How can we get into management consulting after engineering?

Question

I am pursuing engineering, currently in 2nd year, from a tier 3 college and i want to make it into consulting. And since its little unconventional as generally engineering lads in India do not aspire or prepare to get into such roles during their graduation period(especially in tier-2,3 colleges). Generally if they want to get, they generally prefers for mba and then chooses what next. But since I'm clear about my aim, can anyone please share the roadmap or what shall i do or how should i start this journey?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

First of all, consulting firms are fairly open to all educational and professional backgrounds, so this should not be a limitation for you.
Moreover, the entire application process should be the same as for any other candidate as well: You should have polished application files, a strong referral, and be well-prepared for any pre-interview assessments, case studies, and personal fit questions.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hey!

I would recommend to focus on building analytical and problem-solving skills. Participate in e.g., case competitions, leadership activities, and business clubs. Look for internships in consulting or business roles to gain relevant experience. Network actively with professionals and alumni, and start practicing case interviews early!! Consider taking online courses or certifications in business strategy to strengthen your profile. While many pursue an MBA, it’s possible to enter consulting directly with strong skills, internships, and networking. Stay focused and consistent in your efforts!

Good luck!

Alessa

Answer 3

For India, I would suggest that attending a top MBA program, especially one that's a feeder school for leading consulting firms, is likely your best path. While networking is a valid strategy globally, in the Indian market, the sheer scale of applicants makes it far less feasible as a primary approach. The competition is intense, and firms often rely heavily on their established MBA pipelines to filter candidates. Therefore, focusing on getting into a top-tier MBA program will significantly improve your chances of breaking into these firms.

Answer 4

Hi,

If I break it down, you probably want to think about 2 aspects about breaking into consulting:

Getting invited to the interview (getting one foot into the door)
1. Strong application (CV & CL)
  1. Make sure your application is in tip-top shape and worded in the right and relevant way that showcases the skills that are important
2. Networking
  1. This is also extremely important as it gives you a higher chance of getting a referral, plus also can help to strengthen your application story
Acing the interview
1. Understand what exactly you are going to be graded on
2. Understand what good looks like
3. Develop a strategy and plan to get you to a star candidate

There's lots more details and nuances that I go into in my article which talks more about breaking into consulting from a non-traditional background (e.g. liberal arts, etc):

Breaking into consulting from a non-traditional background

All the best!

Answer 5

Hi there,

You can check people with your background on LinkedIn by setting the right filters and see what they did to move into consulting.

I would argue that for top-firms, the direct route (your degree -> MBB) would likely not work. India is incredibly competitive.

All the best,

Florian