Ivy League Masters Degree - Unemployed
I am here asking for advice and opinions on how to adjust my job-seeking process. My interest is in Strategy consulting.
A bit of my background - I have an Undergraduate degree in Finance and Banking from an average State university. Still, at the time, I was a full scholarship NCAA D1 athlete representing my native country at major World Championships, so most of my effort went there, but I still graduated with Honors. Then, I worked for a few years in Wealth Management and decided that strategy consulting was my true passion. I was luckily accepted into an Ivy League program for a master's degree in Business/ Financial analytics; I graduated five months ago with an average GPA since I was working full time through the master's degree. Now I'm finding it difficult to get an interview within consulting; thus asking for advice.
And I'm now 31 - perhaps this could be an issue?
Thank you.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, breaking into strategy consulting with your background is definitely achievable, and age should not be a significant barrier. Here are some tailored strategies to enhance your job-seeking process:
Leverage Your Unique Background: Your experience as a D1 athlete and your work in Wealth Management can be positioned as strengths. Highlight your discipline, teamwork, and analytical skills gained from both your athletic and professional experiences.
Networking: This is key in consulting. Reach out to alumni from your Ivy League program, former colleagues, and professionals in the consulting industry. Attend industry events, and consider informational interviews to learn more about specific firms and roles.
Refine Your Resume and Cover Letter: Ensure they are tailored to strategy consulting, emphasizing your analytical skills, leadership, and any strategic projects you've worked on or led.
Prepare for Case Interviews: Consulting firms often use case interviews to assess problem-solving skills. Utilize resources like the WSO Networking Guide and Consulting Case Interview Prep materials to practice.
Consider a Broad Range of Firms: Besides MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), apply to boutique consulting firms that specialize in strategy and may value your unique background.
Address Age Concerns Proactively: In your cover letter or interviews, focus on how your maturity and diverse experiences will be an asset to the firm.
Seek Feedback: If you've had interviews but no offers, politely ask for feedback. This can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement.
Remember, persistence is key, and each application or interview is a learning opportunity. Keep refining your approach, and don't hesitate to seek out additional resources or mentorship within the industry.
Sources: is 40yo toooo old to apply for a PhD entry associate consultant position?, An old man looking for advice, Is age a problem in Investment Banking recruiting?, Starting as IB analyst at age 27
I'll provide my two cents. Others are probably more informed than me. Without an MBA, I believe you are unable to apply to post-MBA roles, which restricts you to the pre-MBA roles which are the entry level associate consultant/business analyst/associate positions or the experienced hire positions 1 or 2 levels above the positions I mentioned.
The state of consulting is terribly bad right now. T2's are delaying start dates by a year, same with Boutiques (some are rescinding offers btw). This is – quite literally – the worst time to apply for strategy consulting. Plus, you would probably have to do off-cycle recruiting, since you are now out of school.
If you're thinking about joining a strategy consulting firm straight away, you probably have to manage your expectations. Everyone in the industry are clearly not doing well. MBB may be in a better position, but they also laid people off. There's probably only two paths for you to consider:
1. Go get a MBB (What I would do if I were in your shoes)
2. Network your butt off at every and all firms you're interested in, to even get an interview since this is not recruiting season
If you have the financials to get an MBB, a degree from a M7 would get you an interview at most consulting firms with your background
Thanks for the note. It makes sense to put it that way - the only thing is that according to Management Consulted, a Masters degree outside of an MBA with +5 Years of work experience does qualify you to apply for post-MBA positions
As far as I know, MBB and most of the more well-known strategy consulting firms strongly prefer MBA grads for their post-MBA roles. Or people with years of experience in specifically consulting (Big 4, boutique, economic consulting, corporate strategy arms). That doesn't mean you don't have a shot; it just means aggressive networking and relevant work experience (prob in corporate strategy) are going to have to be your best friends.
I appreciate your comments - thanks for your input.
No one is hiring right now.
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