I just received an offer from NYC and am wondering if anyone can share some good practices before someone starts off next year as an entry-level consultant. What is the best thing to prepare in both technical and non-technical fields? Thanks!
Hi there,
Really great question!
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Know that no-one can perfectly prepare for the job and that's the point: You will mess up, you will learn, you will be trained and supported. That's OK!
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First: Read the 25 tips in my consulting handbook here: https://www.spencertom.com/2018/01/14/consulting-survival-guide/
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Second: Attend an academy
There are so many great training programs that prepare new graduates for the consulting world! I'm part of a few myself. Feel free to shoot me a message and I can point you in the right direction!
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Third: In terms of things you can learn/do to prepare beforehand:
1) Daily Reading
2) Industry deep-dives
3) Analytics tools
4) Excel
5) Powerpoint
6) Presentation skills / sharp communication
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Fourth: In terms of doing well in your role when you're there:
1) Understand the context/prompt (what role are you in, what company, who's watching, etc.)
2) Understand the objective (what, specifically, is expected from you...both day to day, and in your overall career progression)
3) Quickly process information, and focus on what's important - Take a lot of information and the unknown, find the most logical path, and focus on that.
4) Be comfortable with the unknown, and learn to brainstorm - think/speak like an expert without being one
In summary, there will always be a flood of information, expectations, competition etc. and not enough time. Find out which ones matter when. (i.e. be visibile and focus efforts on the things that people care about)
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Fifth: Here are some great prior Q&As for you!
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-makes-a-good-consultant-how-to-get-a-good-review-6790
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-hard-is-it-to-excel-in-top-consulting-firms-6762
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-become-an-engagement-manager-and-partner-quickly-6722
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/need-to-learn-skills-in-the-ample-free-time-before-starting-at-an-mbb-what-should-i-do-6774
First of all, I would enjoy your freedom while it lasts. The grind will take hold of you earlier than you'd like.
If you want to prepare, I would focus on the basic skills. Make sure to build a good Excel toolkit and brush up your Tableau and Alteryx skills. There are many good courses e.g. on Coursera out there.
I would not invest a lot of time into practicing powerpoint. All firms have their own powerpoint plugins that have different functionality than the basic version.
My congratulations to your offer!
For preparation to your consulting career you need:
1) Improve your basic skills - PPT, Excel, Storyline, Story Board, Document Structure
2) Know how to find you balanced path - time management, mental health, right attitude, work-life balance
All of this things, plus how project logistics works, how to communicate with stakeholders and plan your career long term I share in my program first 100 days of your consulting career.
If you have any further questions, feel free to drop me a line.
GB
