Columbia Business School to Oliver Wyman
Complete guide for CBS MBA students targeting OW
MBA Recruiting Advantage
As an MBA student at CBS, you benefit from structured on-campus recruiting (OCR) with OW. The firm conducts dedicated presentations, coffee chats, and interviews on campus. 22% of class enters consulting, making CBS a core recruiting school for OW.
About CBS
New York, NY
MBA
22% of class enters consulting
10 firms actively recruit
Finance crossover strength with deep NYC consulting presence
OW Recruiting at CBS
40-80
30-45%
Medium
OW actively recruits at CBS, conducting on-campus events and interviews. The accessible process means thorough preparation is essential.
Recruiting Timeline
NYC-heavy recruiting with strong fall OCR for all major firms
OW Interview Process
Candidate-led cases with heavy quantitative focus, particularly in financial services and risk management.
Case Format
Candidate-Led
Rounds
2 rounds, 45 minutes each
Behavioral Component
Behavioral interviews assess analytical thinking, teamwork, and interest in specialized industries.
What Makes OW Different
Tips for CBS Students
- 1Research OW's unique interview format and case style
- 2Prepare behavioral examples that align with the firm's stated values
- 3Leverage CBS's consulting club for peer practice and alumni connections
- 4Connect with CBS alumni currently at OW for insider tips
- 5Apply early in the recruiting cycle when more spots are available
- 6Attend all firm events on campus to demonstrate genuine interest
Networking Strategy
For CBS MBA students targeting OW, networking should start immediately. Attend the OW presentation during orientation week and sign up for coffee chats with consultants. Finance crossover strength with deep NYC consulting presence Reach out to CBS alumni at OW through LinkedIn - most are happy to share their experiences and advice. Join case competition teams to demonstrate your skills to recruiters. Remember that OW values genuine interest over transactional networking, so focus on learning about the firm rather than just asking for referrals.
Prepare for Your OW Interview
Practice with voice-powered case simulations tailored to OW's candidate-led format.
Start Practicing