Chances in Consulting
Hey everyone,
I’m looking to go into management/strategy consulting in London upon graduation. I’m starting to think about where I should be applying when I finish uni or whether I should do a masters?
For context, studying BA Business + German at a Russel group London university (hint hint) I have a 6 month Internship in a top 10 tech company in Germany within corporate strategy. Fairly high grades but potentially finishing with a 2:1.
What are my chances of getting into a good consulting company? Do I need to do a masters? I’m currently looking at an MiM at LSE, LBS or INSEAD. Any help massively appreciated.
Ahoy there! Diving into the world of management/strategy consulting, especially in a vibrant market like London, is an exciting journey. Based on the treasure trove of insights from the Wall Street Oasis, let's chart your course.
Given your academic background and internship experience, you're setting sail from a promising port. Studying at a Russell Group university in London, coupled with a 6-month internship at a top tech company in Germany, positions you well on the map of potential candidates for consulting firms. Your choice of BA Business + German adds a unique flavor to your profile, showcasing not just business acumen but also cultural and linguistic skills, which are valuable in a global consulting landscape.
Now, regarding the question of pursuing a master's degree, it's a bit of a navigational decision. The insights from the WSO content suggest that while a master's, such as an MiM (Master in Management) from prestigious institutions like LSE, LBS, or INSEAD, can certainly enhance your profile, it's not an absolute necessity to break into consulting. Consulting firms are increasingly valuing diversity in backgrounds and experiences. Your internship within corporate strategy, especially at a top tech company, is a strong signal of your capabilities and alignment with the consulting world.
However, aiming for a master's degree from such renowned institutions could provide additional benefits:
Given your current standing and aspirations, your chances of breaking into a good consulting company are certainly not slim. A 2:1 from a Russell Group university, combined with your internship experience, already makes you a competitive candidate. The decision to pursue a master's should hinge on your personal career goals, your appetite for further academic pursuit, and your assessment of the potential ROI of such a degree.
In summary, while a master's degree can bolster your profile and potentially ease the path into consulting, it's not an insurmountable requirement given your current credentials. Focus on leveraging your internship experience, maintaining your grades, and preparing for the consulting recruitment process (case studies, fit interviews, etc.). Also, consider reaching out to alumni from your university who have transitioned into consulting for insights and advice.
Best of luck, and may the winds be ever in your favor as you navigate towards your consulting career!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/should-consultants-get-an-mba-8-scenarios-to-consider?customgpt=1, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Q&A: I was a consultant and interviewer at McKinsey, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Why Would Anyone Go Into Consulting?
hi there, I am an entry-level consultant at MBB London and here are my thoughts
As far as I know, masters doesn't really make much difference other than 1. "Buying" time so you have an extra year to prepare and apply 2. Getting into a "priority tier 1 target" university (according to the BCG CV criteria) such as Oxbridge and LSE
Your internship experience definitely helps but a 2:1 at a russell group (unless LSE/ Imperial) will be quite tough to get through MBB screening unless you have strong internships or leadership positions to "compensate" , with that being said tier 2 is definitely possible.
In short, I would say if you need to strengthen your CV (through better uni reputation) and time to prepare for case interviews then by all means a masters would help. If time is not a limitation of urs, applying to both FT consulting roles and masters is also an option, but please be aware of cool down periods (such as in MBB)
Hope this helps and good luck
What about a 2:1 in Imperial/LSE? Would that be possible to get through CV screening if course is good and experiences and extra curricular are decent?
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