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What should I do in college?
What organizations should I look to get into if I want to be a consultant. I'm an industrial engineering major that goes to Texas A&M university college station. Rising Junior.
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5 answers
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
Consider exploring the business clubs at your school, teaching assistant roles within the business school, and enroll in business courses. This will not only shape you into a versatile candidate, but also provide networking opportunities with alumni and current students who have secured internships/jobs at consulting firms. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Thomas,
I would recommend getting into activities that interest you. Ideally, you would want to get involved with clubs and associations that are related to your major, but I wouldn't limit your activities to those areas. For example, I was involved with student government even though that had nothing to do with my major, but a friend of mine suggested it and I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Use your college experience to discover and learn outside the classroom; engage in a variety of activities. Sometimes, those activities may help clarify what you want to do later in life, and the more diverse your activities, the better you'll learn more about what you'll want to pursue in life.
I would recommend getting into activities that interest you. Ideally, you would want to get involved with clubs and associations that are related to your major, but I wouldn't limit your activities to those areas. For example, I was involved with student government even though that had nothing to do with my major, but a friend of mine suggested it and I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Use your college experience to discover and learn outside the classroom; engage in a variety of activities. Sometimes, those activities may help clarify what you want to do later in life, and the more diverse your activities, the better you'll learn more about what you'll want to pursue in life.
Updated
Jody’s Answer
Hey there, Thomas! You're definitely on the right track with Industrial Engineering, as it's the business-oriented side of engineering and can be quite profitable, in my opinion. Building connections is essential for great success in the business world. That's why I suggest you join the Student International Toastmasters group. Complete your first manual and then see if you want to continue to the next level. Toastmasters changed my life for less than $10 a month in dues. You'll find it incredibly helpful, as you'll be surrounded by like-minded students and develop crucial business skills that can't be learned in a classroom.
I also recommend learning to play golf, as it's often the go-to activity for business people to discuss important deals in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. Many companies even cover the costs of playing golf and dining with high-profile clients. I used to play rugby and now have back problems, so I'm not great at golf. In fact, I'm so bad that I've declined multiple opportunities to play with clients.
Additionally, consider looking into internships with major corporations. A paid internship can provide you with valuable experience and introduce you to a world that you've only read about in books. I graduated as an engineer from TAMU at the bottom of my class and joined the Peace Corps after graduation, spending two years in Kenya. That low-paying job opened up a whole new world for me and positively impacted my life in countless ways. Now, I'm a licensed mechanical and civil engineer working as an independent consultant.
Thomas, you're destined for success, and the level of success you achieve depends on the choices you make. You're asking the right questions at the right time, so invest your time in the directions you want to pursue. Gig 'em!
I also recommend learning to play golf, as it's often the go-to activity for business people to discuss important deals in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. Many companies even cover the costs of playing golf and dining with high-profile clients. I used to play rugby and now have back problems, so I'm not great at golf. In fact, I'm so bad that I've declined multiple opportunities to play with clients.
Additionally, consider looking into internships with major corporations. A paid internship can provide you with valuable experience and introduce you to a world that you've only read about in books. I graduated as an engineer from TAMU at the bottom of my class and joined the Peace Corps after graduation, spending two years in Kenya. That low-paying job opened up a whole new world for me and positively impacted my life in countless ways. Now, I'm a licensed mechanical and civil engineer working as an independent consultant.
Thomas, you're destined for success, and the level of success you achieve depends on the choices you make. You're asking the right questions at the right time, so invest your time in the directions you want to pursue. Gig 'em!
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
Industrial engineers have the fantastic opportunity to work as consultants across a diverse range of work environments and industries, including hospitals, insurance, banking and finance, travel, transportation, government, ecommerce, pharmaceuticals, and more.
To truly excel in your career, focus on developing these essential skills during college:
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Project Management
- Quality Management
- Teamwork
Consider exploring consulting careers in Industrial Engineering with these reputable organizations. Research these companies to discover internship opportunities and the skills required for their job positions. This will give you a clear idea of the skills you need to acquire during college.
- Accenture
- KPMG
- PwC
- Bechtel
- AECOM
- Northrop Grumman
- Caterpillar
- Jacobs
- John Deere
- Boston Industrial Consulting
- Fluor
- CRB
- SSOE Group
- IPS-Integrated Project Services
- Burns and McDonnell
- Ghafari Associates
- Hixon
- Jensen Hughes
- ThermalTech Engineering
- WSP
- Kimley Horn
- Walter P Moore
-Tesla
-Qualcomm
- TSMC etc
Embrace the exciting journey ahead and seize the opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge, ensuring a successful and fulfilling career in industrial engineering consulting.
To truly excel in your career, focus on developing these essential skills during college:
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Project Management
- Quality Management
- Teamwork
Consider exploring consulting careers in Industrial Engineering with these reputable organizations. Research these companies to discover internship opportunities and the skills required for their job positions. This will give you a clear idea of the skills you need to acquire during college.
- Accenture
- KPMG
- PwC
- Bechtel
- AECOM
- Northrop Grumman
- Caterpillar
- Jacobs
- John Deere
- Boston Industrial Consulting
- Fluor
- CRB
- SSOE Group
- IPS-Integrated Project Services
- Burns and McDonnell
- Ghafari Associates
- Hixon
- Jensen Hughes
- ThermalTech Engineering
- WSP
- Kimley Horn
- Walter P Moore
-Tesla
-Qualcomm
- TSMC etc
Embrace the exciting journey ahead and seize the opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge, ensuring a successful and fulfilling career in industrial engineering consulting.
Thank you for the advice, Vamshee.
Thomas
Updated
John’s Answer
Hello Thomas!
It's fantastic to hear about your enthusiasm towards pursuing a career in consulting!
Here's a step-by-step plan for you:
1. Begin your journey by exploring the Big 4 consulting firms. Delve into their culture, programs, and offerings. Aim to identify one or more firms that resonate with your personal aspirations.
2. Once you've identified firms that match your interests, scan their current job postings in your field of expertise.
3. Carefully review the skills and qualifications required for these roles. If there are any skills you don't currently possess, consider investing time in learning and developing those to enhance your candidacy.
Best of luck in your career pursuit!
It's fantastic to hear about your enthusiasm towards pursuing a career in consulting!
Here's a step-by-step plan for you:
1. Begin your journey by exploring the Big 4 consulting firms. Delve into their culture, programs, and offerings. Aim to identify one or more firms that resonate with your personal aspirations.
2. Once you've identified firms that match your interests, scan their current job postings in your field of expertise.
3. Carefully review the skills and qualifications required for these roles. If there are any skills you don't currently possess, consider investing time in learning and developing those to enhance your candidacy.
Best of luck in your career pursuit!