Interested in management consulting with unique experience. Graduating with 3.5+ GPA, prestigious college. No interviews from top firms. Is STEM required?

Question

interested in management/strategy consulting. I have an unique mix of strategic communications, political risk, government and foreign policy, and think tank work experience, and have managed some high-impact projects and organizations. About to graduate: attended a very prestigious -- but not target -- liberal arts college majoring in humanities/social science and received a 3.5+ GPA with multiple academic fellowships and impressive research accolades.

However, I applied to most of the prominent consulting firms and did not receive a single interview. Are they simply not hiring any non-STEM, non-target students at the moment?

Answer 1

It's unlikely that consulting firms are completely avoiding non-STEM or non-target school graduates. Your background in strategic communications, political risk, government, and foreign policy is actually quite valuable for certain consulting projects. Here are some thoughts on why you might not have gotten interviews and what you can do about it:

Possible Reasons for Not Getting Interviews

Resume and Cover Letter Targeting:
- Your resume and cover letter might not effectively translate your unique skillset to the consulting world.
- Highlight experiences that showcase your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.
- Quantify your achievements to demonstrate impact.
Networking Gap:
- Consulting firms often rely heavily on networking for recruiting.
- Have you connected with alumni from your college who work in consulting?
- Did you attend industry events or participate in online communities for aspiring consultants?

Action Steps to Increase Your Chances

Tailored Resume and Cover Letter:
- Craft targeted resumes and cover letters for each firm you apply to.
- Highlight relevant experiences using strong action verbs and metrics to showcase your value.
Network Like Crazy:
- Leverage your existing network (professors, alumni) and online platforms (LinkedIn).
- Connect with consultants to gain insider perspectives.
Target the Right Firms:
- Research boutique and mid-sized consulting firms specializing in government, public policy, or international affairs.
- These firms might be a better fit for your background than traditional MBB firms.
Informational Interviews:
- Reach out to consultants for informational interviews.
- This is a great way to learn more about the industry, showcase your genuine interest, and potentially get your foot in the door.
Case Interview Prep:
- Even for non-traditional firms, case interview skills are valuable.
- Practice case interview questions using online resources or mock interview sessions.

Your Background is an Asset

Don't be discouraged! Your unique background in strategic communications, political risk, and government experience is valuable for consulting firms dealing with complex projects that require a nuanced understanding of these areas.

Focus on effectively communicating your skills and target the right firms, and you'll increase your chances of landing those consulting interviews!

Answer 2

Hard to tell without knowing your situation in more detail.

Basically, it all depends on this

1. Your CV >>> severely underestimated; get some professional eyes on it

2. Your CL >>> same as for the CV

3. Whether you have a referral

Here's two links on how to get them:

4. Whether you're applying to the right firm, right role at the right time. >>> This you can figure out through a convo with the recruiter.

These 4 things are everything that you can control for.

Whether they are recruiting less this year than last year is unfortunately something you can't change much about.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Hi Lakshay, your information in this question is conflicting with your other questions

Can you please clarify which one is true?

Answer 4

STEM is not required, although a STEM degree can be helpful in its own way.

Firms are not looking out for a particular background, but rather the demonstration of specific traits and capabilities.

If you have come from a liberal arts background (like myself), you can still break into consulting.

I cover this exact topic in my article:

Breaking into consulting with a liberal arts background

All the best!

Answer 5

Can you please clarify why you are posting multiple questions as if you were multiple people? You have posted multiple questions portraying very different scenarios and profiles.