I have a computer science background (Master of Science) with 2-5 years of experience in research and development in industry. Now I have decided to change to BCG and change to consulting.
Does this change in general make sense?
Hi,
Switching from a computer science background with some years of experience in industry to a career in consulting, such as at a firm like BCG, can certainly make sense, and it's a path that many professionals have successfully taken. However, it's important to carefully consider your motivations, skills, and the transition process to ensure a smooth and successful career change. Here are some factors to consider:
Motivation: Understand why you want to make this career change. Consulting typically involves working on a wide range of projects for various clients, solving complex business problems, and often requires extensive travel (yes, even after Covid!). Ensure that your motivations align with these aspects of the consulting role.
Transferable Skills: Your background in computer science can bring valuable skills to consulting, such as problem-solving, data analysis, and technical expertise. Highlight how these skills can benefit your potential consulting clients.
Soft Skills: Consulting also relies heavily on soft skills like communication, teamwork, and client management. Assess your current strengths and weaknesses in these areas and work on improving them if necessary.
Networking: Building a network within the consulting industry is crucial. Attend industry events, reach out to current consultants, and leverage your existing network to get insights and advice from those who have made a similar transition.
Entry Level vs. Experienced Hire: Consider whether you want to enter consulting as an entry-level associate or as an experienced hire. Your years of experience may qualify you for a more senior role, but this can vary depending on the firm and your specific skills.
Be Patient: Transitioning into consulting may take time, and you might face rejection along the way. Stay persistent and open to opportunities, even if they are not at your ideal firm initially.
Remember that a career change is a significant step, and it's important to thoroughly research, prepare, and plan for the transition. Consulting can be a rewarding and intellectually stimulating field, but it may also come with its own challenges and demands, so make sure it's the right fit for your career goals and aspirations.
Hi,
I guess the first thing you should do is define what you mean by ‘make sense’ i.e. what are your objectives and decision criteria, both in the short-mid term? Then after that it will be easier for us (and yourself) to help give a perspective.
There are many people who make the successful shift to consulting in their mid 30s, when I was at BCG, i knew people who joined after 10+ years of industry experience.
Whether it is for you would again, depend on your objectives, but I suggest the following steps to help you gain clarity:
There are plenty of articles and websites online that talk about this, but to me the best way is still to have a meaningful conversation with people. So try and network / reach out and speak to people of different profiles. That really helped me decide if I wanted to continue staying or not.
All the best!
Hi there!
There's no such thing as an objective ‘makes sense’.
It needs to make sense for you.
Think of whether you'd want to be in 10-20 years from now and whether this move is bringing you closer to that. If it does, then ‘it makes sense’, if not, then you should probably be looking at something else.
If you're asking whether something like this works, then certaintly it does.
As a next step, I'd suggest you start networking with people who made similar transitions and learn from their journey. You can use the following guide to identify these people and discuss with them:
Sharing with you another resource to understand better the consulting role and what you'd be doing on a regular basis (to figure out if you'd enjoy that):
Best,
Cristian
———————————————
Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies
Absolutely, making the transition from a computer science background with research and development experience to a consulting role, such as at BCG, can make a lot of sense. Here are a few reasons why:
Analytical Skills: Your background in computer science equips you with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Consulting often involves solving complex problems for clients, and your expertise in this area can be a valuable asset.
Data-Driven Insights: Many consulting projects require data analysis and the ability to derive insights from data. Your experience in research and development may have exposed you to data-driven decision-making, which is highly relevant in consulting.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Consulting often involves working across various industries and sectors. Your computer science background allows you to adapt to different domains quickly, making you a versatile consultant.
Innovation: Consulting firms like BCG value innovation. Your R&D experience might bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to client projects, which can set you apart.
Communication Skills: While consulting requires strong technical abilities, effective communication is equally important. Your experience in research and development may have honed your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, a crucial skill in consulting.
Problem Framing: In consulting, framing the problem correctly is half the battle. Your research experience may have given you a knack for problem identification and structuring, which are essential consulting skills.
However, it's crucial to tailor your application and interviews to highlight how your background and skills align with the consulting role. Show how your technical expertise can be applied to real-world business challenges. Network with individuals in the consulting industry to gain insights and advice on making a successful transition. With the right approach, your change to consulting can indeed make sense and be a rewarding career move. Good luck with your transition! If you have more specific questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask.
Warm regards, Frederic
The best way for anyone to answer this question and guide you in your thinking would be if you explain what you think the career switch will get you. For example, if you would like to move more towards the management side of your industry then yes absolutely it does. If on the other hand you want to try it out but go back to R&D this may not be the best path (albeit it would be a great adventure).
Hi there,
The change is technically possible (I’ve seen this plenty of times in McKinsey) but it needs to make sense to you.
I have seen many experienced hires coming from different industries not succeeding at McKinsey during their first year for considering only the good side of the change and not calibrating all the challenges.
Good side of the change
Challenges of the change
Consider talking with some current and ex consultants coming from industry positions to really understand the implications of this change.
Best,
Alberto
Hi there,
In general, when making a really important life decision, you should probably hire someone to help you - get a career coach…for even just 1 session.
We hire people to manage our finances/wealth, to provide mental wellbeing (therapy), etc. etc.
you will not make an optimal decision from a surface level Q&A.
All that said, knowing very little about you, generally, yes, this change can make sense. I know plenty of people that have pivoted successfully.
However, I know many who have pivoted and regretted it.
This is highly dependent on you!
First step: Before you decide on BCG…maybe find out if they've decided on you (i.e. apply and recruit and see if they make an offer…you can't just say “I've decided to change to BCG” when base odds of getting an offer are 5%!)
Hi there,
Q: Now I have decided to change to BCG and change to consulting. Does this change in general make sense?
Whether it makes sense depends on your goals. If you believe that consulting could help you to achieve those goals faster, it could be worth switching.
On the other hand, I would not target BCG only, but at least all MBB and Tier 2 companies to maximize your chances (assuming they all align with your goals).
In terms of tips to get an invitation, you can find some suggestions here:
▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation
Good luck!
Francesco
Expert case by
