GE FMP to Consulting
Lets say I am in GE's FMP program and complete 1 year. Is it realistic to go over to mgmt consulting after this, even if it means entering as a 1yr analyst?
The work I am doing is mind numbing and it is not challenging at all. If I am going to put in crazy hours, I rather be working on something challenging and possibly be getting a bonus for it.
I am from a top 25 public school, and consulting firms do not recruit there even with it being so close to NY and BOS. So I went the GE path.
Also, double major in engineering/business with a 3.7. Any comments? Recommended firms in the northeast?





GE has one of the best
GE has one of the best training programs. I would say that the exit opportunities are excellent.
uconn
uconn
GE's FMP program is
GE's FMP program is prestigious, alot of senior GE execs went through and onto Corporate Audit Staff (CAS). You can do that and try and be an executive (Bob Nardelli, Jim McNerney, Jeff Immelt)or you can finish those two years and get into a top 5 MBA program to get into consulting. I think there's a lot of value in finishing the program. It is hard to lateral unless you know people in places or can network your way.
I agree with alot of the
I agree with alot of the above statements, FMP is generally well regarded in corporate circles. However, FMP is a heavy corporate finance and GE-culture oriented program, so be prepared to look for the most relevant rotations (ie FP&A over cash accounting) etc. Since you are only doing 6 month rotations, a lot of FMP work is project-based, though a significant period of time is spent supporting the day-to-day operations. Hours at FMP are not bad by any means, never really seen people work over 50 hours other than during earnings seasons.
Exit ops from FMP after the two years are primarily in GE, though it is possible to lateral to other fields IF you have connections. MM IB is possible, heard of it happening. Keep in mind GE is not b-school friendly, so keep MBA aspirations on the downlow if you are in FMP.
FMP straight to M/B/B is not very likely, you don't really fit in with any of the hiring points (too experienced for analyst, not experienced enough for associate.)
Your best bet is probably to finish FMP, do a rotation with a different business unit off-program or work another year or two in another company/function, then apply for b-school and transition to M/B/B from there.
I definitely do not want to
I definitely do not want to go the GE-lifer route. There is just too much brain washing and falling into line with what the higher ups think.
I have thought about switching functions after the 2 yrs, but its going to be a highly depressive struggle to get through the next year.
Do you think it looks much
Do you think it looks much worse to have only 1 year on the resume rather than two years?
i applied to the fmp
i applied to the fmp program, was pretty excited about the opportunity at the time. Didnt get the offer, but was worried about the same thing. IT doesnt seem ike they encoruage going back to get an MBA. Still I think it would have been interesting.
You really aren't enjoiyng it?
Two years go by faster than
Two years go by faster than you think, especially when you rotate every 6 months. Think about, it's literally half as long as college and each rotation is a bit longer than a semester.
I don't think 1 or 2 years really makes a significant difference if you have a reasonable move afterwards.
I work with FMPs a lot.
I work with FMPs a lot. While I don't personally find the work very exciting/challenging, I think if you can get out after your two years, there a lot of GE alum people that are willing to help if you reach out to them.
I know what you mean about the GE lifers though, both of my bosses have been there for 20+ years, can you fucking imagine being there since age 21. I'd go crazy.
Does anyone know how the FMP program places for top b-schools?
Stick with it
I graduated from FMP with the Plastics business two years ago and went straight to Corporate Audit Staff...CAS is tough, not for the work, but for the lifestyle (3 am, demanding, no respect as an associate, etc.) I only stuck with it for a year and then left for MM IB, directly into an Associate role, which was fairly easy to get with the GE experience. I actually got solid interviews with most of the BB, MM, and top tier consulting firms with GE on the resume - Deloitte, especially, LOVES GE (ex-GE are "fast tracked" there, and anyone internally who recruits a GE FMP gets twice the referral bonus as any other recruit).
I'd suggest that you stick with it - and try to get as much FP&A experience as you can - it puts you leaps and bounds above anyone else you start with at a new job because you actually KNOW the financials because you have constructed and analyzed them, unlike straight IB'ers, who know the motions but may not understand all of the dynamics just because they haven't been exposed to them.
Email if you'd like to chat about your options - happy to help as I can.
Below is why I wanted the
See next post.
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