How do Entry-Level Consultants Add Value at MBB (0 yrs of experience level)? Right now, don't worry about telling me about casing/interview prep stuff (I'm aware casing is a window into the problem solving process).... For this question, I am just focused on what it's like "on-the-job" and thinking critically about the value of a 1st-year MBB employee
Is the value I add basically being able to visualize data (excel skills), spot patterns in datasets, and make slides for the senior consultant? It's the senior consulant who is driving the real problem solving since they know the industry, and they are the ones driving communication of findings to client..... And anyways, isn't AI disrupting this analysis process & slide-making process too (so less for an Entry-Level Consultant to do in terms of being the Excel/PPTX monkey)?
1 ) I asked this question to AI and it told me the following...but this answer points out very high level value-adds like asking the "right" questions, etc... anyone can do this so is it really a value add?
- You are hired for your structured problem-solving skills. While the client's experts have the knowledge, they often lack the time, tools, or analytical discipline to turn that knowledge into a rigorous, data-backed solution. This is where you shine.
- You can ask simple, fundamental questions that an insider might be afraid to ask or might not even think of. For example, "Why has this factory always used this specific vendor for parts?
- The experts will tell you "This factory has a defect rate of 5%." Your job is to ask, "So what?"
- You are the expert in data. You can take messy spreadsheets and turn them into clear, compelling visuals that pinpoint the root causes of a problem
- Apply Cross-Industry Solutions: You can learn about how a company in the automotive industry solved a similar supply chain problem and bring that framework or idea to the CPG client
2) In addition, I'm not an expert in any industry (compared to a senior consultant). I'm not an ex-engineer who can deeply (and quickly enough) analyze the operations/supply chain process to improve making cars or soda, etc... So I asked this question to AI and it told me the following:
- "How the Car Works": You do not need to be an engineer. Your role is to understand the business implications of the technology. For example, you might need to analyze how a new battery technology affects the supply chain. You would use your qualitative skills to interview the client's engineers and synthesize their technical knowledge into a business-focused recommendation.
- "How to Sell the Car": You do not need to be a salesperson. Instead, your job is to understand the business strategy of selling. For example, you might be asked to analyze different sales channels (e.g., online sales vs. traditional dealerships)
- As a consultant, you are a strategic problem-solver. You are a professional learner who is paid to quickly get up to speed on a topic, structure a complex problem, and provide a clear, data-driven recommendation. A consultant's value is in their ability to approach a problem from a strategic, top-down perspective, not to be a deep technical or functional expert.
