Definitely. Target business schools provide a level of access that you don’t get anywhere else. Given how selective the recruiting process is, your best chances of breaking into consulting happen in-school.
If you don’t have that luxury but want to break into consulting, consider the following two elements when debating career paths: prestige and skill-development. Consulting firms respect brand-name companies, and they respect jobs where you learn a broad set of business skills.
Related posts:
- Business school recruiting and applying to international offices: round-up of reader questions
- Why Harvard Business School Does NOT Equal McKinsey
- For companies like McKinsey, Bain, Booz, and BCG – are certain offices “easier” to recruit for?
- Since graduating from college/graduate school, I’ve worked in several jobs and have built a strong work resume. Unfortunately, my educational background is weak – I didn’t go to a “target school” and had a low GPA in my time. How much will this affect my chances?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello Kevin,
I have been reading your website intensively for the last couple of days, always browsing for new interesting stuff. I am currently still in a junior college (or High School) in Singapore to do my Cambridge A-Levels. I am originally from Germany, where I will most probably continue university studies after my A-Levels. Is there still a chance to become a business consultant? Can you suggest any University in Germany, or do you know any source where I can gather information on that issue?
Thank you in advance, Fyn
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Hi, you mention that most consulting companies recruit from “target business schools.” I assume this means Harvard, Chicago, Northwestern, but can you be more specific about what this means? The top 10? The top 25?
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Adam Reply:
July 16th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Hi Kevin,
Yes Dan raised a question i’m also wondering about. I’m thinking about applying to an MBA thats hovering around the 20th best (UT, McCombs). Is this considered a target school for MBB etc? I dont want a 100K loan without knowing my chances of landing a job at a top 5 MC firm.
Any info greatly appreciated!
Thanks
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Hello,
I am interested in a career in management consulting. I am currently a part-time MBA at a well-recognized Canadian business school. I also hold a doctorate (non-MD) and have been practicing as a healthcare provider for over 4 years, and also started my own business 2 years ago focusing on management services in the healthcare sector. Although I have valuable healthcare and entrepreneurial experience, and will soon hold an MBA, I come from an unconventional background. Will my background work against me or is there a certain way I should “market” myself in the eyes of the top dogs like McK, Bain, etc..
With these firms typically hiring the Harvard/stanford/Yale prototype, I’m not sure how well recieved my education/background will be in the eyes of the recruiter.
Thanks,
S.
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