How can a mid-career professional transition into strategy consulting via part-time projects, shadowing, or internships?

Question

Hi everyone,

I’m currently an iMBA candidate, transitioning from over a decade of experience in GIS and environmental data analysis into business strategy / corporate strategy, with an interest in strategy consulting and Business Operations (BizOps) roles.

I’m still early in the transition, and I haven’t started formal case interview preparation yet. I’d like to first gain practical exposure through part-time project work, shadowing, or short-term internship-style opportunities, ideally in remote/global settings (I’m currently based in India).

I’d really appreciate guidance on:

How career switchers can position themselves for project-based or part-time strategy roles
Whether shadowing or apprenticeship-style opportunities are common in consulting
How to start building relevant experience before diving deeply into case prep
Any platforms, communities, or approaches that have worked for you

Thanks in advance for any advice or pointers. I’d value learning from your experiences.

Answer 1

Hey there,

1) Project-based or part-time strategy roles:
For strategy consulting, this is much less common. Most firms hire into full-time roles, so project-based work is better seen as adjacent experience rather than a direct entry path.

For BizOps / internal strategy, this is more realistic. Some (but not many) companies offer project-based or part-time roles that provide hands-on exposure and translate well into full-time positions.

2) Shadowing or apprenticeship opportunities:
These are rare in consulting outside of formal student programs. What does work very well are informational conversations with consultants to understand day-to-day work, required skills, and fit if that's what you're looking for.

3) Building experience before deep case prep:
For BizOps, gaining experience first makes sense. For consulting, reading cases or doing light case practice early helps you understand expectations without committing to full prep. Either way, these experiences strengthen your profile.

4) Platforms and communities:
Alumni networks, direct LinkedIn outreach, peer case-practice platforms, and MBA/consulting clubs are usually the most practical starting points.

Bottom line:
BizOps offers more flexible entry paths; consulting is more structured and full-time. Your background is relevant for both, and early conversations plus light case exposure will help you decide where to focus.

Answer 2

That is a fantastic, and very common, approach to de-risking a career transition. It's smart to want practical exposure before diving into the intensive world of case prep.

However, we need to be realistic about how the traditional strategy consulting world works. Shadowing, apprenticeships, or structured part-time project roles are virtually non-existent for entry-level or core lateral hires at firms like Bain, BCG, or McKinsey. Consulting is an immediate immersion model; they hire full-time staff who are ready to staff on a multi-million-dollar engagement from day one. They cannot afford to onboard someone for a few hours a week to "see what it's like."

The good news is that your goal—gaining practical experience and building a strategy narrative—is achievable through alternative channels. You need to leverage your current GIS/Data expertise to secure paid advisory work that translates into strategy experience on your resume.

Here are the 3 strategic pivots I recommend:

* The Independent Consulting Route: Do not wait for MBB. Immediately sign up for specialized independent consulting platforms (like Upwork or Toptal) and, more importantly, Expert Networks (like GLG, Guidepoint, or Third Bridge). Your niche expertise in GIS/environmental data is high-value for firms or PE funds doing due diligence on sustainability, logistics, or resource utilization. Even a one-hour paid consultation call is valuable experience that signals strategic advisory capability.
* The MBA Project Pivot: Maximize the strategic output of your current iMBA. Volunteer for student consulting clubs, or, more concretely, find pro-bono consulting projects for non-profits or startups through your university network. Frame these projects (e.g., "Market entry strategy for startup X") to build the strategic bullet points necessary for your consulting resume screening.
Reframe Case Prep: Think of case prep not just as interview preparation, but as the essential training for strategic problem solving. Delaying it hinders your ability to articulate your existing data experience in a strategic framework. The process of structuring a case is* the exposure you seek—it teaches you the language of consulting. You must start incorporating high-level strategy frameworks into your current work discussions immediately.

You have a powerful technical background. Your success now relies on proving you can translate that technical knowledge into commercial impact, which is what strategy consulting actually sells.

All the best!

Answer 3

Hi Kavya,

Part time or shadowing roles are rare in traditional strategy consulting, but you can still build relevant experience through project based work. Internal strategy projects, advisory work with startups or NGOs, or strategy style initiatives through your iMBA or alumni network are all good ways to gain exposure when framed around decision making and impact.

Formal apprenticeships are uncommon, but boutique firms, independent consultants, and networking driven projects can offer similar learning. You also don’t need to wait entirely on case prep, light early preparation can help you adopt a consulting mindset and position your experience better.

The key is translating your analytical background into business problems and building a clear transition story.

Happy to help you on your journey - feel free to reach out!

Best,
Evelina