Recent Grad Consulting Recruiting

Unfortunately, I didn’t realize I wanted to go into consulting or strategy until just after graduation, when I started a middle office strategy-oriented role at a BB. Now I’m itching to get into consulting, opportunities seem scarce for someone in my position.

Since most consulting/strategy opportunities for MBB, Big 4, et al. seem to be geared towards soon-to-be graduates of undergrad and MBA programs, as well as experienced hires in relevant fields, being a recent graduate (1 year out) feels like I’m in limbo. I went to (at least) a semi-target school that had solid connections with a few firms in the industry, but since I’m no longer an undergrad, it seems much more difficult to use these resources and apply for undergrad roles.

I’ve been considering b-school, but I feel like applying with only 1 year of full time work experience — thus, enrolling with 2 years of WE — would leave me with a significant disadvantage when going up against other MBAs with much more experience.

I’d really appreciate any advice you guys might have on this. Maybe there are opportunities out there that I’m not seeing, or maybe my WE won’t have as big an impact in bschool admission, and subsequent MBA consultant recruiting. I would love to actually have a few action items for this, since “sit in your current role until you build up enough work experience” seems like torture.