Aug 23, 2011

Best second major in case I don't land a full time offer.

737 WSO Academy Consulting Session Reviews: 4.85/5

Royal Holloway, University of London

Class of '26 Oct 2026 Cohort

4.85/5

Management Consulting Career Roadmap (optional)

“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it. André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me. One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it. A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage. The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing. Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting. I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans. Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”

Class of '27 Apr 2026 Cohort

4.78/5

Management Consulting Mock Interview

“Ashley’s industry expertise and depth of knowledge in product strategy are immediately clear. In every session, she breaks down complex management frameworks into easily digestible insights. Her communication style is direct, clear, and empathetic. Rather than giving vague or generic career advice, she provides highly actionable takeaways—including specific templates for stakeholder communications, prioritization frameworks, and real-world examples from her own leadership background that I was able to implement directly into my team's workflow the very next day. Furthermore, her kind, patient, and approachable demeanor made it extremely comfortable to discuss tough workplace scenarios and honest skill gaps without fear of judgment.”

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10 Comments

shorttheworld

15y

why not do an MSF instead if youre gonna be doing another year and are at a non target? if youre finding your branding and opportunities to be an issue

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Authored by: Certified Asset Management Professional - TraderCertified Asset Management Pro

Aegislash

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shorttheworld

15y

if you dont think youll get into a solid decent MSF program then why do you think youd be able to land a top job? and yeah youre gonna have to study then obviously.

you seem like youre trying to do this the cheapest way possible but in the end youre just gonna end up in the same position and have wasted time. pay up if you want the opportunity.

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Aegislash

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shorttheworld

15y

okay ill concur on some things but still you arent getting at the main base -- youre at a nontarget and most likely if you cant get a job, its because youre at a non target, yes? so... why would remaining in a non target give you any difference of position in a year?

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Authored by: Certified Asset Management Professional - TraderCertified Asset Management Pro

shorttheworld

15y

and then you also dont have to get into MIT or princeton MSF, you can do well at vandy nova etc something ike that

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Authored by: Certified Asset Management Professional - TraderCertified Asset Management Pro

shorttheworld

15y

isnt your school known to be very quant oriented with an uber strong comp sci program?

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Authored by: Certified Asset Management Professional - TraderCertified Asset Management Pro

shorttheworld

15y

and also what do you want to do after?

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Authored by: Certified Asset Management Professional - TraderCertified Asset Management Pro

financialmanagement786

15y

Best Response

MSF programs are NOT as competitive as undergrad schools. The problem with most MSF is NOT academic but Financial as they are very expensive. I say retake your GMAT, get 650+ score, along with 3.5 GPA should be able to get admission rom Top-10. Also try to clear CFA level 1.

I dont think , it is worthwhile to stay in undergrad an extra year to get a double degree. Life is NOT about collecting a bunch of certificates. Also if you go to a top-10 MSF program you will get better opportunity to network.

Also 3.5 GPA is a ok GPA for MSF, if you make rest of your application strong you hold a decent shot at TOP-10.

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BearMarket

15y

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Authored by: Certified Consulting Professional - Senior ConsultantCertified Consulting Pro

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Best second major in case I don't land a full time offer.

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Best second major in case I don't land a full time offer.

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