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Anonymous A

5 hrs ago

Rate my fit for consulting

Hi all,

I am a business PhD degree holder in a QS top 30 university in the UK.

I have extensive teaching, researching, communicating, and pitching experience, however, no consulting experience from any big names. I have done some part-time consulting for a local business and achived some good results. But my experience didn't help me get any interviews last recruitment cycle. I have tried 15 companies, both tier 1 and 2, and some boutique ones.

I'd like to ask for some advice on getting into this industry, as the job title I can apply for now are entry-level or associate consultant, which is entrylevel +1.

What should I focus on emphasising? I am aware that case practice is a very important part of it but I'd like to at least get some interview opportunities.

Many thanks!

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Evelina

Coach

2 hrs ago

EY-Parthenon (7 years) l BCG offer holder l 97% success rate l 30% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing — your background sounds rich in transferable skills, and it's great you're thinking proactively about how to position yourself.

Your academic and communication experience can be strong assets for consulting, especially if framed the right way. Here's what I'd recommend focusing on to improve your chances of landing interviews:

1. Translate your academic strengths into business impact.
Firms want to see how your research, teaching, and pitching experience solve real-world problems. Emphasise any data analysis, structured problem-solving, or stakeholder engagement — especially if it led to decisions or results.

2. Highlight your part-time consulting clearly and quantifiably.
Even if it wasn’t at a big-name firm, frame it like a case study: what was the client’s challenge, what did you do, and what outcomes did you drive? Think in terms of impact and structure — just like a case.

3. Target the right entry point.
Applying as an Associate Consultant (postgrad entry) is realistic given your PhD, but make sure your CV and cover letter don’t read as purely academic — they should show problem-solving, ownership, and business thinking.

4. Network smartly.
Cold applications often struggle to stand out. Try to connect with consultants or recruiters at your target firms who can flag your application or give feedback. People with academic-to-consulting transitions are often very open to helping.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to refine your CV, cover letter, or even prep a story on how to stand out in fit interviews. Happy to help!

Best,

Evelina

Top answer by

Sarah

Coach

Ex-McKinsey EM in London, foreign student with no prior consulting internship experience

6 Answers

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