Can functional consulting be helpful?

Hi there,

Well done on improving the GPA and the referral option for Tier 2. In terms of your question:

Q: What's my best way to guarantee an interview?

I would recommend the following:

• Don’t put the low GPA on your CV. If they ask in the online application, you will have to add it there though
• Optimize your CV/Cover. More on that here
• Look for a referral at MBB as well. More on that here
• Apply now to MBB and Tier 2 as well. If it doesn’t work, you can join a backup option with the strong brand name where you work on strategy, and try again after the ban
• If it doesn’t work also with the second application, do an MBA and apply again after that

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Nice work on the new GPA!

To increase your odds of getting an interview you need to:

1. Get as much consulting-related experience as possible (including pro bono programs)
2. Get referrals
3. Make your resume as strong as possible
4. Apply to optimal office
5. Get coaching to maximize your # of interviews and chance of pasing interviews

Here's some more reading to help: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

Good luck!

Hello,

Don't worry much about GPA at this stage - it matters much less than your work experience, and won't automatically prevent you from getting an invitation to interview. Here are some tips on what to do to maximize your chances of getting an interview (unfortunately there are no guarantees…):

• Work on improving your CV and cover letter! If you want to work with a coach to make sure they are as polished as possible, feel free to reach out - I offer resume reviews
• If the companies you are applying to recruit on-campus for your school, go to information events and network there. If not, try to network yourself: reach out to people on LinkedIn, try to schedule coffee chats, and so on.
• Try to get a referral if you can - this will significantly increase your chances of getting an interview
• Functional consulting is helpful and will look good on your resume. In general, getting consulting experience and working in strategy or consulting roles at big-name companies is always good (provided you did well and learned some useful skills there)

Best of luck!

First off, remember that everyone's journey is different, so don't be too hard on yourself for feeling "behind" in life. It sounds like you're on an upward trajectory and that's what's important.

To improve your chances of landing an interview, here are a few strategies:

1. Improve your resume and cover letter: Your GPA may not be perfect, but there are other ways to showcase your abilities. Highlight your achievements, experiences, and skills relevant to consulting in your resume and cover letter. Be sure to also emphasize your upward GPA trend in your master's program.

2. Leverage your network: You mentioned you have connections at Oliver Wyman, Strategy&, and Kearney - that's a great start! Referrals can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview, so don't hesitate to reach out to these contacts when you're ready to apply.

3. Gain relevant work experience: Your idea of gaining experience as a functional consultant at Murex is a solid plan. Such experience will not only make you a more attractive candidate but will also provide valuable insights and skills that you can bring into your consulting role.

4. Showcase your problem-solving skills: Consulting firms, especially MBB, value candidates with strong problem-solving skills. Highlight your analytical, numerical, and strategic thinking abilities in your applications and any preliminary assessments.

5. Practice case interviews: Your concern about preparing for interviews is completely valid. One way to alleviate this worry is to start preparing now. Practice as many case interviews as you can and consider getting a case interview coach to guide your preparation.

Finally, remember that the path to MBB isn't the only route to a fulfilling and successful career in consulting. There are many other reputable firms where you can develop a fruitful career.

Keep your chin up, and keep pushing forward. It's not a matter of being behind in life; it's about making the most of the opportunities that come your way from now on. You've got this!

I see a lot of candidates making the same mistake you are planning to make now. Sometimes they think that if they have more years of experience, or get a better brand on their resume, they'll be closer to getting an interview. Sometimes they make long term career plans with multiple steps on what to do before consulting.

This is a mistake. They are rejecting their own application before even submitting it.

What do you lose by applying now? Nothing. You may get an interview. You may pass the interview. Or you may get the interview and not pass - but you'll learn from the process.

Basically you are throwing away one chance of getting the job. And to be honest with you, it is easier now for you to get the interview than it is later, even if you get that job you are planning to get.

More experience tends to move you away from consulting, not closer to consulting.

So apply now, give your best shot. If you get the interview now, great. If you don't, you live to try again, and no harm done.

Apply now!