Lesser Known Consulting vs Internal Strategy
I'm finishing the first semester of my MBA this week, and I'm considering my potential internship opportunities. I was hoping to go into consulting, but I've already been turned down by MBB and Deloitte S&O for first round interviews - likely due to a weak GPA. Based off of my networking, I think I've got a decent shot at the following internships for next summer:
Walmart E3
North Highland Consulting
PwC DDV
HD Supply Strategic Initiatives
American Airlines Finance Strategy
There are others, but I've identified these as being the most likely. I'm also applying to Amazon, but I've got no idea where I stand there.
The biggest appeal to consulting for me is the exit opportunities after a few years. Do you all have any insight on the exit opportunities of a program like E3 vs a lesser know consulting firm like North Highland?
I'd be happy to provide more details if needed.
Thanks
Among the ones you listed I'd take American Airlines.
Just out of curiosity, by "due to a weak GPA" do you mean your undergraduate GPA or MBA GPA?
Some further info would be helpful.
"Exit ops" from your summer will be affected by all of the above. This will help us understand whether you were just a weak applicant at a strong school where you will have second chance opps next year, or an average applicant at a weak school where the recruiting opportunities are more limited, etc.
I'm at student at Owen with a 720 GMAT, 2.3 undergrad GPA in civil engineering at Georgia Tech, and a Mod 1 GPA of 3.22. I've adjusted well to school though, and I should have a 3.5+ after Mod 2. I anticipate maintaining that for the remainder of grad school. I managed construction projects for the federal government five years prior to enrolling in grad school. I've spent a lot of time prepping for case interviews, and I think I will stand out among other candidates in that aspect of the process. I just need to get the interview.
I did not get any other offers. Still waiting to hear back from EY. I'm expecting more on campus recruiting opportunities with EY, KPMG, Accenture, and PwC next year. Obviously, there's no guarantee there.
I haven't really pursued internships at consulting firms that don't recruit on campus. I've banked on getting an offer I'll be happy with through on campus recruiting. I'm open to suggestions on how to pursue internships or full time employment at other firms.
Consulting is definitely my priority. Having had only public sector experience in an industry I don't want to return to, I'm attracted to the exposure to different job functions and industries that consulting provides as well as the exit opportunities 3-5 years down the road.
I really appreciate your willingness to help, and I'm open to any unsolicited advice.
Thanks
Helpful context. To be perfectly honest, your current standing doesn't put you as a target at MBB or top tier 2 firms. Frankly, coming from Owen, a 720 GMAT probably gets you screened out right out of the gate. Federal backgrounds don't stand out either. Your issue isn't going to be case performance, it's going to be getting interviews.
I'm not familiar with the boutiques on that list - but from where you are coming from, PWC DDV is probably about the best offer you'll see for consulting. It also gives you the best odds of re-recruiting for consulting next year, as it is a known industry name.
I recognize that I'm not a standout candidate for consulting, and I think MBB is an unrealistic goal for me. I'm just trying to do everything I can to maximize my opportunities in the field. I'm hoping to end up working for Accenture/EY/KPMG etc.
I'm familiar with the other firms you've listed, but they don't recruit at Owen, so I'm not well informed on their recruiting cycles or details of their work. Is their a page on this site that concisely summarizes each of these firms?
"It also gives you the best odds of re-recruiting for consulting next year, as it is a known industry name."
This answers my question. Thank you.
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