Business major from non-target with startups but no internships into consulting?

Breaking into consulting from a non-target school with entrepreneurial experience is challenging but absolutely doable. Here's a breakdown of actionable advice based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Best Approach to Break into Consulting with Your Background

• Leverage Your Entrepreneurial Experience: Highlight the transferable skills you've gained, such as leadership, problem-solving, and project management. Consulting firms value these skills, especially when tied to measurable outcomes (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, or team achievements).
• Build a Strong Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize consulting-relevant skills. Use metrics to quantify your impact (e.g., "Led a team of 5 to launch a startup, achieving $X in revenue within Y months").
• Case Interview Prep: Start preparing for case interviews early. Use resources like Case in Point and Victor Cheng's Case Interview Secrets. Practice with peers or mentors to refine your approach.

2. How to Position Entrepreneurial Experience as Equivalent to Internships

• Frame It as Real-World Experience: Emphasize that your startups provided hands-on exposure to business challenges, akin to consulting projects. For example, managing teams, solving operational issues, and driving growth are directly relevant to consulting.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Highlight specific examples where you identified and solved complex problems, as this mirrors the consulting process.
• Use Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives around your entrepreneurial journey. For instance, discuss how you identified market gaps, developed solutions, and executed strategies.

3. Should You Target Boutique Firms or Larger Companies?

• Start with Boutique Firms: Boutique consulting firms are often more open to non-traditional candidates and provide excellent experience. They can serve as a stepping stone to larger firms later.
• Don’t Rule Out Larger Firms: While MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) may be tougher to crack, Big 4 consulting (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and other mid-tier firms are viable options. Networking and a strong application can help you stand out.

4. Networking Strategies Without Target School Connections

• Cold Outreach: Use LinkedIn and your school’s alumni database to connect with consultants. Personalize your messages, mentioning shared interests or specific reasons for reaching out.
• Leverage Your Network: Tap into friends, family, professors, and anyone with ties to consulting. Even indirect connections can lead to valuable introductions.
• Attend Events: Look for consulting-related webinars, career fairs, or networking events. These are great opportunities to meet professionals and learn about firms.
• Be Persistent: As a non-target applicant, you’ll need to send more emails and make more calls than target school candidates. Stay consistent and follow up politely.

What Would I Do in Your Position?

• Cast a Wide Net: Apply to both large and boutique firms. Boutique firms may appreciate your entrepreneurial background more, but larger firms offer structured training and resources.
• Upskill Strategically: Consider taking online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy) in business analytics, strategy, or data visualization to bolster your technical skills.
• Network Aggressively: Aim to set up informational interviews with consultants. Use these conversations to learn about their work and subtly pitch your unique background.
• Prepare for the Long Game: If you don’t land a consulting role immediately, consider roles in strategy, operations, or business development at startups or corporates. These can serve as a springboard into consulting later.

Your entrepreneurial experience is a unique asset. Position it as a strength, and with persistence and preparation, you can break into consulting. Good luck!

Sources: Non-target to non-MBB consulting -Q&A, Q&A: Nontarget school->Big 4 Consulting/M&A-> VP of Strategy at Series B startup., What to do as a rising senior at a non-target with no IB experience, Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, From weighing 280 pounds and a 2.5 GPA at a Non-Target, to 200 pounds and an Interview with McKinsey