Industry To Consulting OR The Other Way Around

Currently pursuing my final year of college in SE Asia.

I was thinking whether I should look to join a 100 billion dollar conglomerate as management trainee, learn the ropes, become a specialist in an area/sector (they have companies right across the board) and then move to consulting post business school.

I do have a solid resume to get me into an MBA business schools">M7 school (hopefully) .

Or should I look to join a consulting firm right out out of college. Would it put me in a 'jack of all trades-master of none' kinda space or could I specialize in a certain sector when I am consultant too?

Anyways, what I felt was having some industry experience could give you some credibility as a consultant.

Need the views of the forum members.

Thanks in advance.

6 Comments
 

*when I am a consultant too.

An extract from an article on The Economist I came across through this forum and one of the bases for my question.

"Clients are increasingly demanding specific expertise, not just raw brainpower. McKinsey and BCG, in particular, are hiring more scientists, doctors and mid-career industry types, and reducing the proportion of new MBAs in their ranks."

 

I'm not sure about how the management trainee programs stack up to FLDP or internal strategy groups at F500's in the US. If your choices are industry > MBA > consulting > industry OR consulting > MBA > industry, then the second path is obviously faster and easier (assuming you can get that post-undergrad consulting job).

I think the credibility and analytical experience you would develop as an consulting analyst probably exceeds the 'industry know-how' you'd get as a management trainee.

 

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