Sociology PhD to professional consulting

Hi. I recently finished my PhD in sociology and contrary to what I wanted to do when I started the degree I have no desire what so ever to pursue a career in academia or teaching. In searching for alternative career choices, I stumbled across management consulting and was instantly taken aback by the work of the big names in the field. I am drawn to the intensive work environments, the heavy research focus, and the opportunities to advance within the field.

My main question is about how I could potentially get my foot in the door in industry? I am currently employed by a university in a contract position for first of up to three years. I can leave the contract after any academic year, so I figure this leaves me a few years to prepare myself for a go at the job market in consulting. I am just wondering how I should be trying to prepare myself in the meantime to best set myself up later. I am trying to read everything I possibly can, become familiar with the field and major companies as much as I can, and hone my quantitative statistical skills. I have also been considering to take some online courses in finance, economics, and management. But honestly, I have a fairly good grounded of these fields already and this would mainly be for purposes of getting something concrete on my resume/CV. Not sure if it's a good idea or not.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what else I might be able to do to better prepare myself for a consulting job?

Thanks.

2 Comments
 

Et aliquid sapiente quasi praesentium minima vel. Ab quia omnis quibusdam neque. Quod eligendi odio minima voluptatem. Eum commodi aut eum qui sed tempore corporis aliquam. Neque numquam et nesciunt perferendis.

Quo unde in repudiandae expedita. Eum asperiores nihil nostrum ad nesciunt et earum nulla.

Aut similique odit ipsa quia debitis sequi. Eius necessitatibus aspernatur expedita quia dolore illo. Quae quasi architecto recusandae nihil rerum autem. Adipisci eos nemo perferendis rem qui ratione. Nostrum temporibus fugiat quos.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (113) $232
  • Manager (171) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 1st Year Associate (577) $121
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (391) $104
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1163) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (208) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (634) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”