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Hello, while making Cv's can we Mention "Co-founded a start-up" for consulting internship applications, yes or no?

CV CV screening
New answer on Feb 26, 2021
9 Answers
796 Views
Anonymous A asked on Dec 18, 2020

Hello Everyone,

While I create my CV for Consulting, I am having second thoughts on putting my Startup Counder experence (bootstrapped, very small, but legally registered and operational with growth).

Do you think it is a good idea to show the startup in the CV (market reseach, Strategy implementation, client consulting as the JD etc)

Any thoughts would be welcome on this!

Thanks

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Best answer
Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 19, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hello there!

No second thoughts, definitely YES!:)

It's a really great experience from which I'm sure you gained much experience useful in consulting like leadership, negotiations, project management skills and so on.

Do you need any further help?

GB

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Anonymous replied on Dec 19, 2020

Hi,

I don't see any reason why you cannot include that in your CV. Entrepreneurial experiences can develop the skills required in consulting - e.g. communication, analytics, project management. implementation

If no legal limitation I would suggest to include the experience and highlighting the key skills learned that are relevant for a consulting firm.

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Gabriele
Expert
replied on Dec 19, 2020
Associate at McKinsey & Company | Insead MBA

Hi!

I believe it can be a good idea, although with 3 caveats:

- The start-up "exists", in the sense that it is not just the "idea" of a start-up, but it is actually registered and operates with some kind of tangible footprint

- You don't oversell it and use appropriate wording (e.g., don't misuse the word "CEO", don't necessarily present your start-up as industry disruptor, etc.)

- You provide some reference figures on key achievements

Best regards and good luck!

Gabriele

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Dec 19, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

  1. Don't include JD in your CV. You should include Achievements
  2. Achievements for startups are: traction, raised money. Be ready to show something
  3. Make sure you have a valid argument why you are switching to consulting. If the startup is growing why would you leave? Why corporate career is better for you?

Overall startup experience as a founder is tricky and can raise some red flags. As always you should have valid arguments

Best

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 19, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

This is great! Absolutely include it.

I promise you this will be received well :)

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 18, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Yes! Why are you hesitant you to put it... its valuable experience and shows your entrepreneural skills. Just make sure no conflict of interest and that legally you can pursue that internship.

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Anonymous A on Dec 18, 2020

Thank you! Yes No conflict and Legally I can pursue. I was just hesitant to write becuase it may have seemed that this cnadidate might have other priorities or it may affect his performance(it wont from my side)? Just wanted to know if it wasnt one of those instant ding criterias! thanks a lot!

Adi on Dec 19, 2020

Perfect, so put it then. Good luck!

Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 20, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

A priori yes, 100%.

However, as always, be sure to include the impacts, your specific actions, etc.

Cheers,

Clara

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 19, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Sure, it is actually a very positive experience. It will show a lot of skills which are useful in consulting, from drive to achieve things to problem solving.

Best,

Francesco

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Raj
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 26, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

Absolutely! This is a major plus. Even better if you can quantify the impact e.g. # of clients, Sales, Profits, Team size etc

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