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Inquiry about Profile Relevance for Consulting with Regional Governments

Bain & Company BCG Client and MBB consulting MBB McKinsey & Company tier2
New answer on Dec 01, 2023
7 Answers
362 Views
Anonymous A asked on Aug 17, 2023

Dear Mentors,

I am reaching out to you as a fellow enthusiast of the consulting field and an aspiring consultant seeking guidance and insights. I have been following your impressive journey and expertise on Preplounge, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you.

I am currently exploring various paths within the consulting realm and have come across a unique experience that I would like to discuss with you. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working closely with regional governments on projects focused on social and economic development. While these engagements haven't involved the traditional strategic work often associated with MBB and other high-profile consulting firms, they have led to significant socioeconomic impacts and positive changes within the communities we've served.

My question revolves around the relevance of such a profile for a consulting career. While my experience may not align directly with the strategic projects undertaken by major consulting firms, I strongly believe that the skills I have developed, such as stakeholder engagement, project management, data analysis, and problem-solving, are transferable and valuable in a consulting context.

I am curious to know your perspective on whether a profile centered around working with regional governments and driving socioeconomic impact aligns with the expectations and criteria of consulting firms, even if it differs somewhat from the traditional strategic consulting work. I am eager to learn from your insights and gain a better understanding of how I can position myself effectively within the consulting industry given my unique background.

Your guidance and expertise would be immensely valuable to me as I navigate this pivotal juncture in my career journey. If you have the time and are open to a brief discussion or exchange of emails, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experiences and insights.

Warm regards,

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Best answer
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 01, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Agreed with the other coaches - I think you have a great profile! (From what I can see)

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Benjamin
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 18, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

Consulting is one of the few industries that really don't care too much about what you studied/background. 

As long as you are able to demonstrate you have the relevant skills and capabilities, you stand a chance of landing and interview and getting the offer. 

A background like yours is not uncommon in consulting. Where I am from, there have been many individuals who have come from a public sector background who have been placed into MBB. 

Furthermore, this potentially could be an added advantage for you if you bring public sector expertise.

So don't worry about your profile too much, and focus instead of crafting a strong application and preparing well for the interview.

All the best!

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 18, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I am curious to know your perspective on whether a profile centered around working with regional governments and driving socioeconomic impact aligns with the expectations and criteria of consulting firms.

Your profile could be totally fine, I helped several candidates with a similar background to get into MBB.

To maximize the chances of an invitation, I would recommend checking the following:

▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

Best,

Francesco

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Aug 21, 2023
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Not only your profile is adequate for consulting, in some offices they may be looking for that kind of profile. You have a differentiating factor that makes networking easier (i.e., try to find offices that value that experience - if you want to remain in that field).

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 17, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

This is a great question.

First of all, you should always pursue what you want to pursue. Not what you think you should pursue because this is what is expected of you. 

Second, what consulting firms look for in generalist consultants is skills, not knowledge. So as long as you develop consultant-like skills working in regional governments and driving socioeconomic impact then you're good to go. 

Sharing with you an article that gives you a more in-depth analysis of the management consultant job and the top skills that are required. Hope you will find it helpful:


Best,
Cristian

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Sophia
Expert
replied on Aug 27, 2023
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

Your profile is absolutely fitting for consulting firms! People come into consulting from all walks of life, including regional government and public administration.

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Andi
Expert
replied on Aug 27, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires

Hi there,

overall, your profile looks promising. Would need to see your exact work experience though to make a proper judgment. 

Feel free to share via DM then I'm happy to take a quick look.

Regards, Andi

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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