You don't need to have a stellar CV, but you need to have at least 1 thing that states that you are outstanding. It is not clear to me that you have that currently.

It is also worrying that you are studying aerospace engineering at 31 years old and decide that what you want to do is to go to business / consulting instead. 

So, looking into your CV, even before they question your potential to be a strong consultant, they will be questioning your interest in business at all…

In all honesty, I think you are approaching this wrong. You have 0 connection to business and to consulting, and decided at 31y.o. that you want to get into a very specific company / group of companies… where most people stay 2 years or less. What you should be doing was to figure out what is your long term goal and how to maximize your chances to get there, irrespectively of getting into MBB or not.

Anyway, here's one path: get into a (strategy) consulting boutique that specialized into a field where you can add relevant value. Become really great at it, and try to move to MBB a few years down the road.

Hi there,

Q: What can I do with a profile like mine, to get into MBB as a consultant?

With the profile you described, I would recommend the following:

1. Try to do an internship in consulting during your master (even a boutique would be fine)
2. Craft the best possible CV/Cover
3. Find a referral and apply to consulting firms after graduation
4. If nothing works, look for a job in strategy, wait until the end of the ban period
5. Update your CV to reflect the activities you have done in the meantime
6. Find a referral for your application and apply again
7. If nothing works, enroll in a top MBA, apply again after that

In this way you can structure 3 attempts to get into consulting.

Good luck! 

Francesco

In addition to what has been said, I would advise to try and get into recruiting events at some of the consulting companies you have an eye on. It will help you with the application for your full-time position later and you have the chance to get to know them.

Hi there, 

Your CV is not trash, you thinking it is makes it so. You're limiting your own potential by approaching the process this way. 

What you need is the following:

1. Learn about the industry and what it means to be a consultant. This will give you a clearer target as to how to develop the skills that are sought in this area. Here are a couple of articles to help you with that:

• What Do Management Consultants Do? 
• How to Survive Your First Year as a Management Consultant
• The Truth About Consulting Work Hours: What You Need to Know

2. Get expert support. Even if it's for one session, speak with a coach to understand how to adjust your story so it becomes more attractive to employers. Work with them on your CV and regardless of your experiences, a great coach will make it good enough to put you within the top 10% of candidates. You can do that by putting less emphasis on grades, and more emphasis on other areas where you spiked in your life. 

3. Work your way up. If your profile is not typical for MBB, then make sure you apply to also Tier 2 and 3 firms. Start in the industry and move up a tier within 2-3 years, then another tier in 2-3 years. I know several people who have done that. It totally works. 

Reach out and I'm happy to walk you in detail through the approach. All of this is totally doable. It's more about you getting into action mode. 

Best!
Cristian

Ok, let's get away from these generic answers.

1. Realize this is a long game - You probably can't get in right now. Create a 5 year plan. I didn't get in at 21 out of college. I did get in at 27 out of bschool
2. Talk to people - the best way to overcome a bad resume is to network. If you have what it takes, show people! Get on the phone and on meetups…if you are made for MBB then they'll see this and get you in
3. Re-assess - WHY is this a dream? You're actively studyng aerospace but want consulting? Do you know how hard/rough/stressful the job is? Are you sure you want this?

Hi there,

adding on a few thoughts to 

1. Play the right angle: suggest you leverage your Digital-focused skills and apply for corresponding consulting roles. These also happen to be high in demand at the moment across the major players. 
2. Take it step-by-step: MBB is a longshot without strong academics and/or relevant prior work experience. In such case it can make sense to enter the industry via boutique firms / tier 2/3s, make a name for yourself and climb the ladder towards MBB. I know of quite a few examples, where this approach eventually yielded MBB roles for comparable profiles.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more about how to best position your profile and get your application materials in shape.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi