Recent PhD Grad wondering about Consulting Opportunities

Consulting is always a possible route for someone with experience and an advanced degree like yours.

MBBs would likely have you come in at the Consultant-level (base would be ~$190-200k), but I would first make sure that you have a solid understanding of what it is like to be a Management Consultant:

- Super demanding & fast-paced environment

- Long hours of around 55-65h per week on average (though not super crazy like high finance, and you normally have your weekends)

- Constant performance feedback and assessment, which can feel overwhelming if you're not used to it

I love my job, but it's not for everyone in terms of personality. I would check the typical case prep (on here, but also on a bunch of other sources, inc. YT), to get familiar with what the interview setting is like. This is because the case interview is basically Management Consulting condensed, and if you don't like doing a lot of it, you will not enjoy the job.

FYI, I don't know how experienced hiring is looking in the US for 2023 (I'm based in Europe / UK), so might be worth reaching out to a few alumni from your school(s) who may be at MBBs or other consulting firms and seeing what their take is.