Good short-term additions to CV

Question

Hi consultants,

I've average grades. What would be good additional courses, certificates or other things that I could add to my CV within 8 weeks to make it stronger?

I'm currently doing a Lean Six Sigma Certificate and will do the TOEFL next week. Do you know of any relatively quick additions that would provide additional value?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi there,

I agree with Francesco...it concerns me a bit that you're looking for these "quick wins". Careers take years to build, not weeks.

That being said, anything in data analytics is the most powerful additional in my mind. I can't tell you how many recruiters want/need data capabilities.

So, this could be anything regarding:

R
Python
Tableau
Alteryx
Data Analytics Certs
SQL

Answer 2

Hi,

The typical things that can mitigate average grades are:

Good GMAT, SAT score or other similar standardize test
CFA

It might be difficult to do in 8 weeks but maybe you want to try to:

Include quantitative courses / classed that you got a top grade - i.e. A/A+
Experience with quantitative piece of work - e.g. financial model, valuation, statistical market analysis

Hope it helps :)

Answer 3

Hi there,

It’s quite challenging to add something outstanding in just 8 weeks. Plus it is difficult to answer without knowing what you already have in your CV. I would say your best bets are:

GMAT. You would need a high score (>730) and probably work on it full-time for the whole 8 weeks to maximize your chances to do well. This could also be useful for B-school applications if you are interested to do that in the future
Top Universities online courses. This could be a hack to add a top brand in your CV quickly
Workshop/Events of top consulting firms. May not be available in your particular case, but they are also a way to add a relevant brand to the CV and show commitment to consulting

Best,

Francesco

Answer 4

Hi Anonymous,

Without a complete picture of your CV and your amibition (like which role you are looking for in consulting), it's impossible to give sound advice.

While the six sigma and TOEFL won't hurt, they won't really help either on that theoretical basis (unless you are looking for a role with those requirements).

Given the time constraint you mention I can mainly think of data analytics skills (Excel 'for consultants', Tableau, Alteryx, etc.).

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

Robert

Answer 5

You can do GMAT, but unless you will use it for a BSchool applications, it's a bit of a waste of time. I'd rather recommend any online courses on digital technologies, data science, machine learning and the like. Coursera has a great offering and so do many top universities.

Answer 6

Hi A,

8 weeks is a short time, nevertheless, you have some opportunities to strengthen your CV.

TOEFL may not be a considerable upgrade of your CV but one of the following things should be.

Among such are:

GMAT. Prepare to work hard because you need a good score.
Online-courses (Search for tech courses, data science courses, machine learning, etc.)
Look for some online/offline events organized by tier 1 consulting companies.

Was this helpful?

GB

Answer 7

Unfortunately average grades are dififcult to compensate with short-term additions. For example, I struggle to justify why TOEFL, 'supposed' programming language competency or a certificate makes you a competitive candidate to your classmate who has stronger grades. Instead of focusing on quick wins, I would focus on gaining meaingful work experience, extra-curricular, improving your grades, etc. which will help your longer term career.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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