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Economic consulting experience can absolutely be seen as relevant and valuable when transitioning to management consulting full-time. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s why and how you can position yourself effectively:

1. Transferable Skills: Economic consulting involves data analysis, financial modeling, and research, which are highly transferable to management consulting. Highlight your ability to analyze large datasets, build models, and draw actionable insights—these are skills management consulting firms value.

2. Problem-Solving Experience: While the focus in economic consulting might be more quantitative and litigation-oriented, the problem-solving mindset is similar. Emphasize your experience in tackling complex problems and delivering data-driven solutions.

3. Positioning Your Experience: Management consulting firms look for candidates who can demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and client-facing skills. If your economic consulting internship involved collaboration, presenting findings, or working under tight deadlines, make sure to highlight these aspects.

4. Addressing the Skillset Gap: Since management consulting often involves broader strategic thinking and qualitative problem-solving, you’ll need to show that you’re not just a “numbers person.” Leverage your part-time consulting internship and any other experiences to demonstrate your interest and capability in strategic and qualitative work.

5. Networking and Storytelling: Firms will want to understand why you’re transitioning from economic consulting to management consulting. Be prepared to articulate a clear and compelling narrative about why management consulting aligns with your long-term goals. Networking with consultants and alumni can also help bridge the gap and provide insights into what specific firms value.

6. Recruiting Strategy: Management consulting firms often value diverse backgrounds, so your economic consulting experience can make you stand out. However, you’ll need to demonstrate a genuine interest in management consulting and tailor your application materials (resume, cover letter) to reflect this.

While the skillsets may differ, economic consulting provides a strong analytical foundation that can be leveraged effectively for management consulting roles. Focus on bridging the gap by emphasizing transferable skills, strategic thinking, and your motivation for the transition.

Sources: Economic Consulting Q&A - Past experience at major firms, Economic Consulting Q&A - Past experience at major firms, Q&A: Former MBB Consultant