Hey all,
Other than GPA, how do consulting firms decide who gets an interview? I am finishing up my first year at a target school with a 3.8+ GPA in a rigorous major (I also have very high standardized test scores). I have work experience in typical jobs (customer service type jobs).For people applying for a first internship (with no relevant experience), what do they look for besides grades? What else can I do now to put me in a good position in the coming years?
Early career consultant at Deloitte S&O / AT Kearney / Accenture Strategy / Oliver Wyman here.
The firms look for a few things. 1. Strong GPA. Many people can get a 3.8 their freshman year. It will only get harder from here... If you can keep your GPA that high, that'd be impressive. 2. Extracurricular activities. DO join your schools consulting club or similar (if you have it), but that's not enough. Do something else. Club sports, greek life, debate, etc. It helps us understand that the human behind your application 3. Networking. Did you make an effort to engage with us? Have coffee chats, speak with alumni from your school, go to info sessions, etc... If anyone in your network can vouche for your application, that will put you in a way better position to get an interview. 4. Interview performance. You need to be well prepped in both case and behavioral
IDK how they decide who gets an interview, but of a couple dozen of my Wharton students who went to MBB over the last 6 years, 80% were hot girls. (All very deserving of an MBB FT offer, AFAICT.) It's because MBB principals know clients like to see hot girls on site. So if you're not a hot girl, projecting a personality likely to appeal to clients will help get you hired, I think.