Transitioning to Management Consulting
I'm trying to get into strategy consulting at a top firm. I'm really looking for feedback in regards to my plan. I understand this might seem lofty to many and my success will depend greatly on my intrinsic abilities and dedication from here. However, it's something I want to aim for.
My goal: To get hired as an Associate Strategy Consultant at a bigger firm for broader experience, such as: McKinsey, Bain, KPMG, Accenture.
Background:
UG: Texas at Dallas - Marketing 3.4
Location: NYC
Career: Marketing Coordinator (mid-market media company) to Marketing Automation Manager (small software company). Currently, interviewing for a pre-sales consultant at a Forbes 100 tech firm.
Age: 27
Plan:
Taking GMAT Manhattan Class, plan on applying to schools next year 2016 for 2017 entry. Taking classes for alternative transcript (3.4 UG gpa)
Target schools: Northwestern, Columbia, NYU, Cornell, Michigan, Virgina.
Lingering Questions:
Is this a good plan to get into strategy consulting at a top firm? Any holes?
What can I do now to align myself for b school admissions and a strategy consulting role after b school?
If offered, should I take the pre-sales consulting role at the much bigger company with more pay? (This would give me a year until applying for schools at the job.)
What other schools should I target/avoid?
I really appreciate any feedback or expertise. Thank you!
B-school really is your only option at this point, so that part of the plan is well thought out. I would definitely take the job at the larger tech company, but only for a yearish so you don't get branded as "too old" (that will be your 6th year of experience, correct?). As far as your school choice, I really don't know. Unfortunately, nothing about your profile jumps off the page as being stellar. Rock the GMAT and apply to schools in the t10-t15. That should give you a shot at most of the top consulting firms.
With internships, I'm not sure. I only have 3 years experience in full time marketing roles. I didn't go to UG right after high school.
I'll apply for b school at 28. Any older would be a concern for schools or firms?
Your age isn't going to be a concern at the firms, it's going to be a concern for the B-schools. That said, the AVERAGE is 27-28, so there's obviously people older than that who get in. That wouldn't worry me. If you can get into the MBA program, you have a shot the firms.
I'd be more worried about your industry knowledge. Listing those 4 firms together concerns me, they aren't even close to a peer set. Your ability to get into a quality MBA program is going to hinge a lot on whether admissions thinks you have a good plan and are employable; saying "Associate Strategy Consultant" and then listing those firms is not going to inspire confidence.
Thanks, I do agree I need to learn more before essays and what follows. Is there a specific post or resource you would recommend I read to narrow my focus?
Alex Chu's book is a very good place to start:
http://www.mbaapply.com/book.htm
There's plenty of great online resources. This forum and the consulting reddit would be my first two stops
Thanks, I'll check those out.
As for schools -- it seems like the school and gmat score will matter more than anything at this point -- how do the various schools on my list place at the elite firms (BCG, Bain, McKinsey)?
I've heard great things about Northwestern, but otherwise about Cornell Johnson.
Vero quo eveniet atque enim. Esse aut soluta neque.
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