Dear, I have a Masters degree (MSc) in automotive/mechanical engineering and 9 years experience in customer services (technical support and trainings) with an Engineering simulation software development company. Recently while preparing for a part time management study course interview I came across case study interviews. I really enjoyed working on the cases and saw that there are possible consulting career opportunities. But, I do not have MBA or managmeent degree. My work experience is in between technical and sales functions and strongly customer facing as I talk to them all the time. Would it be possible for me to apply to consulting firms? I can not prove that I am technically very strong in particular domain as my role is very much like jack of all and master of none. So, considering my profile what would be your priliminary advice? Many thanks for your kind replies.
Short answer- Yes.
Consulting firms are very open to people from various backgrounds and experiences. The key thing is which part of consulting you aspire to be and how can you justify a fit- Strategy or Operations or Technology or Implementation?!
My initial feeling is that you will fit better in Industry X/Operations or SaaS Sales type role at Big 4/Boutique/Accenture or even implentation consulting at MBB. But hard to say without looking at your CV in detail.
Also check out the Customer Success Manager job function which now being introduced a lot in some big consulting firms as a client facing offering.
Hi there,
My honest view is that your resume/profile is not particularly appealing to a generalist strategy consulting firm (for example, MBB). It may be more attractive to a specialist consulting firm (primarily management consulting, but possibly strategy consulting).
That said, I would need to see real evidence that you've actually held more senior positions (it doesn't sound particularly like it?)
To improve your chances I recommend the following:
- Obtain higher level roles within your company (managing people, teams, projects, P&Ls, etc)
- Get an MBA or other business-based degree
- Network extensively
Good luck!
Hi there!
Based on my experience, I can definitely state that despite your background, you have every chance to try your hand at consulting.
A little piece of advice, it might be relevant to start your way in consulting not immediately with the Big Three, but with smaller Tier 2/Boutique companies. Moreover, you can try to implement some additional functionality appreciated by consulting firms at your current workplace.
Good luck!
Cheers,
GB
Hello!
In line with other coaches, I think you have a chance in consulting, but in a specialized role -and perhaps even specialized consulting firm-.
Cheers,
Clara