On-campus recruiting for one-year MSc in Strategic Management programs in Europe - candidate with a non-traditional background

Question

Hi!

I have some questions about on-campus recruiting for the MSc in Strategic Management at HEC Paris and elsewhere.

First, some context - I'm a senior year student about to start a consulting role at a Big Four (not strategy arm) in SE Asia. I'm eyeing one-year master's programs in Europe like the MSc in Strategic Management at HEC Paris and Essec, intending to switch geography to either Dubai or Singapore and pivot to strategy consulting (MBB, T2, B4 strategy arm).

However, I notice that on-campus recruiting is usually around September, which would mean I'll be applying to positions less than one month into the master's program. My undergrad is super non-traditional - it's in filmmaking with a low GPA. I can't get into programs in the UK due to my GPA being below the requirements, and I can only speak my native language and English. To make the student loans viable, I will need to have a fair chance at landing a job abroad, hence Dubai and Singapore. Big Four consulting in my country pays 1/6 the US salary.

Some questions:

I intend to use the master's degree to fix my low GPA and non-business background, would applying just one month into the program kill my chances?
Is on-campus recruiting different for MSc in Strategic Management? I see more than half the class going into consulting, and I wonder how they do it.
I will have one year of experience in non-strategy consulting pre-masters but bad educational background - is it possible to switch through the program? Should I go for the two-year Masters in Management, with the summer internship/gap year, instead? (I don't want to go this route if possible; I'll already be 24 at the start of my first job post-undergrad)

I recognize that getting into schools like HEC Paris will be difficult with a low GPA; however, I have an above-average GMAT from my mocks, and my ECs and WEs during undergrad are solid. I want to consider if this path is viable before worrying about getting accepted.

Many thanks in advance!

Answer 1

To your questions:

Don't worry too much about the timing of the recruiting. There is for sure a reason why the university has the hiring in September, as all student will have the same issues, such as not being ready for interviews yet. (e.g. Maybe it is rather the students from the previous year who just finished their program and are ready for their internship?)
In Europe, Students coming out from an MSc in Strategic Management are the typical profile who go into Consulting. The course prepares you better and offers more networking opportunities. Also, Consulting companies know that these programs are good and keep them in higher consideration when it comes to recruiting. Of course you must keep your feet on the ground: there are thousands of graduates every year and not all of them go to MBB. But being in the preferred pool helps. (e.g. maybe you will get an offer from some boutique consulting that you otherwise would have had no chance to get to know!)
Going for the two-year Masters in Management is not a bad idea if your profile is a bit “exotic”: you will just have more time to fill the gaps in your business knowledge and recruiting for internship is usually a bit less ambitious than directly for a full time position. In addition, you may use the time to learn a European language, in case you see yourself staying in Europe in the long term. Do not under estimate the “local languages” topic: in most of EU countries you must speak the local language to end up an interview in consulting. With English only, you might want to prioritise the UK or very international cities such as Amsterdam or Berlin.

Answer 2

Hey,

Here is my view, as someone who studied in France, got recruited in Paris and in Dubai:

As Sara said, don't worry it will be the same for everyone. Campus event however were later than September (typically October, early November), and the recruitment process for last-year graduates spreads from November to February I would say. This gives you still enough time to prepare for interviews once you start your Master. Regarding your GPA, I don't think it matters that much if you apply in France / Dubai, I wasn't asked for mine when I was recruited.
Note that in France a MSc is not worth the same as the Grande Ecole diploma (this is for students who did preparatory classes and went through the national exams to get accepted in HEC, ESSEC, etc.). MSc are typically not screened by consulting firms in Paris (unless huge recruitment needs, or specific talent e.g., language) and they focus on students that when through preparatory classes. I know that you plan to apply in Dubai / Singapore but bear in mind that usually they ask for French consultants to support on-campus recruiting, and screening CVs, so they will probably have the bias I mentioned earlier. (Maybe you will have more chance applying online and getting your application reviewed by HR)
Not sure what you mean by switch through the program. a 2-year program could be a good way to strengthen your CV and add a good experience there, and don't worry too much about your age. Most French starts their consulting job at 24/25 (2 or 3 years of preparatory classes, 3 years of Master in a Grande Ecole, plus a gap year) - age is just a number and all relative!

Answer 3

Hi there,

I'm honestly highly confused by your Q&A. I don't understand why you're looking to jump into a master's when you haven't even started your role at the Big4 firm. Big 4 as a first job is fantastic for your resume!

Honestly, I don't agree with your logic and think 1) You're thinking through this problem improperly and 2) Asking completely the wrong questions.

From what I understand of your situation (caveat: understanding is limited), you should not be applying to any program right now.

Don't go into more debt when you can get 3-4 years experience at this big 4 firm, get promoted, “erase” the GPA through this job, AND get paid a bunch of $ AND get them to pay for your MBA. Patience…

Answer 4

Dear candidate,

great thoughts. The work experience at a big four company will likely count much more than doing a prestigious master right now. Try to work there for long enough a time, then rather aim to do a top MBA and go into strategy consulting later. That is of course, if you are ok to put in some years. But this process would much up your chances and you would not have to take on debt right now.

Best regards

Answer 5

Hi there,

1. I intend to use the master's degree to fix my low GPA and non-business background, would applying just one month into the program kill my chances?

No. But you won’t be able to compensate for the previous GPA for obvious reasons. If your current GPA is low, you could avoid to report any GPA and try to improve your CV based on the brand name of the new school plus any extra activities you could do between now and the time of the application.

2. Is on-campus recruiting different for MSc in Strategic Management? I see more than half the class going into consulting, and I wonder how they do it.

They likely have preferential channels given the track record you mentioned.

3. I will have one year of experience in non-strategy consulting pre-masters but bad educational background - is it possible to switch through the program? Should I go for the two-year Masters in Management, with the summer internship/gap year, instead? (I don't want to go this route if possible; I'll already be 24 at the start of my first job post-undergrad)

Whether you can switch is something you should verify with the school career service. Having a 2-year master can double the opportunities to land into consulting (one for summer internship, one for full time). From that point of view could be helpful, although you should weigh if it is worth the extra money and time.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 6

1. They will weight more your acceptance into the Masters (and GMAT) than your prior GPA, particularly given the field of study. If a target school thought your previous background was good, they tend to trust that decision (although not blindly).
2. This means the school is a target school for the recruiting firms - and probably students do some self selection (people who want to go to consulting chose that school) and also practice hard in order to pass the case interviews