1

u/xiqingongzi Jan 11 '26

Hi, I’m not a consultant, just working on strategy decks for a startup.

But my leader expectations are basically “consulting-quality slides.”

My pain points:

- unclear story flow

endless redesigning slides every revision
hard to create professtional flowcharts
and, i'm not sure this is enough. :(

Is there a tool or workflow that consultant folks use that bridges thinking → slides more cleanly?

1

u/Swimming-Brother-844 Jan 11 '26

I’m finishing a graduate degree in healthcare management and am intentionally trying to break into healthcare consulting. Broadly, I’m interested in work that helps move research and medicines forward, whether that’s through advising life sciences companies, supporting healthcare investment decisions, or helping improve access to care and treatments.

I’m not trying to lock myself into a specific function yet. My focus is on building a strong foundation in healthcare consulting and understanding how people have navigated into life sciences–related work and healthcare investing over time.

For those working in healthcare or life sciences consulting:

What entry paths have you seen work well into healthcare-focused practices?

How do consulting roles intersect with healthcare investing, diligence, or strategy in practice?

What skill sets helped you stand out when you were breaking in?

Did you pursue any certifications or additional training, or was your degree sufficient early on?

I’d really appreciate insight from people who’ve built careers in healthcare consulting or adjacent roles.

2

u/pookie__bear_ Jan 09 '26

I’m looking for some advice on how to find a job with an economics degree. For context, I’m a 4th-year student at the University of Toronto majoring in Economics and Political Science. I’ve competed in case competitions, been involved in clubs, and I’m currently interning at a non-profit.

The problem is, I’ve been applying to jobs for about two years now and have only ever received rejection emails or been ghosted. I’ve also tried reaching out to professionals in finance, consulting, supply chain, and policy analysis, but almost no one responds.

I’m feeling pretty anxious about graduating and not having a job or grad school lined up. Any advice or personal experiences would mean a lot. How did you guys break into your first job after undergrad.

1

u/mrmonkibaat Mar 19 '26

I'm in the similar situation. My undergrad degree is also in Economics & Political Science. Hope we get through this tough time.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 07 '26

i am a senior studying biology and think consulting could help me get a better gauge of my future career path. i like the problem solving and client work of consulting. tried recruiting at mckinsey but didn’t pass the final round. any small firms recruiting in the spring? ideally in the nyc/westchester area so i can move back home

1

u/Chemistry-More Jan 02 '26

Are internships mandatory to get in consulting? I've been focusing all my effort through my undergrad on research cause I thought I was gonna go for a PhD but now I'm thinking of pivoting in consulting. I have some experience thanks to my uni's consulting club in terms of experience. My GPA is 4.0/4.3. Is the lack of internships gonna penalize me hard ?

2

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Jan 03 '26

What year are you?

1

u/Chemistry-More Jan 03 '26

Master student. One year left till graduation so I would apply this year for jobs next year.

1

u/Aggressive-Watch6644 Jan 05 '26

not necessarily required but gives an edge and most easiest way to get in is what I heard from my research.

1

u/Awritershypotheses Jan 02 '26

What should my post grad major be if I'm trying to get into healthcare consulting?
a) As mentioned, healthcare consulting
b) full-time
c) UK
d) I'm a freshly graduated dentist, trying to shift into a non-clinical career. I have one year of internship experience, 2 years of part time in an Ed-tech company as the Head of Operations.

My question is wether I should do a Masters in Healthcare management as it's more specific or should i do masters in management (non-specific). (Because my work experience was part time I am not elligible for an MBA in most of the universities I have an eye on, which is why I ma looking at MiM instead.)

Is it a better thing to have a specialised degree so early on in my career or am I pigeon holing myself? And if my approach is completely wrong, please let me know, I am fairly new to understanding what consulting is.

2

u/1836210 Jan 02 '26

Master’s vs working first for consulting. Honest takes?

Hey all,

I’m graduating in about 6 months and trying to decide between starting work or doing a master’s first.

Background: undergrad at a strong Canadian school (UofT-level), majors in Political Science and Environmental Studies, GPA is decent but not top-tier. I also worked as a co-founder/COO at a small deep-tech startup doing strategy, BD, market analysis, and government-facing work.

Long term, I’m aiming for strategy consulting. I’m realistic and not expecting MBB straight out of undergrad. More like Big4 or boutique first, then possibly MBB later as an experienced hire.

I’m considering practical master’s programs like applied analytics, management, or quant-focused policy, mainly to strengthen my profile. That said, a big part of this is anxiety about my non-business major and GPA.

From your experience, does a master’s like this actually help consulting recruiting, or is it usually better to just start working and build experience?

Would appreciate honest perspectives.

1

u/ImpressiveClass4099 Jan 01 '26

Hello everyone I'm currently a freshman undergrad majoring in finance trying to break into consulting. If anybody has a list of internships or programs I should be applying to and are willing to share it with me I would greatly appreciate it.

1

u/c1760104 Jan 01 '26

Hello, I’ve been interested in management/ops consulting in the NC area.

Sorry for the Long post in advance ):

Professional Experience Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center – Supervisor, Cultural Ambassadors August 2025 – Present (Current Role)

• Within the first 120 days, implemented 10+ operational, financial, and policy improvements across two acute care facilities, including workforce schedule optimization, contractor cost reduction, and department-wide policy standardization.

• Generated projected annual savings exceeding $100,000 and increased department productivity by 65% through data-driven operational redesign.

• Lead strategy, operations, and continuous improvement for a Cultural Ambassador Program within a large healthcare system, establishing sustainable structures to support long-term scalability.

• Provide direct supervision for 8 staff across two acute care facilities, with responsibility for HR oversight, Title IV and regulatory compliance, and performance management.

• Guide initiatives advancing culturally responsive care, health equity, and patient-centered engagement across clinical settings.

• Apply qualitative and quantitative data analysis to evaluate program impact, inform operational decisions, and support leadership reporting.

• Collaborate with executives and cross-functional teams to align equity strategies with organizational priorities and patient experience goals.

Triad Restorative Justice – Bilingual Program Associate December 2023 – July 2025

• Redesigned intake and service workflows to improve efficiency and accessibility for youth and families.

• Achieved a 35% increase in average annual graduation rates in one-third of the projected timeframe and increased parent engagement by over 65%.

• Provided trauma-informed case management and facilitated Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART) interventions.

• Partnered with juvenile justice stakeholders to support rehabilitative, community-centered outcomes.

Alamance-Burlington School System – Multilingual Program Manager July 2023 – December 2023

• Managed multilingual program data for 35+ schools, ensuring reporting accuracy, compliance, and data integrity.

• Produced analytical reports used to guide program planning, resource allocation, and student retention strategies.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools District-Level Interpreter | November 2020 – January 2023

• Served as primary cultural and linguistic liaison for 91 schools, supporting high-stakes educational and legal communication.

Community and Family Engagement Liaison | August 2018 – November 2020

• Implemented attendance monitoring and outreach initiatives to support at-risk students and families.

Education Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School Bachelor of Arts in Bible/Biblical Studies – Conferred August 31, 2025

Blue Ridge Bible College Associate of Theology/Theological Studies – 2019

Professional Development Master of Business Administration (MBA), In Progress

Project Management Professional (PMP), In Progress

Certifications & Languages Certified in Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART)

Bilingual: English & Spanish

1

u/[deleted] Dec 29 '25

[deleted]

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Jan 01 '26

See the link in the OP. Most large firms do not differentiate between large and small city in the US.

1

u/Mountain-Constant399 Dec 29 '25

Healthcare Consulting. How would you break in if you were me? No experience

Before you laugh, I have 4 college degrees.

An Associates of Arts Degree

An Bachelors in Healthcare Administration.

An Master of Business Administration (MBA)

and An Master of legal studies in Health Law, Policy, and Management.

I have no hospital experience and barely any relevant work experience aside from working in restaurants.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

1

u/AskCurious3554 Dec 27 '25

Hi All,

I am currently 1.5 years away from finishing my PharmD and I was wondering how to get any entry into healthcare consulting. I just have no clue what the day to day is like and how to get any experience as a pharmacy student. If any PharmDs in the industry or healthcare consultants would like to have a chat, please lmk! Thanks in advance.

1

u/ruben_the_corgi Dec 26 '25

Hey everyone, I’m a first year at semi-target school for MBB recruitment. I’m majoring in Systems Engineering with a minor in Data Science. I have a generous scholarship ($4000) to spend on professional development. Should I spend this money on consulting bootcamp/case prep resources? If so, which one should I do. I plan to start recruiting summer 2026 for pre-internship programs. Thank you for all inputs!

1

u/girlmeetsworld-lover Dec 25 '25

What undergrad degrees and majors or minors are recommended/preferred?

1

u/TheGanjanator Dec 25 '25

Hey everyone. I'm an MBA grad from a non target school and haven't had much success in my career. I've had hard times getting jobs. I am about to move up to Charlotte and know the professional industry in that area is strrong. I'm about to start with American Airlines in operations, but eventually want to switch to become a consultant within a year or two. I'm 29 now. Is this realistic? I know people tell me to network, but all networking events on Meetup are geared towards like real estate, MLM, financial advising, start ups.

1

u/Different-Rest-6841 Dec 24 '25

Am I an idiot for thinking of turning down an MBB offer?

Hear me out here.

Background. I work for a massive company in my field. Most of my company was getting sold for the location I am in to a local firm so looked for other opportunities. An MBB firm had a posting and got back in touch with me after I applied for a specific role in said industry. 4 gruelling case interviews later I got the job and was very excited.

However that was a month ago and I'm having serious second thoughts. Also, my company upon hearing of my situation offered me a raise and a role within the part of the company that's not being sold (however in not the best location). I'd describe the role I'm offered as decent, not great, not awful.

Here's why I'm having second thoughts: 1. The hours. Obviously. I just can't fathom working 14 hrs a day. I got told a good day is 12 hours and honestly that baffled me. Yes the pay is extremely good and my current pay isn't, but on a $ paid/hr worked basis they're the same (although the MBB firm offers much quicker growth in salary). I may be a bit reticent because I worked in a role where I got paid handsomely but hours were annoying and team was toxic and I didn't enjoy it one bit. Travel adds invisible hours as well.

I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel if I were to join. I think the exit would be in a strategy/commercial role, but I work in operations and I think even if I got a director of strategy position I wouldn't necessarily be happy with it compared to a lower paying operational role

I wanted to test with this community if there's something I'm missing here cause there's so much hype around having MBB on your CV, I have the opportunity to get it and I'm still not sold.

Also before anyone attacks me I'm super grateful that I'm in a position to decide between 2 offers in today's job market after 50+ applications.

Thanks for any help!!

1

u/PhaseKinetics Dec 24 '25

Hi All,

I’m a construction project manager with a background in delivery and execution (coordination, documentation, RFIs/submittals, reporting, vendor follow-ups).

With the current slowdown in full-time construction pipelines, I’m exploring independent/consulting work as a way to continue developing professionally while generating income. I’m early in this phase and trying to approach it deliberately rather than reactively.

For those who’ve transitioned into consulting from execution-heavy roles (vs. strategy backgrounds): • What did you underestimate early on? • How did you define and protect scope at the beginning? • What helped you avoid scope creep while still being valuable to clients? • How did you balance learning, credibility-building, and income early? • In hindsight, what would you do differently?

Not looking for leads — interested in practitioner lessons and perspective from those who’ve been through it.

Thanks in advance

1

u/[deleted] Dec 23 '25

How to start a student consulting firm?? So yes, I am a 2nd year undergrad, won few consulting case competitions and I feel I waste my lots of time and sitting idle if not doing case studies. And so I thought I know some of the consulting frameworks and a ready team of 3-4 members so why not monetize this and create a student let consulting agency. Just don't have right direction for it, please the experience folks guide me!!

2

u/Turbulent_Bee8108 Dec 22 '25

Hi all,

I’m about to start a graduate role at a UK-based public sector consultancy, working on transformation and service improvement projects mainly in the healthcare sector. My long-term goal is to move into private-sector consulting (Big 4, Accenture Strategy, Tier 2, or MBB?) in the UK, and eventually into corporate/internal strategy roles.

Has anyone in the UK made a similar transition? I’d love to hear what skills, experiences, or timing helped make it possible.

Any advice or insights would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks.

2

u/nygma12345 Dec 22 '25

Hi everyone. I know this post has been made a number of times but I wanted to ask it again in the lens of post undergrad.

I’m a junior in college and have been aiming for consulting for some time now. After being pretty burnt out from previous consulting adjacent internships and mostly striking out for consulting roles this summer, I landed a product internship at a F50 teleco.

This role has me pretty excited, but I wanted to ask how this might affect my career trajectory. I know a lot of people want to exit to product after consulting, but also the advice on these forums is to do consulting after undergrad to build up the skill set. If I want to stay in product/tech strategy, am I in a good position? If I want to do consulting after my product internship for full time recruitment, will I have that option? With AI changing the consulting landscape, is still a good place to aim for post grad (given how competitive it is)?

Thanks!

1

u/Aggravating-Fly-1454 Dec 22 '25

Looking for practical advice on pivoting to consulting, and honestly just want to know if I’m barking up the wrong tree. Tried to follow the flow from the post to help with any advice.

a) Type of consulting I’m looking for: HR/Human Capital, Workforce Strategy, or Operational Transformation (open to generalist if labor-heavy industries like construction, logistics, healthcare services)

c) Geography: Based in Midwest (Ohio), open to relocation. DC, Chicago, or NYC would all work.

d) Background: ∙ 33M, 8 YOE in labor relations/operations ∙ Currently Executive Director of Labor Relations at a national trade association (construction industry) – advise 100+ regional chapters on labor strategy, collective bargaining, and workforce policy ∙ First-chair negotiator on multi-party CBAs with a major national union across multiple geographic divisions ∙ Fiduciary trustee on multi-billion dollar jointly-trusteed benefit funds (ERISA governance, investment committee oversight, risk frameworks) ∙ Prior: Financial Planning / Fiduciary Standards Analyst at a bulge bracket bank (1.5 years) ∙ Education: B.A. Business Administration from a state school; recently completed a labor relations certificate from an Ivy

What I’m trying to figure out:

Is consulting a realistic pivot, or does my background read as too niche/non-traditional?
Does my resume position the experience in a way that resonates with consulting recruiters, or does it still read too “association world”? Happy to share it if asked.
What firms/practices should I be targeting or is my experience limiting to good networking?
Should I expect to step back a level to break in, or can 8 YOE translate to a higher track?

1

u/RLN_4the6 Dec 22 '25

Firm Reputation Ask:
Being recruited by some boutique firms for the NA Market: Synpulse (https://www.synpulse.com/en) & AlphaFMC (https://www.alphafmc.com): Anyone work with or for them?

Not much info regarding them. Would like any insight on either firm.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 22 '25

Can a seasoned operator pivot into PMI / M&A integration consulting at 41? What does that path actually look like?

Long story as short as I can make it:

I’m a seasoned operator and currently the COO of a ~$30M/year industrial firm. I was hired specifically to take a legacy operation and turn it into a modern, profitable enterprise — and I’ve been very successful at that.

Before this role, I worked at a company that was acquired by a Fortune 100. When most people were let go, I was retained and promoted, and I ended up as a lead on the integration work with the acquiring company. I loved that part of the job.

Prior to that, I was hired by Macquarie-backed leadership to help turn around an industrial division (maintenance + operations). Before that I had steadily increasing management roles across heavy industry / asset-intensive environments.

In casual conversations about “what’s next” (I’m 41), it keeps coming up that I should look at consulting roles in the PMI / M&A integration space since I genuinely enjoyed it and have a real track record doing it.

Is there a realistic path for a seasoned operator to transition into PMI / M&A integration consulting at my age?

What does the transition typically look like if I don’t know anyone in consulting?

How’s the comp compared to an operator role (salary/bonus, travel expectations, etc.)?

Are there certain types of firms/roles I should target (big firms vs boutiques vs PE portfolio ops/value creation)?

I do have some “golden handcuffs” right now. I like my current job, but I’m looking ahead — I probably have 25+ years of working left and this company is too small to stay forever.

Education background (if it matters): Navy nuke, worked blue-collar for a while (which I honestly think is why I’m effective leading heavy industrial teams), then went back and finished my undergrad at an Ivy part-time while working full-time, and later did a master’s in leadership at another Ivy (also while working full time). I’m looking at MBA programs now, but I’m not sure I need to commit to it since I’m already running a company/budget effectively. What I actually enjoy is the people/tech side and integrating two different organizations into one operating model.

Any insight from folks who’ve made this jump (or hired people who have) would be hugely appreciated.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 21 '25

[deleted]

1

u/ZealousChicken25 Dec 18 '25

Experienced industry hire w/ prior consulting experience interviewing with a Big 5. What advice would you give?

I’m interviewing soon with a Big 5 firm and would really appreciate perspective from folks who’ve made the jump (or who interview experienced hires).

Background: • ~10 years in healthcare industry roles (operations / revenue cycle / transformation) • ~3 years in consulting (healthcare-focused) • Deep SME experience, client-facing, leading workstreams, managing teams • This would be an experienced-hire consulting role, not campus recruiting

I’m less worried about getting the offer and more focused on setting myself up for success if/when I land in a large firm environment.

For those who’ve been in similar shoes: • What do experienced industry hires most commonly get wrong in interviews? • What signals separate a “strong industry SME” from a “true consultant” at the Big 5 level? • How much should I lean into domain expertise vs. consulting toolkit (storytelling, structured thinking, exec presence) • Any advice on SME with data manipulations and case studies? • If you could give one piece of advice to your past self before joining a Big 5, what would it be?

Happy to clarify role level or practice area if helpful. Thanks in advance, appreciate any honest takes, including the uncomfortable ones.

1

u/FitThought1616 Dec 18 '25

Follow-up etiquette after a timed case/writing exercise with tech issues?

I recently completed a timed written assessment for a consulting role. I submitted it by the deadline (actually 5 minutes over :-( ), and the interviewer acknowledged receipt.

I’m debating whether to reply with a brief “thank you, looking forward to next steps” note, or whether it’s appropriate to mention that I ran into significant technical issues with my laptop during the last 40 to 50 minutes of the exercise. I was able to submit on time, but the issues limited my ability to review and refine the response as thoroughly as I normally would have liked. I didn't even include a title!!

I didn’t raise it at the time because I didn’t want it to come across as excuse-making or overly convenient after the fact. My keypad completely stopped working for a while, then all three of my screens were flickering, laptop randomly shut down and then I had to restart and it took ages to come back online. Never have I had all of this issues occur concurrently like this.

For those who’ve been on either side of consulting interviews:
– Is it better to keep the reply minimal and professional (if send a reply at all)?
– Or is there value in briefly flagging technical constraints after submission, even if the work was delivered 5 minutes late?

Would appreciate perspectives from interviewers and candidates alike. This is eating me up because I am a perfectionist who hates submitting tasks late.

2

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

(M26) I’m planning on opening my own consultant business here in North Dakota that focuses on small business/start-ups, but will also provide services to established businesses. I have degrees in management and marketing.

In order to build credibility as I start my business, I’m looking to offer FREE consulting services in relation to those, whether it’s reviewing business plans, financial projections, or just general advice!

1

u/PossiblyWestAfrican Dec 17 '25

I just started my own consulting company in Massachusetts. My focus is assisting small organizations with back office efficiency. Open to connecting?

1

u/[deleted] Dec 18 '25

Absolutely! DM me and we can work something out

1

u/No-Ambition7881 Dec 17 '25

Hi everyone, i am 27 yr old indian, I have a 3 yrs workex ( 2 yrs in supply chain ERP project, 1 yr and currently working in fin-tax transfer pricing project)

I have a good command on excel

I am currently working on case preparation - learning the basic frameworks and practicing different case scenarios to develop the approach needed.

I have 3 queries for the sub -

Will a non-mba path, just getting better with case prep and guestimates with a referral or normal apply get me a job in management consulting specially in mbb ?
⁠Should i first apply to other consulting firms like accwnture, deloitte, pwc etc and then later try to switch and get into mbb ?
⁠Best way to get into management consulting will be through a MBA degree ? It will provide me the most oppurtunities ?

Please provide some guidance on this.

1

u/petrichoric-woods Dec 16 '25

Hi everyone!

I'd love any candid, actionable advice or a plan you have on how I can get myself into turnaround & restructuring consulting based on my profile.

I graduated this May from a top liberal arts college with degrees in Economics and Spanish. I got a remote job for a stock trading family office, where I did news analysis and company/sector research, so I spent my days on Bloomberg Terminal, X, Reddit, Stocktwits, SEC database, and other news/trading websites in order to deliver breaking and slow-moving financial, corporate, and macroeconomic information to the traders, who then made portfolio decisions. I really liked the news and research pieces of the role, as I found digging into a company's story and financials and getting a really good understanding of their business, what was appealing or not to retail investors, and what was successful or not about the company really interesting. I disliked the remote environment, the lack of formalized training, and the lack of collaboration/sense of structure in the organization, however. My position was eliminated unexpectedly due to AI, so I decided that a move to consulting made a lot of sense based on the skills I developed in this role and a previous private equity summer internship, my desire to work in a collaborative/in-person environment, and my interest in helping businesses develop strategies to solve their financial problems. I'm particularly interested in turnaround & restructuring teams, as I want to solve problems for businesses in crisis, develop strong modeling skills/understanding of financials, and work in a rigorous environment.

a) I'm interested in management or strategy consulting and I'm targeting turnaround & restructuring teams specifically but I'm very open to taking another role that would then allow me to move to another firm or a team later on

b) Ideally I'm looking for a full-time role, but I'm open to an internship that then leads to a full time position

c) I'm targeting positions in New York City

d) 3.72 GPA, 34 ACT, played a sport in college, and had various jobs/leadership roles

I've been doing a bunch of networking calls, and I'm really just trying to figure out how to best position myself/prepare for job openings and if it's really that feasible for me to get a consulting job given that I'm not a student nor an experienced hire. Also wondering if right now there is some type of role I could take on that would give me relevant experience for consulting and make me a better candidate. I'm willing to spend a lot of time and energy to get myself in the best role possible. Thanks so much for your help!

1

u/[deleted] Dec 14 '25

[deleted]

1

u/[deleted] Dec 13 '25

[deleted]

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Dec 14 '25

Not in the same cycle.

1

u/Artistic-6021 Dec 13 '25

I know this might be a very stupid question but im just nervous…when it says “and ends on Monday, December 15, 2025.” Does it mean by the end of Monday or it ends when Monday starts?

In other words, does it end 11:59 PM Sunday/Monday?

1

u/littleedge Dec 13 '25

Probably either when somebody manually closes it on Monday or 11:59:59 if automatic.

Just do it by Sunday to be safe.

1

u/charlieavenue Dec 13 '25

Thinking about studying management consulting

About me: I work in quality assurance. Excel and PowerPoint are my bread and butter. I use spreadsheet for data analytics, while slide deck for monthly and quarterly business reviews with internal management and clients. My role also involve frequent client meetings (twice a week).

Is there any good studying management consulting even if my job doesn't fit the traditional management consultant role?

Appreciate everyone's input. If you have follow-up questions, please let me know.

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Dec 13 '25

What does studying management consulting mean?

1

u/charlieavenue Dec 13 '25

Studying the essential tools, frameworks, and mindset of consulting. There's a school in my area offering this program.

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Dec 13 '25

I imagine it would help with strategic thinking if that’s something you’re interested in.

1

u/Melodic-Reflection23 Dec 12 '25

Gap between the MBB firms?

1

u/fthompp Dec 12 '25

Hi everyone,

I’m based in Europe and I have got a recent possibility to join a market intelligence firm for m&a advisors, investors and corporates (culture works a lot like consulting firms). Their online assessment was excel and a mini market sizing case.

I have an interview next week and they explicitly said they would ask a few “mini questions” related to market sizing.

I am ready to study and practice as much time as I need and this is one of those times where I have an opportunity that could change everything for me.

How would you prepare and which platform would you use? I heard excellent things about crafting cases, but 200$ is unfortunately out of my financial reach. Any help is much appreciated

1

u/ergodym Dec 10 '25

Looking for books with high-quality solved case interviews.

Any titles you think really stand out or helped you the most for interview prep?

1

u/navornothing Dec 08 '25

Thoughts on Guidehouse State & Local Government Practice?

Was trying to find more information on the Intern interview process but also how the practice compares to other Government Consulting Practices. What tier firm is Guidehouse? If I wanted to go into tech consulting is the S&LG Practice a potential entryway?

Can offer more information as necessary but for such a big company how is there practically no information online??

1

u/RemoteConcentrate517 Dec 08 '25 edited Dec 08 '25

Hi everyone, I need some carrer/orientation advice...

I am currently a Master in Management (MiM) student at SKEMA Business School (Top 6 in France). I’m doing a gap year and I am at the end of my second internship in strategy at a next 10 consulting firm in Morocco, which I am enjoying. My previouse experiece is:

- 6 months Internship at Bpifrance (public Investment bank) as a project manager on an AI program

-4 months Internship as an Account manager at one of the biggest HR firms (hated it).

I have to choose my specialization for my second year (M2) in February, and I am torn between two paths. I would love some perspective from industry professionals.

The Options:

Msc in Strategy consulting It feels like the safer choice for consulting, but potentially less differentiating.
Double Degree with UC Berkeley (Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Startup Management): I have a genuine passion for innovation and have launched small projects in the past (which failed, but were great learning experiences), the double degree is 1 semester at Berkeley and 1 semester in France.

My Constraints & Concerns:

Target School Reality: I am realistic about the fact that SKEMA is not a core target school for MBB, and breaking into Tier 2 firms is challenging.
The "Safety" vs. "Brand" Dilemma: I feel like the Strategy master is the "safe" box-checking option. However, I am wondering if the UC Berkeley name on my resume provides better signaling/prestige, even if the subject (Entrepreneurship) isn't purely Strategy.
Career Goal: I'm still not sure if I want to continue in Strategy Consulting (likely in Europe or MENA) after graduation or something else but I feel like strategy consulting opens a lot of doors when you exit.

My Questions:

Does having "Entrepreneurship" on the diploma hurt my chances for Strategy Consulting roles? Do recruiters view it as "unfocused"?
Does the UC Berkeley brand carry enough weight to offset the "non-target" status of my main school, or is a pure Strategy academic background preferred?
Given that MBB is likely out of reach, which path makes me a stronger candidate for Tier 2 or top-tier boutique firms?

Thanks in advance for your help!

1

u/Le0_skis Dec 07 '25

ONLINE CASE CLUB? I'm an undergrad student from the US who studies in France and am currently on exchange in Turkey. So there are very limited options for connecting with others to learn about cases. I was hoping someone could recommend a way to get involved with others and learn together. Thanks

1

u/Difficult-Rip-3874 Dec 06 '25

Hi everybody! I’m looking to break into consulting, but I’m unsure of how to get there from my current position. Here’s where I’m at right now:

I’m currently a junior in undergrad studying economics with a minor in theater (3.4-3.5 GPA or thereabouts). I have just over 2 years of work experience (2 months in IT internships, 1 month in finance internships, 22 months in retail full-time when I was home from school). I’ve got presentation skills down given the acting experience, but I struggle with analysis and such (though I’m open to learning more!). I’m currently applying to some consulting related internships for next summer and I recently just joined my school’s consulting club after being involved in other related clubs for econ and investing. I’m also planning on studying for the GMAT and taking it sometime next year.

There’s three main options I have the choice of doing

1) Go straight into an MBA right out of college. I’m already in touch with a couple of schools and my parents really want me to take this route for some reason, but after doing more research I’m unsure of it. What do you think

2) Go right into the workforce and get an MBA later/never. This seems to be the more reasonable option, but I’m not currently located in a consulting-heavy area (Central FL) so finding positions is a concern for me. Thoughts?

3) Continuing my studies and going into academia. A bit of a wild card option, but this is actually what I wanted to do originally before changing my mind and reading more about consulting, which just seemed better for me. I’m not completely ruling out this path yet though.

Any advice and suggestions for me? Again, I’m just not quite sure how to get there from my current position. Thanks!

1

u/Apprehensive-Job7243 Dec 10 '25

Use your theater expertise to create improv sessions for difficult conversations. AIM it at execs and middle managers that want to move up. Focus on helping women to engage powerfully. Learn how to sell and focus on value.

1

u/ElephantNo5732 Dec 06 '25

what is consulting? I just joined a consulting group on my university campus and am curious if this is a viable field and what the options look like with or wtihout an MBA? I am graduating with a masters in marketing and would like to go into executive leadership. A guy I'm seeing is all jacked up about a McKinsey interview and while i am just rolling my eyes at his ego i want to know really what's the big deal? plenty of people's profiles on llinkeedin say "ex-Bain" and when I lived in DC half the city was in consulting at Deloitte. So tell me what's the secret beyond the elitist signaling and "doors it could open for you"? It seems like ultra-corporate, ultra-competitive, super rigid promotional structure... whats the rat race all about anyways?

2

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Dec 06 '25

You can start here: https://admittedmba.hec.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/5.26.21.Career-guide-to-consulting-3050_compressed.pdf

1

u/ElephantNo5732 Dec 06 '25

ty!!

1

u/Gold_member10 Dec 04 '25

How do you actually figure out the kind of manager/mentor you’d be working under during recruiting?

I keep hearing that who you work under matters more than where you work, especially early in consulting.

For those of you already in the industry — what questions (or signals) helped you understand a potential manager’s leadership style, expectations, or how they support junior team members?

Trying to get better at evaluating this during interviews without being awkward or overly direct. Any guidance appreciated.

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Dec 06 '25

Doesn’t matter at that phase. Your manager will change every project.

1

u/No_Reindeer2381 Dec 03 '25

Hi all,

I'm a film graduate (so not even remotely consulting related) and am looking to get into management consulting. I'm currently working in HR operations and coordination at a media company and my background is entirely in film productions. I previously had my own production company, where I focused on business management, and end-to-end production management.

I am looking to get into consulting, but am completely out of my depth on where to start. I've been grinding it out trying to get anyone to talk to me from consulting firms, but no one has replied at all. I know I need to leverage my unorthodox background to even try and get my foot in the door, but I could really use some advice.

Does anyone have any advice for anyone coming from an Non-consulting background. Any insight would be so hepful!

1

u/Apprehensive-Job7243 Dec 11 '25

Don’t waste your time trying to talk to consulting firms. Hang out a digital shingle that will help executives make short powerful, inclusive messages. Charge a lot. Help them to improve how they show up. Most executives get isolated from real information and seduced them to believing that they actually know what’s going on. Use your video skills to help them to see themselves and how they interact. You could also video their groups and have them look at their group. One thing they’ll recognizes that their groups all have patterns and certain people follow certain people in every conversation. Show them what’s going on. Have them talk about how they can prove it.

1

u/BlackArmourPaisan Dec 02 '25

I’m a college student recruiting for analyst roles, and I’m deep into a boutique consulting firm’s process. I’ve completed 9 total interviews (initial recruiter screen, two managers, a case presentation, two more managers, and three partners). The recruiter originally said they would update me before Thanksgiving, and when I followed up early last week she told me to expect an update by end of day Wednesday, but later clarified she was still trying to connect with partners who were traveling.

Now it’s the following Monday night, and I still haven’t heard anything. I have competing offers and this firm has been expediting my process because of that. Would it be appropriate to follow up again tomorrow (Tuesday)? Or should I wait longer?

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Dec 02 '25

Go ahead and note your competing offers.

1

u/behindblueyes97 Dec 02 '25

Follow up politely :)

1

u/BlackArmourPaisan Dec 02 '25

I already did. They expedited the process for me.

2

u/coeh2 Dec 01 '25

If anyone is looking for a community to prep for MBB interviews tgt and share advice I created a discord here

2

u/Only_Complex_1829 Nov 30 '25

Hello everyone,

To put a long story short for the last 18 months I've spent working as a volunteer consultant for a railway company in implementing a particular software for railway planning. Not to bore you with unnecessary details my main job was making sure the implemented railway software worked, made sure to explain and present the company's demands to the software suppliers, validated software input based on demanded railway logic and many other things including project management, staff training etc. A couple days ago the project manager from the company told me I could basically start being an independent consultant given my knowledge in the field experience.

My question would be, is 18 months enough experience or should I continue working as a volunteer and save up some more experience.

Appreciate everyone's answers.

2

u/Apprehensive-Job7243 Dec 11 '25

I started with two months of experience 35 years ago. Take his advice seriously. What’s the worst guy can happen? You can always duck back inside, but it’s much more fun being outside.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 03 '25

Damn with 18 months? I've heard people say even 5 years is less. You give me a bit of hope as thats my goal one day :)

1

u/jsb028 Nov 28 '25

Working in industry at a large CPG with pretty fast career progression (5 years total out of undergrad, recent senior manager promotion). Started out of undergrad in IB for 18 months and moved into current company. Thinking of potential next steps in the next 1-2 years mostly due to struggling company performance and significant turnover of most of my senior mentors/advocates.

With my type of background, could an experienced hire consulting pivot be possible, or would it still require an MBA? At my current company I've covered revenue management, operations/supply chain finance, investor relations, 1-year/3-year strategic plan processes so quite an array of topics that I think could be relevant within consulting particularly if I can stay in the CPG space (which would be ideal). Reasoning for consulting would be to stay in the same industry and do similar work but better career/comp progression potential and continue building my foundational expertise within the industry and also open up more of the interesting corporate roles that seem to always be led by ex-consultants that desire the consulting skillset background regardless of industry experience.

2

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '25

Review my resume and give me ideas on what I can do to improve it. I'm applying for internships.

2

u/AndreiWarg Nov 26 '25

Howdy gents,

So, I have spent the last 10 years of my life in various factories and warehouses. I did it all. From being an operator on the shopfloor to being a supervisor of over 40 employees + a highly technical specialised department. I did project work, worked tightly with management from Ops Managers to GMs. I was blessed with several leadership courses that were actually useful. These have helped me tremendously over the years to develop solid working relationships and improve the workplaces I oversaw. I shifted into a different role, but.

I am now in my thirties and would like a change. My job and wage at the moment are not bad, but nothing to write home about. It is also not really mentally satisfying. So I was thinking about it, and the concept of being a leadership consultant/workplace relationship consultant came to me.

I love this stuff. I love teaching people, I love improving their day to day and I love making people confident and independent. Being a leader is a fantastic thing to have in life, but it is a skill that you have to learn. I believe that I have what it takes.

My question is, do any of you do this kind of work? What is the day to day like? Is there enough interest in the world?

I am currently situated in Germany if that helps. My approach is to be practical, concrete and focused on qualitative no bullshit improvements. I care about elevating and improving workplaces, not 0.1 on KPI.

Cheers all and good luck on your contracts!

1

u/[deleted] Nov 25 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/behindblueyes97 Dec 02 '25

Show the impact you've already made in your own career, and write business cases surrounding your professional achievements, since you are a 1-person consulting shop for now.

1

u/Minimum-Raspberry138 Nov 19 '25

Does anyone have any recommendations for casing coaches that don’t charge $150 plus an hour? Thank you!

1

u/titan_mdjz Nov 18 '25

Orthopedic surgeon pivoting to business/strategy/consulting — is INSEAD → MBB in Middle East, a realistic path?

Hi everyone,

I’m a 31-year-old orthopedic surgeon from India. I recently finished my orthopedic postgraduate training and I’m now exploring a transition out of full-time clinical work into the broader business/strategy side of healthcare and general management.

My plan: • Prepare for the GMAT and apply to INSEAD • Use the MBA to pivot into management consulting, strategy, or corporate leadership roles • Target MBB roles in UAE or anywhere in Middle East post-MBA, but I’m also open to healthcare strategy, hospital management, and corporate leadership roles in the region

I’m looking for insights from people familiar with consulting recruiting and non-traditional professional backgrounds.

My questions: 1. How realistic is the path orthopedic surgeon → INSEAD → MBB in the Middle East ? 2. How do consulting firms view a surgical/medical background, especially for generalist consultant roles? 3. What should I start doing now (pre-MBA) to strengthen my profile for INSEAD and MBB recruiting? 4. Any examples of physicians or surgeons who have successfully transitioned into consulting or strategy roles?

Any advice, experiences, or warnings would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance!

1

u/savoury-vanilla Nov 18 '25

Love any advice for interview please -

Ive been invited to a case study sprint day for a boutique firm that primarily takes on public institution clients across both development + management. I already completed a short group case interview (~3.5hrs) but this round is a 6+ hour stint - any advice to get through a full day zoom call and maintain momentum throughout? I find it hard to both maintain the right vibes and also focus on the case especially on zoom i seem to be able to do one or the other

1

u/CandidNecessary6091 Nov 17 '25

From Program Management to Consulting

I’m thinking about exploring a career path in business consulting. I’ve spent the last 12+ years managing complex technical programs for automation companies, so I’ve built up pretty deep domain expertise. I know the ins and outs of equipment development cycles, supply chain challenges, and cross‑functional coordination in this space.

My idea is to focus on short‑term program rescue and product launch consulting for automation equipment companies.

That said, I’m still debating whether this is a good market to get into. If it is, how do you even land that first client? And would I need additional training or certifications to make myself more credible?

1

u/[deleted] Nov 17 '25

[deleted]

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Nov 17 '25

Firms typically don't recruit out of eMBA. If you get into a top MBA, you can recruit into any management consulting firm.

1

u/No_Solution1542 Nov 16 '25

Hi everyone,

I have a bachelor’s degree in biology, and I’m looking to break into part-time consulting—ideally in the health sciences/biotech/pharma space.

I’m not trying to jump into full-time management consulting. I’m more interested in part-time or project-based work like:

Life science research analysis
Market research for biotech/healthcare
Scientific writing or technical communication
Competitive landscaping for drug development
Data analysis or bioinformatics support (if training is provided)

But I’m not sure what the usual entry points are for someone with my background.

Where do people actually find part-time consulting gigs in this field?
Platforms? Networking? Specific firms that take part-time analysts or contractors?

Also, if anyone has experience breaking in without an MBA or graduate degree, I’d love to hear how you did it.

Thanks for any advice!

1

u/SmithOcube Nov 16 '25

I recently applied (1st November) to the LSS role at LEK London as a PhD holder. I then got an email on 11th November saying:

“We are experiencing a slight delay in our screening process. We aim to come back to you with a response on your application around mid-December.”

Has anyone else received this? Do you think it means anything? Or simply that they have had a lot of applicants?

1

u/[deleted] Nov 16 '25

Read up about finance transformation. How does it compare to other consulting lines? How is finance solutions different from finance transformation?

If anyone knows, what are the exits like & how attractive would it be for something like an MBA? As well, how does it stack up against deals, risk, or strategy?

1

u/Drag2oon Nov 13 '25

Serious question - how much of solving case study questions in interviews is intuitive/ natural talent and how much of it is developed through regular practice? Can you develop a natural knack of properly approaching any case by regular practice?

3

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Nov 13 '25

Mostly practice.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 12 '25

Has anyone on this thread used case coaches from Linkedin? specifically looking to see if anyone has worked with a coach named Alexandra B., from Linkedin. I don't want to get scammed lol

1

u/[deleted] Nov 16 '25

I think it’s better to use online resources and the ones at your school tbh

1

u/crawdadbilly Nov 12 '25

Hello! I want to begin offering consulting services in conflict & change management. I’ve been in education and tech for much of my career and currently the VP of Biz Dev for a SaaS company. I live in a smallish town but rather populated with various industries. Getting my name out there and selling is sort of my super power. However, I feel the need to gain certifications to put some validity behind the sell. There’s a lot out there. I’ve looked at Prosci, Kilmann Diagnostics conflict & change management, and many others (Kilmann seems very comprehensive, there’s just not much info/reviews out there that wasn’t written by them) Any advice on certifications with good training and brand recognition?

1

u/DumplingSaint Nov 11 '25

Which summer internship offer should I accept as an Industrial Engineer located in Atlanta, hoping to get into consulting post-grad:

NCR Voyix for Strategy & Operations Intern ($30 + $5000 sign-on) in Atlanta.

Wells Fargo Consumer Small Business Banking Summer Analyst ($36.06 + $2500 sign-on) in Charlotte.

1

u/behindblueyes97 Dec 02 '25

What is the housing situation like in Charlotte? Would you be able to afford something if you move for the summer? Do you already have housing in Atlanta?

Do you want to go into Strategy/Operations or Analyst roles? Which one will give you more opportunities for impact, skill building and relationship building? (this is really the goal of your internship, not the compensation)

1

u/DumplingSaint Dec 03 '25

Accepted the NCR role. More interest in Strategy / Ops, better housing in Atlanta, and didn't know the team for Fargo. Team in NCR seemed great.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 10 '25

INTERNSHIPS QUESTION

Graduate student here and just curious: Is it feasible to move into consulting from any high-level policy internships? Will McKinsey & Co. view experience anywhere like...

• The Federal Reserve
• The Congressional Budget Office
• WH Council of Economic Advisers
• Whatever Senate/House committees

As relevant? (Let's say how relevant on a scale of 1-10, if 1 is equivalent to being a line cook at Chipotle and 10 is equivalent to being a summer associate at McKinsey?)

1

u/Random_Username_686 Nov 10 '25

I (M33) am trying to convince my wife (and possibly myself) that it is time to step into sole consulting. I would be looking toward international (mostly ASEAN) universities for improving their ratings, government/dept of ag, and agribusinesses. My wife asked the question about whether or not I was ready resume wise. Here’s a little about me. I’m not trying to blow smoke, I am legitimately seeking advice/input.

-Graduated PhD Agriculture (Education concentration) in August from Clemson University (4.0)

-published (though a bit weaker as my chair didn’t do much research). 97.5% acceptance rate to conferences and journals (30+). Mixed methods. Strong qual

-spoke in several Philippines universities and taught research methods

-current research consultant for a college in the Philippines on a multi-year cattle project (free but get name on publications).

-helped secure a 100,000$ grant for coffee research in the Philippines

-Fulbright scholar to the Philippines — taught and conducted research at a university there.

-Taught at Clemson separate from my research assistantship. And was an instructor at Penn State where I started my PhD

-6 years of high school teaching experience in agriculture. 5-6 years of college/university teaching

-MS from Texas A&M in 2015 in international ag development. Research in Haiti (3.57)

-BS in agriculture from a smaller regional university (3.56)

-also taught ag for a couple weeks at a school in India

-own a travel agency

-grew up in a rural area.. worked in livestock (both for others and owned) and crops and in mechanics (family business)

-speak multiple languages

I am nervous about this because obviously I want to take care of my wife and kids. I think I have enough connections to get started and make a reasonable salary the first couple years and then hopefully build it in that time. If my wife helped out, she has a PR, Business, and Graphics background.

Is this not too soon?

3

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Nov 10 '25

It’s much less about your résumé and more if you have actual clients in your Rolodex. Do you?

1

u/Random_Username_686 Nov 10 '25

I believe I have several government and university contacts that could provide opportunities. So I would say, yeah. I only have part of my resume because I saw other comments that were saying how important experience was. But I mean I kind of thought what you said.. do I have contacts and work? If yes, then I can start.

1

u/ConsiderationNo1419 Nov 09 '25

Hello everyone! I am an R&D scientist in a pharmaceutical company with 2+ years of experience and a masters in biotech as my qualification. I have been looking to enter the life sciences consulting or consulting industry in general but so far I have been unsuccessful. I would appreciate any help, advices or tips you can offer me. I am currently based in UK but I would be willing to relocate, location is not an issue. Thanks for taking time out to read this. I apologise if this is not right platform for this. Thanks

1

u/PriPriChicken Nov 09 '25

Hey guys, hope you're all doing well. I guess you could call this an epiphany but over these last few weeks I've been thinking about career choices and reading up on healthcare consulting and honestly, it is something that does sound interesting to me. I'm currently in my second year out of six as a medical student in the UK and I've decided to look into things such as applying for spring weeks and see where it goes.

I was just wondering if anyone else has been in the same position as me, and what they would recommend my course of action should be outside of what I've just spring weeks and internships? Are there specific firms that I should target, I heard MBB being thrown around but are there others that I should go for? Are there any YT videos or podcasts that serve as a good start, or any ventures that people have gone into that have proven useful? I do realise second year might be a bit early but I might as well use it to my advantage. Networking is key so that's something that will always be the aim. I'm prepared to put in the work, it's just that I probably need a bit of guidance, and I appreciate anyone who might have some advice!

1

u/BellebettyTao Nov 10 '25

Happy to talk in more details over DM - I’m a former consultant in the biopharma space but went into the space post-undergrad. However, you should start with some networking / informal coffee chats. I’d first try to find an alumni or two from your med school who went into consulting instead of clinical practice and speak to them to understand their path as a starting point and to start developing connections at firms / a better understanding of the roles you’ll be targeting.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 06 '25

[deleted]

1

u/gelectrox Nov 08 '25

Did you apply to specialist life sciences consultancies? Also wondering if the sheer volume of education you have is counting against you? Not suitable for graduate positions but not suitable for experienced hires?.

1

u/witsqaa Nov 06 '25

Hey guys,

I’m a final-year Master in Management student at ESCP Business School (Top 3 France), with a bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Toronto. I have consulting experience through internships at BNP Paribas (in-house strategy) and FGS Global (US-based consultancy).

I’m looking to move to Dubai after my master’s and would love some insights:

What are my chances of landing a consulting or strategy role there (MBB, Tier 2, dubai based)?
When do top firms in Dubai usually open applications for summer internships or full-time roles?
Any tips or strategies for standing out as an international candidate?

Would really appreciate any advice or shared experiences. Thank you

1

u/Secure_Ad613 Nov 05 '25

Sorry if it is the incorrect master thread to comment on but what is the actual rule before one can post a thread? Not specified in the FAQ.

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Nov 06 '25

Participate in the community.

1

u/Secure_Ad613 Nov 06 '25

But what’s the quantifiable metric? How many comments to do? How many days of active participation

1

u/Own_Investigator_371 Nov 05 '25

What else should I be doing right now to break into consulting at a Big 4 or MBB firm? I’m interested in the healthcare sector and am currently a sophomore at a private fringe target school in the US (think Vanderbilt/Notre Dame/UChicago), double majoring in bio and econ (pre-med). I have a 3.7 GPA, which could be closer to 3.8 by the end of the year, and a 1550 on the SAT back in high school (not sure if that still matters). I have a few leadership positions, like VP of a cultural club and co-president of a charity club on campus along with a few other pre-med ECs. No finance/consulting internships yet, since I decided relatively late that I want to pivot into this field. Is MBB or Big 4 consulting still within reach if I apply to some consulting clubs next semester (club involvement is a big deal at my school)? And what else should I be doing right now to strengthen my profile?

1

u/Zhuwx1 Nov 28 '25

If you still have questions DM me I got into a Big 4 firm from Vanderbilt with a healthcare background

1

u/BellebettyTao Nov 05 '25

Step 1 is talking to your school’s career services office. Given the types of schools you mentioned, it’s likely that they should have a fair amount of resources / guidance.

1

u/princeofthecastles Nov 04 '25

Hey everyone, I'm currently a junior at a non-target university in Italy 3.6/4.0 GPA Next year I'll be starting an MSc in Management at a semi-target university in the UK. My goal is to break into consulting (MBB would be the dream, but realistically l'a be more than happy starting at a Tier 2/boutique tirm/big4. At the moment my experience is limited, I have done consulting internships at small / medium firms (one in Italy one in London) not big brand names, but a good amount of exposure to client work and strategy projects, also joined a Junior Enterprise in where I took on client projects and I have done some business dev work + some Volunteering experience. What can I do during these years and during my MSc to improve my protile, what should I work on, how do I learn and grow to have a chance at boutiques/tier2 firms or even MB.B. Thank you in advance!

1

u/[deleted] Nov 04 '25

Im someone with a background in Pre med, any possibility of pivoting to consulting? I was gonna try for med school but I'm starting to realise this may not work out so Im looking for a backup plan and consulting is kind of what I wanted to do initially out of high school. I've heard of life science consulting?

1

u/Zhuwx1 Nov 28 '25

Absolutely I did it

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Nov 06 '25

See the OP.

1

u/Secure_Ad613 Nov 04 '25

Depending on your market you probably need an advanced degree. I don’t think I have seen many recent new hires in HC practice in NA or Europe with just a bachelor’s.

1

u/vintraa Nov 02 '25 edited Nov 02 '25

Hi!

Wanted to look around for people in consulting who have similar background and insights on recruiting from non-MBA Master's in APAC—

About me:

BS in Econ (developing country but decent grades, graduated top of class), graduated in 2024
One year work exp at a decent firm but not super useful skills (data operations at a finance firm)
Then currently doing MSc Econ at a global top 20 uni
Graduating in 2026

What I'm interested in + doing now:

Interested in economic, policy, or strategy consulting
Doing as much as I can for a graduate student to prep for consulting recruitment: loading up on finance courses, some case competition finals, networking with boutique firms (although getting rejected at MBB networking events), and doing projects for consulting club at uni
Targeting boutique internships in current country or MBB internships in my home country

Anyone with an MSc Econ or Public Policy in strategy consulting? How's recruiting like? Is it even viable with a non-MBA Master's?

1

u/Usual-Ad-8337 Oct 30 '25

I am a recent graduate from a top math program in the US with minors in business and spanish as well. I spent the past year (my senior year) interning as an actuarial analyst at a smaller firm and enjoyed the work, but realized the lifestyle was not for me. It was quite boring and repetitive, with very little communication. I am great at math, but am an outgoing person who wants to continue learning and this ultimately has led me to apply for consulting positions post grad. However, I had no consulting experience and very little connections (daughter of immigrants) and I am still unemployed. I know I am qualified to work in these roles with my quantitative background, as well as my communication skills, but am struggling to get a foot in the door. Does anyone have any advice to provide someone like me? I made it to final round interviews for 2 great consulting firms and didn’t get either. If anyone has any advice or connections to provide, I would be very grateful to hear it.

2

u/BellebettyTao Oct 31 '25

(Assuming you went to a target school given you mentioned a top math program) Even if you are an alumni, your school’s career services program has a good chance of providing some support for transitioning into consulting so it may be worth reaching out to them. At the very least, they should have some resources on interviews and casing prep. Given that you made it into 2 final rounds, it does sound like your background / resume is good enough to get your foot in the door but you really need to be on point with the interviews and casing especially as someone coming in outside of the usual on campus recruiting path.

1

u/Jasong222 Oct 30 '25

How is it out there for guys right now?

I'm thinking about transitioning from my current trainer job into leadership/team building consulting using the Belbin Teams model and an as yet undecided consulting model. The goal being to help teams work together better.

But I know it's weird out there. Social services being cut, massive layoffs, AI encroachment, 'loss of democracy', etc.

So I wanted to ask, is it getting harder to:

Find clients, pay expenses, get paid, etc., just... all of it.

1

u/throwRA-unmade-bed Oct 30 '25

Have any of you worked for the FCDO as a consultant before and had good experiences?

1

u/[deleted] Oct 30 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/BellebettyTao Oct 30 '25

I’d say 2Y MBA recruiting for many consulting firms will be tough simply because 1. It’s easier for them to try out 1Y interns rather than gamble with a full time offer on a 2Y and 2. They will wonder if the reason you are not returning to the company you interned at is because you didn’t get a return offer.

I’m not sure what you are considering a referral but I’d be trying to get in touch with / a phone call with a member of the recruiting team.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 31 '25 edited Oct 31 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/BellebettyTao Oct 31 '25

I think there’s a way to mention it casually in a coffee chat when you talk about your background / experience or when they ask why are you interested in our firm. Unfortunately, I’m not sure myself of the best way to phrase it in a situation like that or how to bring it up outside of that, sorry.

1

u/marvelvdc Oct 28 '25

Should I apply as an associate consultant (AC) or as a Consultant at Bain if I have an engineering master's degree and 2.5 years of work experience in program management? (I'm not in the new grad pipeline, but I did go to a target school)

1

u/No_Artist6735 Oct 29 '25

honestly prob AC — bain’s usually pretty strict on that cutoff unless u’ve got like legit consulting exp or an MBA. 2.5 yrs is kinda in-between but they’ll prob bump u up later if u start strong. def worth applying tho, worst case they just level u themselves

1

u/Automatic_Pin_3725 Oct 27 '25

Currently working at a major CPG company for ~4 years and have had relatively accelerated career progression to senior manager with a short IB analyst tenure before that post-undergrad.

Company performance isn't great and many of my senior mentors and advocates have left. I've thought about potential next moves and briefly thought about an MBA to consulting. Main reason being that the more "interesting" corporate roles within strategy and growth always seem to prefer MBB/consulting backgrounds and its been hard to compete with that in external applications even with strong resume/career progression in industry to this point. In my corporate experience I've covered planning cycles, supply chain finance and revenue management which seems very transferable for consulting roles.

I'd like to avoid an MBA due to cost/opportunity cost and my undergrad is a pretty strong brand name already, so I was wondering what kind of timelines I could try to aim for experienced hire roles? Most ideal outcome would be to get hired for my CPG background and continue focus within that industry. During the post-covid boom I saw many relatively early career people lateral to mbb/consulting at the most junior levels and at the most senior levels for those with deep management expertise. I know market is much tougher now, but is it possible and how does one try to break in through the experienced hire path for 5-10 yoe and what kind of level would that provide?

1

u/Hefty-Field-6873 Oct 27 '25

Hi all — I currently am a valuations analyst at a fintech company, and will be heading to a Big 4 in June as a Tax Associate. Even though strategy/consulting is my goals, I felt that being able to get my CPA and work at a big 4, would ultimately be the best choice for my career long term.

While being a Tax Associate, I was wondering if there are any stories or experience of anyone in this community who had the same ambitions as me and successfully made it happen, or maybe even in the process of it right now?

I’d love to connect with others on this thread about any tips or advice as I have some time to prepare myself before heading back to NYC for tax season!!

1

u/lycf Oct 26 '25

I’m currently a Senior Consultant in tech consulting at a Big 4 firm in New Zealand, and I’m considering relocating to Hong Kong within the next year or so.

Background: I grew up half in China, half in NZ, so I speak Mandarin fluently (but no Cantonese). I’m starting to shift towards the product management side of things in my current firm and want to be closer to home. Additionally, I see a lot of potential in the Greater China market (not just for consulting, but for the tech industry in general).

For those who’ve made a similar move from a Western country to Hong Kong — how was the transition?

What’s the WLB like in consulting or tech roles there?
How does the pay compare to Western markets once you factor in the cost of living and taxes?
How’s the work culture? Is it more intense or toxic than what you’d find in NZ/Aus/UK?

I would love to hear any firsthand experiences or advice on navigating the move (e.g., what to look out for, what surprised you, what you’d do differently).

Thanks in advance!

1

u/Previous-Run-408 Oct 24 '25

Current MBA student applying for MBB internships. I haven’t been invited to any invite only events while I’ve heard some peers have. Is this a bad sign? Am I cooked?

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u/anonypanda Promoted to Client Oct 24 '25

Have you made yourself known to recruiters? If you don't get invited it is because you didn't express any interest, speak to them or leave a CV. The bar is extremely low for this...

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u/No_Artist6735 Oct 29 '25

nah ur not cooked lol. those events help but they’re not a make-or-break thing. some ppl get invites cause of networking or random recruiter stuff. plenty of ppl who never go to a single event still get interviews. just keep preppin and networking a bit — still tons of time.

1

u/itsafrap19 Oct 24 '25

Hi!

Does anyone have any suggestions for resources that can help with understanding and applying consulting type analysis such as problem-solving and creating frameworks? For context, I am applying to a tech company under a Strategy & Partnerships role, which entails helping define long-term strategy and also undertaking M&A and strategic partnership opportunities. I come from a Corporate Finance background (ex-IB / PE), so I feel I am okay on the numerical / financial requirements. I was told by someone who works in the department I am applying for that it would be best to also familiarize myself with strategy-type analysis which consultants usually employ in preparation for the interview process.

Given these, does anyone have any suggestions on which resources to use to get a better understanding of these? And what type of analysis is usually used?

1

u/minhthemaster Client of the Year 2009-2029 Oct 24 '25

The minto pyramid, porters five forces etc

1

u/[deleted] Oct 23 '25

I am looking to get a Tech Consulting Internship Summer of 2028. What could I do to improve my resume, experience, coursework, etc.?

I am hoping to get an engineering internship at a large defense or energy company for summer 2027. If I do that will replace the Camp, Makerspace and Fraternity Section at the bottom of my resume.

Would it be a good idea to condense what I have to make a "Projects" section, I have 2 ML projects, 1 patent pending and want to complete 1-2 more projects before I apply.

Note: I used this resume to apply for Jane Street's InFocus program in January but have not heard back yet.

1

u/Luce097 Oct 23 '25

Hi everyone!

I’m currently updating my CV since I plan to apply for MBB next year. I’m lucky enough to have top management referrals from all three firms, but I know the CV still needs to be absolutely top-notch.

Do you have any templates or guidelines I could follow? I understand it needs to be results-driven, but how do you know when a result is “good enough” to include? And what should I write if there were no clear KPIs during a project?

I’m also in the process of launching a startup, still at a very early stage (the MVP isn’t complete yet), but I’ve already present it as an external guest speaker for bachelor’s and master’s students at one of Italy’s top universities. Is it worth mentioning on my CV?

Lastly, I’m organizing a meeting between my firm (around €800M in revenue) and a small nuclear consulting company to establish a strategic partnership and create a new business stream. Would this type of initiative stand out on a consulting CV?

Some additional info in needed: I have a MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Production systems), Project management certification and I will at least try to get a green belt six sigma certification for the end of the year.

I've been working as a management consultant for my firm since March '24, I've been mainly doing strategy operations, operations, organization and change management and governance projects.

Thanks a lot for any insights or examples, I really want to make sure my application is as strong as possible.

1

u/luckycurl Oct 22 '25

So I’m at the point in my F100 corporate career where I’ve just about topped out without doing expat work. I have my MBA, about 6 years post-grad. I’ve held (and currently hold) $$ P&Ls, have run strategic corporate initiatives, and have a strong reputation among leadership.

Is it worth it to go to MBB as a consultant (not as a manager/case TL, etc.)? It would be for management consulting. Particularly if it’s a significant paycut? I suppose I worry that the consulting exit would be right back at the same spot again and I’d just be annoyed.

2

u/minhthemaster Client of the Year 2009-2029 Oct 24 '25

It’d be a super dumb idea

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u/No_Artist6735 Oct 29 '25

nah you’re not crazy for thinking that. honestly, unless you really want the consulting toolkit or brand name for a specific next step (like PE ops, C-suite fast track, or startup exec), it’s tough to justify the pay cut + travel grind just to end up back in a similar corp role later.

if you’re already running P&Ls and have exec visibility, MBB at consultant level might feel like a step back. but if you think you’re missing that structured “strategy” exposure or want to pivot industries, it can be worth it short-term. just gotta be super clear on the exit you’d want after, otherwise yeah, you’ll prob just circle back and be like “why did i do this?”

1

u/Gwefe101 Oct 21 '25

Hi all.

I am looking to break into consulting but I am a bit stuck at what my next steps should be.

About me: Female late 20's. Degree: Finance (BSc and MSc) Work experience: Project manager- now a senior. (5 years experience) Happy to move around in terms of location. However, excluding London. Looking to break into strategy consulting.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thank you.

1

u/TeamGreat1775 Oct 20 '25

i'm interviewing for the Huron healthcare consulting analyst role soon and don't know what to expect for their case interview. i know it contains a small quantitative section but i'm not proficient at casing-- anyone that's done this case interview? how would you rate the difficulty of the case 1-10?

1

u/[deleted] Oct 20 '25

Hi I have a question what happens if your consultancy was really good do you get bonus? and what happens if your consultancy is bad do you get in trouble?

1

u/Western_Salt2416 Oct 20 '25

Hi, has anyone heard of a boutique consulting firm called Liberty Advisors Group based in Chicago? Also what's total comp like full time for them?

1

u/Yoanni5 Oct 19 '25

hello! I am a highschool doing a project where I have to interview an business professional (manager,supervisor, Buisness Owner) in a field and I was wondering if anyone here would be willing to do a phone interview about their job?

1

u/aqroul Oct 18 '25

I am thinking of joining a big 4 consultancy in an infrastructure and capital projects team after 30 years managing projects in resource companies. I’d come in at a reasonably high level but would joining a consultancy in your mid 50s make any sense?

1

u/minhthemaster Client of the Year 2009-2029 Oct 24 '25

Depends on the level and pay

1

u/phasefred Oct 18 '25

Finishing up my 1st year of a Bachelor of Business degree (Australia) and my plans have changed so I have 3 months over the summer free and may not be able to land an internship on time. So why not do something else in the mean time. My main career direction is in consulting / business analysis, and also have interest in disability advocacy/ accessibility consulting.

I finished doing the ECBA (from IIBA) and would like to add another qualification or cert to help me understand what I like doing etc.

Extra context: I’m a mature age student, I already have a bachelor of Fine Arts (so I like anything creative), I’ve got over 10+ years experience in customer care/retail specialising in beauty sector, I’ve got my soft skills down, but could work on hard skills (especially in tech/data/it fields). Planning on majoring in International Business.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 17 '25

[deleted]

1

u/minhthemaster Client of the Year 2009-2029 Oct 24 '25

Non MBAs aren’t worthwhile in consulting

1

u/RienPeach Oct 15 '25

I’m a bit lost right now and could use some direction. I have three master’s degrees (MBA, MPH, and MS in Marketing) and a few years of experience in healthcare consulting and research. I worked at a boutique consulting firm for two years before being laid off, then did some temp work at a bioengineering consulting firm.

I’m trying to get back into consulting or analytics, ideally starting as an analyst and working my way up, but I’m open to trying something new. Just not sure how to position my background or where to focus my search to rebuild a stable, six-figure career. Any advice would be appreciated.

1

u/gormar099 Oct 16 '25

small piece of advice: lay off the selective bolding.

ok sorry, now that the snark's out of the way: given you have prior consulting experience, why would you start from analyst tier? position your background as specialist consultant seeking to move into something more broad / generalist (or vice versa). your best shot is with boutiques, so start there. open up the vault list, then work your way up from the bottom.

1

u/Silver_Cello Oct 15 '25

Currently in med school. I speak 3 languages and learning my fourth. I was wondering if MBB are still enthusiastic about fresh MDs. I know it’s aiming for the stars but I used to hear a lot about how this type of thing is sought after.

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Oct 16 '25

Yes if you come from a great med school

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u/No_Artist6735 Oct 29 '25

yeah 100%, they still like MDs — esp for healthcare / life sciences work. it’s not as hyped as like 5–10 yrs ago when every firm was building out HC practices, but it’s still a solid niche. you’d prob come in as a consultant (or senior assoc at bain), not entry level. the key is just showing you’re serious about the business side, not “testing the waters.” if you can connect the med background to strategy/ops stuff (clinical innovation, biopharma, etc.), they’ll def be interested.

1

u/PauseApprehensive571 Oct 15 '25

I’m a PhD scientist with 6 years postgrad experience (academia and industry). What is the best way to break into life science consulting? What’s the most appropriate role? Should I start out as an intern?

1

u/QiuYiDio US Mgmt Consulting Perspectives Oct 15 '25

Internships are generally only for those in school. See the wiki.

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u/PauseApprehensive571 Oct 15 '25

Thank you for your response. Does associate suit me better? Consultants say I’m better for senior but I don’t get any responses when i apply. I’m willing to start from the bottom if that’s what it takes to get in but also don’t want to be rejected for being overqualified

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