Rate my fit for consulting

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

Hi there, 

I've worked with multiple people making such transitions with significant work experience, so feel free to reach out. 

In short, I would optimise for a few things

1. A broader application strategy - more firms, of different sizes. Once you're in the system, it will be easier to move 'up' or 'sideways' between the firms. You might find this guide useful:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

2. A great CV and CL. Get professional help on these. 2-4% of the CVs I see are ready to be submitted. The others would still need work. You're likely in a similar situation.

3. A referral. Super important for somebody in your situation. It will help increase the chances of passing screening and that's what matters. Here are two guides I developed on this:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

Best,
Cristian 

Hi there,

With the limited info you provided, two common reasons might explain why you didn’t make it to the interviews:

1. Your application materials weren’t tailored for consulting — even strong academic profiles can get filtered out if the resume doesn’t clearly communicate consulting skills and impact
2. You didn’t apply through the right channels — referrals or PhD-specific recruiting tracks are the most effective entry points. Open applications rarely convert unless the rest is perfect.

What to do now:

Start working with someone who can help you reframe your profile as a strong consulting candidate. At the same time, secure referrals at your target firms and look for the PhD recruiting programs many consulting firms run — that might be your best shot.

Happy to help you with that. Just send me a message.

Best

Alberto

Hi there,

Besides what was stated, the problem may be (likely) your CV. Feel free to send it to me for a free and honest evaluation.

Best,

Mari

It’s hard to know without looking at your CV.

Based on your description, I’d guess that you’re not highlighting your leadership skills and experience enough.

Happy to take a look if helpful.

Hi,

Based on your current experience and background, you should be able to pass the screening round and receive an invite for the interviews with a decent CV and Cover Letter. Feel free to reach out so I can review and give feedback. 

Keep on practicing cases so you have sufficient time to improve your skills.

Mattijs

Hey there!

You definitely have a strong academic and communication profile, which consulting firms value. But without brand-name experience, the key is how you tell your story. Emphasise structured problem solving, impact from your part-time consulting, and your ability to handle ambiguity and work with stakeholders. Also tailor your CV tightly, quantify outcomes, keep it crisp, and align it with what firms look for.

For now, focus on networking (referrals make a huge difference), strong cover letters that link your PhD skills to real business problems, and standout applications. Happy to help you refine your materials!

Best,
Alessa 😊