How to network with MDP to land on a case

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your situation!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• While this is very much dependent on the company, region, country, and office, I would highly advise you to reach out to them directly and ask for a coffee chat. Show your genuine interest in the practice's topics, and tell them that you are available. Moreover, you can join affinity groups and plan/attend internal practice events.
• I would highly advise you to reach out to a coach about this. While you do not need to aggressively sell yourself to practice leadership, it is certainly helpful if you struggle with it that badly.
• Staffing managers most probably have a very hard time at the moment given the tight economic situation which will lead to many consultants being "on the beach". As such, I would advise you to stand out in a positive way, be kind and friendly with them, and make them feel that you understand their situation.
• Lastly, I would advise you not to freak out right away if you are not staffed, especially since this is the case with a lot of consultants at the moment. While it is not great to be "on the beach" for a long period of time, it sounds like you just rolled off the project.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

This is very firm dependent.

This is also country dependent.

Culture (country + firm) matters.

Please also remember your relationships with the staffing managers and EAs are very very important. Keep them warm!

1) Any tips and tricks on networking with project manager/partners in order to land on a case in a particular practice area/case

Attend events (friday happy hours, firm-wides, etc.)

Join affinity groups and attend those

Reach out (legitimately and genuinely) for a coffee chat

2) I struggle to know what kind of questions to ask and how to sell myself

Get a coach. If you want to progress your career, invest in building your human capital. This question does not have a written answer. The how lies in a discussion and 1-on-1 editing/feedback of how you behave/operate/talk/sell yourself

3) how can I better leverage staffer to help me get on a case

This takes time. If they're making coffee, have a conversation.

Be genuine not sleezy (don't make it obvious you're trying to cozy up to them). Treat them like a person not a tool. Once you have a good relationship only then can you let them know what you're hoping for and ask for favors/help.

Hello,

Here are my thoughts:

1) Perform exceptionally well in the projects that you currently have. Go above and beyond - you will get noticed by senior management soon.

2) Try contributing to some internal initiatives of the firm - working on high-profile proposals, thought leadership, whatever works in your firm!

3) Try to have cordial relationships with everyone you work with! It might be that someone would recommend you to the MDP.

4) I'm not sure how this would be received in your firm, but consider also emailing the MDP (or secretary) after doing 1-3 - to express interest to work with them.

Best,

Rushabh

Hello,

It is of course very context (firm, geography etc) dependent, but here are some pointers based on my own experience:

1) Any tips and tricks on networking with project manager/partners in order to land on a case in a particular practice area/case

• In reality, consulting is highly reputation based. Do well enough and people will come after you eventually
• Of course, everyone has to start somewhere :)
• I find that the best way is just to be direct - reach out and schedule a coffee chat, introduce yourself and get to know the partner, and say that you will be interested to work in XYZ practice areas
• The second best way is if you have friends that can refer you/drop your name → this has often worked well for me and my friends
• The third option, and this is something that is probably easier done especially if you have nothing to sell yourself on, is to volunteer to help them with practice area stuff. But may have low returns, depending on the situation

2) I struggle to know what kind of questions to ask and how to sell myself

• Ask questions that either help you 1) understand their practice area better 2) them as a person better or 3) case opportunities better
• In terms of selling yourself, if you don't have the relevant industry and/or case-type experience, it is very hard to sell yourself. What you could show is eagerness/enthusiasm and hunger, either by referencing a past high achievement smoothly (e.g. I represented the nation in xyz sports) or by following up politely/regularly

3) how can I better leverage staffer to help me get on a case

• Be proactive - reach out frequently, scheduled check-ins
• But ultimately this really depends on the firm staffing model and how much influence staffing really has

All the best!