How to move to non-clinical consulting

Hi there,

Congrats on wrapping up your MBA! With your background, you actually bring a really unique profile that could be valuable in areas like healthcare consulting and dental/medical practice management. Breaking in usually comes down to networking (you’re already on the right track with LinkedIn), positioning your clinical + MBA combo as a differentiator, and being open to starting in roles that give you exposure (healthcare operations, strategy roles in DSOs, or boutique healthcare consultancies). A mentor will definitely help, but don’t underestimate how much you already bring to the table (i.e. 15 years of experience + MBA + military service is a strong story).

You have to apply for a job at Consulting firms. Given that you're finishing an MBA it's the right time to apply. Your background won't be a limiting factor.

Hi there!

I've worked with several candidates transferring from medicine into consulting, so feel free to reach out directly if you have any questions. 

The key is to make sure that you highlight in your profile the skills that you've developed as part of your current career which could be transferred and deployed in consulting. 

Second, is to be clear about your motivation regarding the career change. 

These should come across clearly in both your app documents (CV, CL) and the conversations that you're having with the members of your recruitment team. 

You might find the following guide useful:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hi,

Thanks for your question. Congratulations on your MBA graduation.

With a clinical background and MBA, healthcare consulting firms would be a good place to focus, outside of applying for the different consulting firms through your school career services.

My suggestion would be to try every avenue between networking on Linkedin, with your B school alumni and any other personal contacts you may have and applying to company job sites directly, going to career fairs or recruiting through campus interview. When applying to jobs outside of campus recruiting, if you see an opening, try to first see if you can find someone in your network who is ready to refer you for the position before applying. But that is not a deal breaker. If the firm finds your profile interesting they will shortlist your resume for an interview. 

I would also suggest in parallel prepare for interviews since you will not have much time between getting a call and the interview. Since these interviews are competitive and there are many applicants, you want to be well prepared for any interview you get.

Feel free to reach out if you have any healthcare consulting related questions. Best of luck.

Thanks,

Soh

What a wonderfully diverse background! This lays a great foundation for your profile as well as many elements that you can leverage in getting into strategy consulting.
The best thing you can do a "skills assessment" of yourself and then craft your story on how those skills translate and essentially prepare you to be a great consultant!
E.g., US navy - disciplined, meticulous and diligent, experience in dental industry - enablers you to adapt to different clients / possibly handling stressful situations under pressure etc.

Getting into consulting is as much about crafting your story as it is about cracking cases! GOOD LUCK!

Hey there :)

With your MBA and long clinical background you can position yourself well for healthcare or life sciences consulting, especially firms focusing on providers, payers, or dental/medical groups. Highlight your mix of clinical, business, and leadership experience, plus your veteran background, as these stand out. Networking on LinkedIn is the right path, and you might also look into boutique healthcare consultancies or even larger firms’ healthcare practices. A mentor will help, but applying broadly and stressing your transferable skills is key.

best, Alessa :)