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Engineering graduate moving into consulting

abu dhabi Fresh Graduate MBB
New answer on Jul 20, 2020
6 Answers
1.6 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 15, 2020

Hello ,

I'm a fresh graduate with a BEng in mech engineering and no prior work experience . What are some career options for me to get into consulting at an MBB firm? What are some alternatives to an expensive MBA at a highly ranked university ?

(edited)

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Clara
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replied on Jul 15, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

You have two different paths:

  • Applying directly for entry level (e.g., BA, etc.): for which we would need to know more details about your uni, grades, extra curricular activities, etc.
  • Starting your carreer somewhere else and applying later:
    • As industry expert: for which you would need to spend some relevant years in the industry and then find the right match.
    • As MBA recruit: as you said, bset from a top school to max. chances.

Best,

Clara

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Francesco
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replied on Jul 15, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Well, to start with you can apply now, assuming you have good GPA, target school, relevant internships/extracurricular experiences and ideally a referral.

If for whatever reason you don’t want to apply now, the best alternatives to land invitations without an MBA are:

  • 2nd-tier consulting companies
  • Strategy roles in top brands

Best,

Francesco

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Julie
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replied on Jul 15, 2020
McK interviewer, Ph.D (advanced degree) | Experienced coach (150+) | Practical tips, confidence-based approach

Hi,

The answer to this question will depend on quite a lot of factors. For instance: is your university a target school, do you have significant leadership / entrepreneurship experience outside of academia ? Depending on your profile, you may need to add experiences to showcase more skills looked for by MBBs.

Typically, doing internships in strategy / consulting / top companies (Google, Amazon, etc), launching companies or demonstrating entrepreneurship / leadership drive, can help make your resume look more attractive.

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Anonymous replied on Jul 15, 2020

Dear A,

My cogratulations to your graduation. As regarding for the next steps, first you need to get some career experience (whether this engineering company, ideally with some project management work, or bank or any other sector), you need to show some career traction or profile, and afterwards you may apply to consulting.

If you need any support in order to get the first job or guidance on how to get into consulting, reach out to me, since I have already helped several dozens of people in the Middle East to get their jobs, in particular in UAE and Suadi Arabia.

Best,

André

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Robert
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replied on Jul 15, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

The safest bet is always networking your way into MBB, especially in current times.

Assuming your background and credentials are ok, always good to participate in events where you can get in touch with MBB consultants and start your networking from there.

MBA ... possible but not the most efficient way and won't guarantee anything either!

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

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Ian
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replied on Jul 20, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

You can do all of the below (non of them off-set/counteract the other):

  • Apply now and try your luck (then apply 2 years later with more experience)
  • Do a 1-year MBA...much cheaper
  • Get a job in a related field and progress/advance your career...get more responsibility, roles, promotions, etc.
  • Attend a business academy over the course of a few weeks/months to acquire the necessary business skills and a valuable accreditation (PM me if you'd like to hear some good options)
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Clara gave the best answer

Clara

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