Low GPA/no experience-How to get into consulting?
I was planning on going into science research till I decided that wasn't for me. I ended up with a low GPA. Is there any hope to get into consulting? I know there is no chance of getting a good job now but what can I do to get a decent job 5 to 6 years down the line?
Some options I was considering were getting an MA in economics. But I don't have the GPA to get into good MA programs.
Taking the GMAT and getting a really good score.
I can't really think of anything else.
Are there any jobs which pay 40-50K starting that an econ major with a 2.7 to 2.9 GPA can get? Which ones?
Maybe IT or litigation type consulting?
Regards
The Low GPA Students path to consulting
Getting into a consulting position will be challenging but not impossible. Some of the users map out a few different ways that you could tackle this problem. Here's a quick a rundown of some of the options mentioned. Do not restrict yourself to this list as it is merely a starting point.
- Joining an MBA Program and leading student organizations
- Applying to any and every consulting firm.
- Networking with alumni and cold calling into a firm
from certified user @pfitzy"
I don't think there is necessarily one right answer to your question. The two keys to increasing your chances is building your network and collection of competence triggers. There are tips on networking throughout this site and managementconsulted.com, so I'll leave my advice there to scouring alumni, personal, and social networks for people to chat with about the industry and your career plans. As far as competence triggers, you have already mentioned some. High test scores, exemplary academic performance, brand name employers/education institutions, etc. all give you that pre-screened sparkle top employers look for. Perhaps the MA in Economics or GMAT is the best route, but I would caution you to find the path that you are more interested in and most likely to succeed. From my perspective, there is no one graduate degree or job that makes you automatically competitive for top management consultancies.
from certified user @UFOinsider"
1. start networking
2. go to recruiter/headhunter
3. MSF
4. Masters in accounting -> work 1/2 years -> MBA
5. Work for insurance company
6. Back office -> ???Get creative. Start reading this site and figure out a way in
from certified user @Addinator"
As other have said, and trust me I know having had a low GPA myself, It takes a healthy amount of luck and pride swallowing to get where you want. I'd literally sit down and map out every conceivable place you could apply to for consulting.
Bust your ass now because you didn't before and I guarantee you that something will come through. It won't be perfect and probably won't even be 40 to 50 grand a year at first but you need to start somewhere. In 5 years the world will probably be a very different place. Right now just remember that nothing is really beneath you and don't go back to school just for the hell of it. That's my two cents.
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I feel like the answer you are looking for doesn't exist. There is no magic way out of your situation in this economy. Things are so competitive right now, the timing is horrible for you. Everything you try is going to be risky and time-consuming and could be a complete waste of time like some people's experience networking. I'm afraid nobody has the foresight to tell you exactly what to do.
You just have to hustle. Some ideas are to intern in finance and work for almost no pay. Continue school through a MA or PhD. Try working in another country. Non-profit stuff. Joining a start-up. Cold networking.
The good thing about consulting is that you can switch in many different ways. They will hire PHD students sometimes. They also like industry experience.
You can do whatever you want: BB IB, Consulting, etc.... Don't let anyone here tell you otherwise. It may take you a few years to get where you want to be, but figure out what you want to do and then figure out how to get there. If you limit your future career prospects because of a college GPA you're doing yourself a disservice. It's not like you're trying to make it to the NBA here....
As other have said, and trust me I know having had a low GPA myself, It takes a healthy amount of luck and pride swallowing to get where you want. I'd literally sit down and map out every conceivable place you could apply to for consulting. Large firms, small firms anywhere with a pulse. Then apply. Look for alumni of your school or anyone you know who might have any connections as well. Don't let whatever minimums they have discourage you. Then try and follow up with an HR person or some type of contact. Something. Then branch outside of consulting, maybe supporting industries or other similar type firms. Apply there. Take something currently to keep yourself working, study for the GMAT or whatever else. Sure, a good score would certainly help you out to an extent. Bust your ass now because you didn't before and I guarantee you that something will come through. It won't be perfect and probably won't even be 40 to 50 grand a year at first but you need to start somewhere. In 5 years the world will probably be a very different place. Right now just remember that nothing is really beneath you and don't go back to school just for the hell of it. That's my two cents.
I've heard back from IT consulting type firms and sales firms. Is it worth looking into those? How about getting into litigation consulting?
Consulting is the goal but what lower level jobs do econ grads take? I am sure not every econ grad is in hedge funds, IB or consulting.
I am def going to start studying for the GMAT.
Like everyone here has said, never give up! I have had very little internship experience and with a GPA just like yours I have landed interviews at top MM's and I had an interview with McKinsey for their business analyst program... Networking will get you at least an interview (getting the job is the hard part, which I failed at with said firms due to lack of interview experience) but that won't stop me, it taught me new things and how to better prepare and if you can land an interview you can land the job!
Options: 1. start networking 2. go to recruiter/headhunter 3. MSF 4. Masters in accounting -> work 1/2 years -> MBA 5. Work for insurance company 6. Back office -> ???
Get creative. Start reading this site and figure out a way in
Thanks. The MSF is an intriguing option. But which MSF programs can I get into that are worth it? Don't the top ones have small acceptance rates? I don't have a great math background either. I guess good gmat score is the first step to overcoming a poor GPA.
I say bang out 700+ GMAT, then report back.
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