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Where would you start within the consulting industry?
As a college student, I am feeling confused by where to begin in consulting. What advice would you give for someone looking to break into the industry? I have done some research, but I'm not sure where else to go.
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7 answers
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Paul’s Answer
Being a consultant means being an expert in your field, a source of knowledge that others are willing to pay for. As Atul highlighted, valuable consulting comes from experience. As a consultant, it's crucial to consistently provide value in every interaction, maintaining your reputation.
While a consulting firm may give you a glimpse into the operations of consulting practices, it may not necessarily equip you with the expertise needed to become a consultant in a specific field. Atul's journey to becoming a consultant involved gaining years of experience.
If you're interested in consulting, it's advisable to identify a domain that genuinely interests you. Develop this interest into expertise, becoming a thought leader whose advice others seek. Once you've established a reputation, people may be willing to pay for your advice.
Another common strategy is to write a book or create a presentation based on your theories, knowledge, or experiences. Sharing these insights publicly could attract those who value your advice.
While a consulting firm may give you a glimpse into the operations of consulting practices, it may not necessarily equip you with the expertise needed to become a consultant in a specific field. Atul's journey to becoming a consultant involved gaining years of experience.
If you're interested in consulting, it's advisable to identify a domain that genuinely interests you. Develop this interest into expertise, becoming a thought leader whose advice others seek. Once you've established a reputation, people may be willing to pay for your advice.
Another common strategy is to write a book or create a presentation based on your theories, knowledge, or experiences. Sharing these insights publicly could attract those who value your advice.
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Atul’s Answer
What skills have you gained to become a consultant?
After finishing college, it might be difficult to find a job at a top consulting firm unless you graduated from a prestigious Ivy League school with a strong reputation for challenging courses and projects.
Even then, you'll likely start as a junior employee, helping senior consultants with their tasks.
Don't be disheartened, but focus on gaining expertise and experience before aiming for a consultant role.
I used to be a software consultant, but only after gaining years of specialized knowledge in a particular industry to support my clients.
In summary, build your skills and experience before pursuing a consultant position.
After finishing college, it might be difficult to find a job at a top consulting firm unless you graduated from a prestigious Ivy League school with a strong reputation for challenging courses and projects.
Even then, you'll likely start as a junior employee, helping senior consultants with their tasks.
Don't be disheartened, but focus on gaining expertise and experience before aiming for a consultant role.
I used to be a software consultant, but only after gaining years of specialized knowledge in a particular industry to support my clients.
In summary, build your skills and experience before pursuing a consultant position.
Updated
Terrell’s Answer
Consulting is a very broad term. As explained in previous comments, you can work directly with a consulting firm or be a consultant in almost any field. A consultant is a person who gives professional or expert advice. Becoming a thought leader and expert can allow you to consult in that field of study. Examples beyond consulting firms include Financial Consultants, Design Consultants, and Beauty Consultants. As you can see, you can be a consultant in any field. You just need to hone and polish your craft.
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Sean’s Answer
Breaking into consulting can seem challenging, but with the right approach, you can succeed. Here are some actionable steps that I have taken many years back when I was a college and grad student:
1. **Understand the Industry**: Learn about different types of consulting (management, strategy, IT) and familiarize yourself with major firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Deloitte.
2. **Network**: Connect with alumni, attend industry events, and use LinkedIn to build relationships. Networking is crucial in consulting.
3. **Relevant Coursework**: Focus on courses in business, economics, and data analysis. Develop problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills. Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is essential.
4. **Internships**: Seek internships in consulting or related fields. They provide valuable experience and can lead to full-time offers.
5. **Practice Case Studies**: Case interviews are critical. Use resources like "Case in Point" and participate in case competitions to hone your skills.
6. **Professional Associations**: Join consulting clubs at your university or organizations like the Management Consulting Association (MCA) for resources and networking.
7. **Certifications**: Consider certifications in project management (PMP) or data analysis to strengthen your resume.
8. **Personal Branding**: Create a strong resume and LinkedIn profile. Highlight relevant skills and experiences. Consider starting a blog to showcase your expertise.
9. **Apply Strategically**: Research firms and tailor your applications. Highlight experiences that align with each firm's values.
10. **Prepare for Interviews**: Practice both behavioral and case interviews. Use mock interviews to build confidence.
11. **Stay Informed**: Keep up-to-date with industry trends and news. Read consulting publications and follow industry leaders.
12. **Seek Mentorship**: Find mentors in the consulting industry for guidance and support.
With dedication and the right strategy, you can break into consulting and thrive. Stay focused, network effectively, and continuously improve your skills. You can make it happen!
1. **Understand the Industry**: Learn about different types of consulting (management, strategy, IT) and familiarize yourself with major firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Deloitte.
2. **Network**: Connect with alumni, attend industry events, and use LinkedIn to build relationships. Networking is crucial in consulting.
3. **Relevant Coursework**: Focus on courses in business, economics, and data analysis. Develop problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills. Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is essential.
4. **Internships**: Seek internships in consulting or related fields. They provide valuable experience and can lead to full-time offers.
5. **Practice Case Studies**: Case interviews are critical. Use resources like "Case in Point" and participate in case competitions to hone your skills.
6. **Professional Associations**: Join consulting clubs at your university or organizations like the Management Consulting Association (MCA) for resources and networking.
7. **Certifications**: Consider certifications in project management (PMP) or data analysis to strengthen your resume.
8. **Personal Branding**: Create a strong resume and LinkedIn profile. Highlight relevant skills and experiences. Consider starting a blog to showcase your expertise.
9. **Apply Strategically**: Research firms and tailor your applications. Highlight experiences that align with each firm's values.
10. **Prepare for Interviews**: Practice both behavioral and case interviews. Use mock interviews to build confidence.
11. **Stay Informed**: Keep up-to-date with industry trends and news. Read consulting publications and follow industry leaders.
12. **Seek Mentorship**: Find mentors in the consulting industry for guidance and support.
With dedication and the right strategy, you can break into consulting and thrive. Stay focused, network effectively, and continuously improve your skills. You can make it happen!
Updated
Kate’s Answer
As a recent graduate myself, I'd suggest the best starting point for you is to utilize the resources readily available at your college. Keep an eye out for career fairs and recruitment events, as they can provide a great opportunity to explore potential interests. Following this, aim to connect with your college's alumni who are currently working in the consulting field. Most individuals are open to discussing their roles and offering guidance. Additionally, browsing through online internship listings can be beneficial. A majority of internships at consulting firms often lead to full-time positions and provide valuable experience through shadowing and networking opportunities. Best of luck on your journey!
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PwC’s Answer
Don't worry if you aren't from a traditionally targeted school! Take courses that will make you stand out and give you an advantage in the area of consulting you may be interested in.
Updated
Miguel’s Answer
Hello Marissa! Great question - I can give offer advice as someone who's just broken into the industry as a consulting intern at one of the Big 4. I would say firstly to engage with recruiters and people you may already know in the industry and develop those connections in the recruiting process. Many of the Big 4 have campus events where recruiters come to talk with prospective interns/employees. Research where those are taking place and go to them! Come ready to make a genuine connection with them, ask questions about their experiences, and learn more about how you can get more involved in recruiting events in the future. Those connections can lead you farther than you think, and help you find the internship opportunity that you may be looking for! Handshake and Linkedin are also great resources for researching internship opportunities in the Consulting Industry.
Develop your resume with not only with campus consulting organizations, but also other varied experiences! Recruiters ultimately want to know how you think, how you problem solve, and how you interact with others on a team or on engagements. A misconception I had about the consulting industry was that recruiters only valued consulting experiences on your resume combined with a related business degree. Consulting is at its core, problem solving, so the reality is that the consulting industry needs professionals with all kinds of majors and backgrounds! On client work, it is actually those varied skills and backgrounds that create the most successful outcomes. I personally am an Industrial Engineering Major with various leadership experiences in music and STEM teaching, and I leveraged those experiences/skills in my recruiting process to provide unique insights on how I problem solve.
I hope that offers a little insight on how to break in to the consulting industry!
Develop your resume with not only with campus consulting organizations, but also other varied experiences! Recruiters ultimately want to know how you think, how you problem solve, and how you interact with others on a team or on engagements. A misconception I had about the consulting industry was that recruiters only valued consulting experiences on your resume combined with a related business degree. Consulting is at its core, problem solving, so the reality is that the consulting industry needs professionals with all kinds of majors and backgrounds! On client work, it is actually those varied skills and backgrounds that create the most successful outcomes. I personally am an Industrial Engineering Major with various leadership experiences in music and STEM teaching, and I leveraged those experiences/skills in my recruiting process to provide unique insights on how I problem solve.
I hope that offers a little insight on how to break in to the consulting industry!