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Anonymous A

on Sep 21, 2019

Global

I applied to multiple consulting firms and always got rejected pre-interview bc I don't have big brand names on my cv.

After college, where I obtained a 1-year master's degree in the UK, I pursued an entrepreneurial road and worked on multiple projects. While my CV overall looks good (good education, grades, international experience etc.), I do lack big brand names/office experience.

I recently joined a startup (about 50 people work there) in BD and can possibly switch to a more strategic role within the company in a few months.

However, I'm wondering what my best approach would be considering that my goal is still management consulting.

I also applied to a few smaller consulting firms. I haven't heard back from them yet.

Assuming that the smaller firms might also reject me, from what I see so far, my only option would be to try to get into a good MBA program and try to get a big name internship while doing my MBA. Would that be my best/only option?

Thank you for your advice!

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Top answer

Francesco

Coach

on Sep 21, 2019

#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

big brands are indeed useful to stand out in the application phase, however there are some ways to compensate for their absence:

Ask to an experienced friend/current consultant/ expert to review your CV/Cover. There may be improvements that can help you to stand out
Find a referral for your application. This is the single most powerful thing you can do to get an invitation. You can find some tips here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Hope this helps,
Francesco

Marco-Alexander

Coach

edited on Sep 05, 2021

Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

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Vlad

Coach

on Sep 22, 2019

McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

The answer is in your question:

Get the big brands
Get an MBA
Get a referral (More info here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-is-a-referral-really-1103)

Best!

Udayan

Coach

on Oct 02, 2019

Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

MBA would help a lot, especially from a top 10 program in the US. Consulting firms recruit from multiple offices here and there is a very good chance you will get in.

Given the really high costs involved, it is also worth asking why consulting. Sometimes it may not be worth it in the long run as given your interest in smaller more entreprenurial firms, there may be other routes to get to your longer term goal outside of consulting and an MBA

Of course as Vlad points out there is always the option of a referral. A referral from a partner more or less guarantees an interview at least but you still would have to compete with all others that have the strong brand names on their resume.

Gaurav

Coach

on Nov 20, 2020

#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there,

Feel free to send me your CV, I will check it as it's very hard to say something without assessing it.

All the best,