Hello Everyone,
I have recently completed my MBA (from a non-elite European school) and have 4 years of work experience prior to the MBA. I have a strong quantitative and analytical background (Q50 and IR 8/8 in GMAT - this is just for reference) and most of my work experience is also in analytical roles (both qualitative and quantitative) in the service industry. I am finding it really hard to break into consulting in Europe
a) being a non-native speaker of European languages (I am a non-EU citizen)
b) I don't have a consulting background so the firms don't consider me for the experienced positions (at which they typically hire MBAs).
I want to know whether it is possible for me to get into consulting at this stage or not.
Thanks in advance!
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How to enter consulting post-MBA?
Overview of answers
Hi,
Based on your post, I think it is absolutely possible for you to break into consulting.
As someone said in the forum, check whether there are some legal (e.g. visa) factors that might prevent you from getting interviews with the consultancies.
Apart from this you should try to network properly, find more about the companies that interest you, possibly leveraging the network of professionals of your MBA school. In the meantime, you should keep preparing for business cases, fit interview, etc.
Don't hesitate to reach out to me to explore how to network effectively and how to become a top performer in consulting interviews.
Best,
Antonello
(edited)
Hi there,
You need to do a few things:
1) Change the target - if you are a non-EU citizen and don't speak the language, you're really not going to have any luck. This is even more true due to your less-than-ideal background. Think about it, would you hire you in these countries?
Rather, apply to countries where they can go "that makes sense". So, everywhere you have working rights, speak the language, and have work/living/education experience.
2) Build your expertise - So far, it sounds like you don't have much "communication" or project management exposure. You need to build your resume to show more client management, project management, teamwork, and leadership skills
3) Make yourself look better - Spend a lot of time/energy in getting your resume into top-shape. There's ways to take the limited ingredients you have and make a fantastic meal. I've gotten resumes that look average at best and turned them into 10/10s. Shoot me a message...happy to provide some feedback.
4) Network - Network persistently. Reach out to people on LinkedIn. Have calls and play "tag". If you're personable and come across well/prepared, you should ideally get a referral eventually :)
Good luck!
Hi there,
I do think that your education and experience are a good basis for consulting. Here are some tips:
- Find a way to sell your experience. Update your CV and Cover Letter. Consider paying for a couple of coach sessions for that (saves you time and money).
- The fact that your mother tongue is different can play into your hands. Find a firm/office where it can be useful. Turn your weaknesses into strong points.
- "The base line for rejection (for everything) is 98%"- Jordan Peterson. Don't give up.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further advice.
Best,
GB
Hey there,
Have you assessed whether any visa, language requirement and/or current COVID situation could be blocking you? With huge redundancies that have happened in EU and UK, the market is very tough at the moment.
On paper you sound like a decent fit but obvs need to have a compelling CV, cover letter and importantly a referral.
Have other options going in parallel as well and you can always switch to consulting in a few years worst case.
Hi,
Consulting background usually not required if you have MBA, you just need to past the test.
There is no reason you cannot get into consulting at this stage, you just need to polish your CV, network and prepare for the interview.
Would you consider an opportunity in your home country?
Best,
Iman
Hello!
Yes, indeed, it´s totally possible! Even if you don´t have consulting background, it does not matter.
The first thing that I would advise u is to leverage in-campus recruiting. Even if it´s not a target school, this is an easier and more direct path than applying cold-call.
Furthermore, leverage the MBA network -plenty of ex-consultants always- to get referrals, which would smoothen the path.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
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