make sure you go to the events firms hold at university as they'll talk you through how to do case studies, which is a skill you can learn. There should also be plenty of material in careers departments and online.You defintely shouldn't feel you need to pay someone to help you...