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How can I break into consulting as a sophomore in college with no prior experience?
I am a sophomore at Gonzaga and my major is Accounting. I want to explore careers in consulting, but need some guidance on how to get there.
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9 answers
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Moises’s Answer
Hey Blake,
As someone who was in your shoes recently I would also focus on your soft skills like presenting, communicating, problem solving. Usually for your first entry level internship you’ll be given a behavioral interview. Where they’ll see if you can communicate well and effectively. As well as show them how you problem solve and work together in a team. A common question would be “Tell us about an instance where you worked in a team to solve a difficult task or project.
So when you eventually do get an interview you’ll be able showcase your soft skills which is important for entry level positions since they don’t have expect you to know much.
As someone who was in your shoes recently I would also focus on your soft skills like presenting, communicating, problem solving. Usually for your first entry level internship you’ll be given a behavioral interview. Where they’ll see if you can communicate well and effectively. As well as show them how you problem solve and work together in a team. A common question would be “Tell us about an instance where you worked in a team to solve a difficult task or project.
So when you eventually do get an interview you’ll be able showcase your soft skills which is important for entry level positions since they don’t have expect you to know much.
Updated
David’s Answer
Blake, I recommend that you consider joining one of the big-4 accounting firms and dedicate three years to working as an auditor or in the Risk & Controls field. Later you can transition into a consulting role, concentrating on the implementation of ERP/accounting systems and more. This experience will provide you with a strong understanding of business operations and information utilization. Over the years, I've seen numerous individuals follow this path, and their audit background often gives them an advantage over other consultants.
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Thomas’s Answer
Hey Blake,
Great question! Consulting is so broad so I would encourage you to do some research on the different areas and try to align with what you are passionate in (Management Consulting, IT, Human Capital, etc.). From there I would join a club that aligns with your interest. Once there, I would network as much as possible with recruiters of the companies you'd like to work for. Try to interview for internships or any leadership programs they may have.
Accounting is a great major, but I'd recommend dual majoring in either Finance or Economics as well, if possible. If you are going for your CPA you can use the credits anyway. It just makes you that much more differentiated and versatile.
Bottom line is your not expected to have experience for your first entry level job, but you should have laid the groundwork that shows you are passionate and capable.
Great question! Consulting is so broad so I would encourage you to do some research on the different areas and try to align with what you are passionate in (Management Consulting, IT, Human Capital, etc.). From there I would join a club that aligns with your interest. Once there, I would network as much as possible with recruiters of the companies you'd like to work for. Try to interview for internships or any leadership programs they may have.
Accounting is a great major, but I'd recommend dual majoring in either Finance or Economics as well, if possible. If you are going for your CPA you can use the credits anyway. It just makes you that much more differentiated and versatile.
Bottom line is your not expected to have experience for your first entry level job, but you should have laid the groundwork that shows you are passionate and capable.
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Blake,
Moises and Thomas gave superb advice, and I cannot do better. Having spent a career consulting, what advice they gave is priceless. So, I will focus elsewhere, on getting your feet wet in the career. Since you are a sophomore, I encourage you to take the initiative by contacting local consulting organizations to apply for some internship work, even if free, for the summer months. The experience will be invaluable and will help you later when pursuing a full-time position. Such companies rarely advertise for internships, so you need to prepare a cover letter and emphasize your achievements to date and why you are interested in consulting. The benefit is that few do this, and that may interest the employer as it provides them an opportunity to see what you can do. Just do it. :) I wish you well.
Moises and Thomas gave superb advice, and I cannot do better. Having spent a career consulting, what advice they gave is priceless. So, I will focus elsewhere, on getting your feet wet in the career. Since you are a sophomore, I encourage you to take the initiative by contacting local consulting organizations to apply for some internship work, even if free, for the summer months. The experience will be invaluable and will help you later when pursuing a full-time position. Such companies rarely advertise for internships, so you need to prepare a cover letter and emphasize your achievements to date and why you are interested in consulting. The benefit is that few do this, and that may interest the employer as it provides them an opportunity to see what you can do. Just do it. :) I wish you well.
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Keri’s Answer
To fast-track a career in consulting, consider pursuing an MBA after your undergraduate studies. You have the option to dive straight into an MBA program, focusing on completing all necessary prerequisites and maintaining a high GPA. This strategy can open doors to the country's top programs. Alternatively, you might opt to work for a few years first, gaining relevant corporate experience that can be beneficial when you eventually undertake an MBA program. If your goal is to work at a leading consulting firm, aim to enroll in one of the nation's top MBA programs. Cultivating strong relationships both during your studies and in your initial job post-college can be instrumental in securing references for your applications, giving your consulting career a powerful launch.
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Max’s Answer
Hi Blake!
That's a great question! I was also an Accounting major in college, but started my career in audit. I spent two years in audit and then switched to consulting. Even though I entered the audit field, I have a few recommendations on how to get into consulting straight out of school.
The biggest recommendation I have is to show interest in whichever companies you're looking at. I would suggest attending school career fairs in order to meet and form a relationship with company recruiters. This is a great way to get your foot in the door, learn about consulting, and show that you're interested. You should go onto company websites and look into any potential internship opportunities as well, as many full time hires come from company internship programs. I would also suggest reading through (on the company website) all the different practices a company has and the industries they work in. This would be a great way to gain a background into the different types of consulting and narrow down what you're looking for. This will also demonstrate further interest to the recruiter, and show that you're being proactive into what you're looking for. Also make sure to attend any on-campus events for that company, as just another way to show interest.
Even though you're an Accounting major, there are definitely jobs in consulting that can use Accounting majors. I know a lot of accountants who switched into consulting practices such as Deals, Financial Due Diligence, and Investigations. Having knowledge and being proficient in accounting is very valuable for these practices, as understanding financial statements, how they interact, and the numbers behind the statements will give you a leg up so you don't have to learn completely new topics, and can build on your already existing knowledge.
Another thing you could do is take elective courses in subjects such as economics and finance, as those are popular degrees that lead to consulting careers, and will demonstrate to companies/recruiters that you have a well-rounded knowledge base and understand many different topics.
Hope this information helps!
That's a great question! I was also an Accounting major in college, but started my career in audit. I spent two years in audit and then switched to consulting. Even though I entered the audit field, I have a few recommendations on how to get into consulting straight out of school.
The biggest recommendation I have is to show interest in whichever companies you're looking at. I would suggest attending school career fairs in order to meet and form a relationship with company recruiters. This is a great way to get your foot in the door, learn about consulting, and show that you're interested. You should go onto company websites and look into any potential internship opportunities as well, as many full time hires come from company internship programs. I would also suggest reading through (on the company website) all the different practices a company has and the industries they work in. This would be a great way to gain a background into the different types of consulting and narrow down what you're looking for. This will also demonstrate further interest to the recruiter, and show that you're being proactive into what you're looking for. Also make sure to attend any on-campus events for that company, as just another way to show interest.
Even though you're an Accounting major, there are definitely jobs in consulting that can use Accounting majors. I know a lot of accountants who switched into consulting practices such as Deals, Financial Due Diligence, and Investigations. Having knowledge and being proficient in accounting is very valuable for these practices, as understanding financial statements, how they interact, and the numbers behind the statements will give you a leg up so you don't have to learn completely new topics, and can build on your already existing knowledge.
Another thing you could do is take elective courses in subjects such as economics and finance, as those are popular degrees that lead to consulting careers, and will demonstrate to companies/recruiters that you have a well-rounded knowledge base and understand many different topics.
Hope this information helps!
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Yes, for sure, many people do that.
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Emily’s Answer
Hello Blake! Just like you, I also pursued Accounting at Gonzaga University and now, I'm fortunate enough to be part of a Big-4 company, working in their Tax Department. I shared your enthusiasm for consulting, and I'm pleased to tell you that my current role provides me with ample opportunities to advise my clients on accounting matters. However, if you're keen on exploring more consulting avenues, I strongly recommend that you participate in the New Venture Lab program at Gonzaga. This unique program pairs students with local businesses for a semester, allowing them to provide consultation on a wide range of business-related subjects, queries, and opportunities. It's an excellent platform to gain hands-on consulting experience!
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Chih’s Answer
Hi Blake,
Here are some tips I recommend to you:
-Include Relevant Projects on Your Resume: Highlight any accounting projects you've worked on during your coursework on your resume. This demonstrates your practical skills and shows your commitment to the field.
-Volunteer for Consulting Work: Consider volunteering for programs like VITA, where you can assist people in preparing their tax returns. This hands-on experience can be valuable and relevant to consulting.
-Attend College Job Fairs: Attend local college job fairs, where you can network with professionals from various fields, including consulting. Meeting with these professionals can help you make connections and learn about potential opportunities.
-Seek Career Advisor Guidance: Consult with your college's career advisor. They can provide valuable advice on crafting a strong resume, preparing for interviews, and connecting with alumni who work in consulting.
Hope these tips would provide you some ideas on where to start.
Here are some tips I recommend to you:
-Include Relevant Projects on Your Resume: Highlight any accounting projects you've worked on during your coursework on your resume. This demonstrates your practical skills and shows your commitment to the field.
-Volunteer for Consulting Work: Consider volunteering for programs like VITA, where you can assist people in preparing their tax returns. This hands-on experience can be valuable and relevant to consulting.
-Attend College Job Fairs: Attend local college job fairs, where you can network with professionals from various fields, including consulting. Meeting with these professionals can help you make connections and learn about potential opportunities.
-Seek Career Advisor Guidance: Consult with your college's career advisor. They can provide valuable advice on crafting a strong resume, preparing for interviews, and connecting with alumni who work in consulting.
Hope these tips would provide you some ideas on where to start.