I am currently a senior at a semi-target/target (UCLA/UC Berkeley/USC) west coast university. Double major in engineering and economics with around 3.7 GPA. This full-time recruitment season has been brutal on me with 50+ applications and only 4 interviews (2 rejected at the first round, 1 rejected at the final round and 1 rejected after waitlist). At this point, I don't know if any consulting firms are hiring anymore.
How likely for people to get interviews if I try to apply next fall? Since I will be graduating in May, I won't be able to recruit with OCR which puts me at a huge disadvantage. Are there any success stories where people managed to land entry-level consulting offers after college or working for a few years and an MBA is the only option?
No, definitely not. If you’re interested in the kind of operating experience that consulting provides, go join a company in an industry you find interesting and get operating experience there
If consulting doesn't work out that is my plan.
There’s a consulting shop called Mars on the west coast, could also apply there
Already applied there, didn't get an invite to interview
Lack of success means it may not be the right fit for you. That doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish amazing things - it just might mean consulting isn’t the right place to do those things. Seriously, find some companies working on cool problems, apply there, and go build a great career there
JJ --
I'll tell you something you may not want to hear....you would be freaking perfect at an EE firm (e.g. Black and Veatch "Edge Program"). 3 years rotation, MBA exit opportunity, they have a STRONG consulting arm at the edge of technology that you could get into...and they do cool shit.
My point?
Stop worrying about Bain and start determining why you chose engineering in the first place. You want a meld of engineering, finance and consulting. Stop forcing yourself into a "bad box" and make the box fit you.
D.O.U.G
I have started applying for new grad rotational programs, I'll definitely check out Black and Veatch. Thanks!
Be on the lookout for strategy roles in tech firms. I know that Hulu recruits for strategy roles in Jan/Feb so that is one example. A decent amount of tech firms are already done recruiting but there are a lot of firms that recruit in Winter. Also, as far as I remember, Accenture recruits in Winter, so now might be a good time to network with analysts / associates at Accenture. Don't lose hope, but keep back up plans in case Accenture doesn't work out, and strategy roles in tech firms is one option.
Thank you! I thought Accenture did not recruit this year
You are recruiting in the worst job market in nearly 100 years. I am a senior (nontarget) that will end up in Corporate Strategy at an F500 & plan on re-recruiting after 1-2 years. Keep grinding, continue to add marketable skills & experience.
We are all gonna make it brahs
How did you find entry-level corporate strategy roles? I thought they were very uncommon for the undergraduate level
Try to get the best job you can before graduation. If you are still invested in consulting, after 1-2 yrs experience you can probably recruit and come in at the entry level if you want. There will be most likely pent up demand for projects once COVID is over and people are in person so that would be a good time to do so.
It's not uncommon to come in entry level even with 1-2 yrs experience so I wouldn't be too concerned about that btw as I know many college students might think its strange. It's just a bit of a different path than the standard but thats ok!
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