Greetings Everyone!
I want to know if I can realistically land an interview at any firm in 6 months. I'm pivoting to focus on systemic impact and I want to know if I'm optimizing for the right sector in SA.
Why Consulting:
Analytical work with smart colleagues, on the business side of sectors, with the opportunity for change especially with public sector work
CV Pros
1. Quality improvement experience
2. Steered a national effort optimizing the internship allocation process
3. Some undergrad awards
4. Medical degree
CV Cons
1. Non-target University
1. Good not exceptional grades
3. No MBA
4. Open internships are aimed at students.
Ideas
1. Networking
2. Gmat to make up for grades
3. Short course enrollment to get student status back
4. Quality improvement work with good metrics
Thank you for your time.
Chances of interview in 6 months for a Medical Doctor in South Africa?
These are great questions. Like you, I was once a non-MBA advanced degree applicant to top consulting firms, and I had many similar questions before I joined Bain.
Yes, with your credentials, you have a strong chance of landing an interview with "big three" consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain or BCG provided that (a) these consultancies are actively recruiting "experienced hires" like you when you apply and (b) you network with professionals at all three firms before submitting your application.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind as you approach the recruiting process. First, Bain no longer has an office in South Africa (or in Africa for that matter), so you may need to apply for another location (e.g., Dubai, Doha) where English is the primary language if you are interested in joining the firm.
Second, taking the GMAT will not boost your chances of receiving an interview invite, so do not waste your time preparing for the exam.
Third, your middling medical school grades will not negatively impact your candidacy; consultancies understand that medical schools are highly selective and academically rigorous institutions and will automatically assume you have the intellectual and analytical chops to become a consultant by virtue of being a medical doctor.
Fourth, it's unclear whether enrolling in non-degree granting continuing education courses will truly boost your candidacy for consulting roles at firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. While taking a corporate strategy course might boost your business fundamentals knowledge and enhance your preparation for the case interview, it's unlikely based on my experience in North America that you'll be considered a full time student for application purposes if you are in a non degree granting continuing education course. Without full time student status, you may not be eligible for recruiting programs aimed at current graduate students. This, however, is not a major issue given that consultancies regularly recruit working professionals like you for experienced hire roles.
Fifth, devoting time to quality improvement work in your current role could have a major positive impact on your application, but only if you can position this work on your resume as business-adjacent experience relevant to the consulting world.
Sixth, it may be worthwhile to apply not only to McKinsey, Bain, and BCG but also tier two consulting firms like Oliver Wyman and Kearney as well as local boutiques, especially if they focus on health care and pharmaceuticals.
Last but not least, winning an offer from a top consulting firm requires strong case interview performance. Performing well in the case interview is like earning a high score on a standardized test. It is a learn-able skill that requires consistent practice. With the right preparation and genuine dedication, any smart candidate like you has a strong shot of landing an offer from a top firm.
Hope this helps!
