Breaking into consulting as ex-diplomat??
monkeys, I wanted to ask what are the entry options for consulting. I was a diplomat for about 5 years, and I want to break into consulting. I will be getting a t3 mba. I know if you join straight out of undergrad the progression is analyst --->associate -->manager -->principal-->partner. the question is, is there any chance they would put me in manager position? i am hoping they see a career in diplomacy as "industry experience". anyone familiar with this please help me out. thanks monkeys.
for MBB i highly HIGHLY doubt it
cant really speak on others
ik of industry VP's who went down to a senior associate role at Mck (albeit for a very short time before being promoted)
experienced hires generally come in at: - a needed area (new thing like digital a few years ago) - partner level (stealing from another firm, industry high leader)
this isn't to say its not possible, and if you were in a recognizable role as a diplomat im sure this would be different, but from what ive seen in the past, it isnt extremely likely
thanks dude, you are awesome
adding on to what mike ross has included,
MBBs and second tier firms recruit at target schools at Associate level.
I don't know what constitutes of a t3 MBA is, but if it's not target, you need extra work to put in
At which level, roles, and responsibilities have you conducted at your previous job? In diplomat terms, if you were lower than a Second Secretary, you're not well received.
This is an extremely unusual transition from a low tier MBA. Really need MBA business schools">M7 or to be a standout at a T2 for non-target backgrounds to have a strong shot at MBB or T2 consulting.
A few things to keep in mind: You're going to be screened by GMAT. If you're not 740ish+, you're pretty much out of the running. You need to be pretty much top 10% of the class.
You need to recruit for the local office. Don't waste your time on NYC/SF/Chicago etc.
You need to be an absolute rock star with your networking; if you don't match the resume screen above (GMAT in particular) this won't even matter however.
As an aside, this all changes from a top program, if that's at all an option for you.
My friends from the public sector who succeeded in consulting recruiting were those who showed analytical prowess and were able to craft strong stories. A close friend of mine worked for the state dept and had a hard time finding impactful stories where he was more than a 'cog in the wheel' and didn't land any consulting offers.
This changes if you're applying to non-strategy roles where your background is a better fit. I'd say Deloitte federal etc are your best options. BAH as well though they pay much less. Federal in practice has lower salary ranges than you see for commercial; do your research here and don't be surprised by this if offers come through.
Recruiting for manager level will probably kill your odds out the gate even if you match all the above. Those roles are usually reserved for pre-MBA consultants who already have a proven track record at the normal post-MBA level, were previous consulting managers at top firms or VP's in IB. I went to an MBA business schools">M7 and I don't know anyone who got a direct manager offer from an MBB/T2 even from a top program. I had interested at the manager level from a T3 firm but I had very direct industry experience that fit a niche need in the organization (turned it down).
Coming to consulting with no relevant background is hard. You will need to learn a LOT about excel and powerpoint and the post-undergrads will be better and smarter than you. That's on top of learning an industry, learning the language, adjusting to new deadlines (significant analysis and insights being completed in hours, not days or weeks) and building confidence to pitch your ideas and support them in a high stress environment. It's not something that non-target hires can usually do out of the gate. The level of analysis and insights required are far beyond the expectations in business school. It's not rocket science, but it will be a big learning curve.
That being said, the regular post-MBA role pays pretty well and in an up or out firm, the manager track is 2-3 years.
now hoping for associate. thanks !
Great, yup, as stated below you'll have no problem getting traction for meeting firms, but you'll have to crush your cases when the time comes like anyone else.
Nobody says top 3 MBA unless they go to Wharton by the way. Not trying to start a rankings war but Booth has edged Wharton 5 of the past 7 years in the aggregate P&G rankings and wins plenty of cross-offers against Wharton; Wharton students still seem to think it's H/S/W everyone else like it was 20 years ago. Just makes it kind of obvious where you go.
Does the OP mean a Tier 3 MBA or a Top 3 MBA?
top 3
if by top 3 you mean harvard/stanford/wharton, then you will have NO problem recruiting for consulting at the associate level- better get started w case prep now bc interviews will be flowing in :)
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