Direct job entry in consulting or Engineer work first

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consulting Engineering

New answer on Jul 19, 2023

5 Answers

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Peter asked on Jul 17, 2023

Hello every one,

i am doing masters in mechanical engineering (production engineering) and going to write my master thesis in near future.

i have a 3,5 gpa (not target uni) and did several internships.

Currently, i am working as working student in Siemens Energy. I got an offer to write the thesis there and start as fulltime engineer after doing the thesis.

Also i got an offer to do an internship and write my matsers thesis at Deloitte.

My goal is to work as a consultant at tier2 in the future.

I am not sure which step is the better one. Should i work as an enginner for 1-2 years fulltime and than switch to consulting or direct job entry in consulting. I would appreicate if you can gibve me an advice.

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Answer 1

Best answer

Emily

Expert

replied on Jul 17, 2023

300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks

It's great to hear that you have multiple opportunities for your master's thesis and potential career paths ahead. Deciding between working as an engineer at Siemens Energy and pursuing an internship at Deloitte, both options have their advantages and considerations. Here are a few points to help you make an informed decision:

Industry experience: Working as a full-time engineer at Siemens Energy can provide you with valuable industry experience and a deeper understanding of engineering principles and practices. This experience can be beneficial if you plan to specialize in consulting for the energy or manufacturing sectors.

Consulting exposure: On the other hand, an internship at Deloitte offers you an opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to the consulting industry. It can provide you with insights into client engagements, project management, and problem-solving methodologies, which are essential skills for a career in consulting.

Network and connections: Consider the networking opportunities available in each option. Working as an engineer at Siemens Energy allows you to build relationships within the industry, while an internship at Deloitte can connect you with professionals in the consulting field. Evaluate which network aligns more closely with your future career goals.

Timing and transition: Reflect on your long-term goals and preferred career trajectory. If you aspire to work as a consultant in the future, starting your career in consulting directly after your master's thesis may streamline your path and provide early exposure to the consulting industry. However, gaining engineering experience before transitioning into consulting can bring a unique perspective and skill set to your consulting work.

Personal preferences: Consider your personal interests, strengths, and preferences. Reflect on the type of work environment, projects, and challenges that resonate with you. Choose the option that aligns with your passion and allows you to leverage your skills effectively.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual career aspirations and the trade-offs you are willing to make. It may be helpful to engage in informational interviews or seek advice from professionals working in consulting or engineering to gain further insights. Additionally, considering the growth prospects, learning opportunities, and career development offered by each option can help you make an informed choice.

Remember that career paths are rarely linear, and both options can contribute to your overall professional growth. Stay open to new opportunities and continue to develop your skills and network, as these will be valuable assets throughout your career.

Best of luck with your decision-making process and your future endeavors!

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Peter on Jul 17, 2023

Thank you very much

Answer 2

Cristian

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Jul 17, 2023

#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi Peter,

If your end objective is to be a consultant and you have an opportunity to work in consulting already, then go for it.

Realistically, even for somebody with a technical background, as you become more senior in consulting your role will be less and less technical and more about client acquisition and servicing. So starting within your target industry earlier makes a lot of sense.

Sharing here a couple of guides to help you make the most of your start in consulting:

Best,
Cristian

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Peter on Jul 17, 2023

Thank you very much

Answer 3

Ian

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Jul 17, 2023

Hi there,

Why dance around your dream? Why go to x, and then y, if you ultimately want to do y?

Recruit for consulting now. Go direct. If you don't get it, then ok, sure, be an engineer and find your way back to consulting.

However, engineering is very much a step back that will possibly even make it harder to get into consulting later. Hard to just simply switch here. Get networking + applying + interviewing now for consulting! If it doesn't work, engineer.

Here's some reading to help you there (full time recruiting uses same principles as internship):

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

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Peter on Jul 17, 2023

Thank you very much

Answer 4

Francesco

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Content Creator

replied on Jul 18, 2023

#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Peter,

Congratulations on the offers. In terms of your question:

Q: Should I work as an engineer for 1-2 years full-time and then switch to consulting or direct job entry in consulting?

If your goal is consulting long-term, I would join consulting now. That would align you with your desired career path for the future.

Besides the Deloitte option, I would also consider applying now to the Tier 2 interesting to you. Given you are from a nontarget I would recommend looking for a referral. You can find some tips for that below:

▶ How to Get a Referral for Your Consulting Application

Good luck!

Francesco

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Peter on Jul 18, 2023

Thank you

Answer 5

Agrim

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Jul 19, 2023

BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

A short stint as an engineer is not really going to ad much value into your career path ambition of being a consultant. That would happen if you do a very specific engineering job for 4-6 years and then join consulting as an expert consultant. Hence, given your current parameters - it makes more sense to join consulting straightaway and start climbing the ladder early on.

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Direct job entry in consulting or Engineer work first

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