Interested in Consulting?

Consulting is a competitive arena, requiring diligent preparation for the job search.Get some first-hand advice from alumni and recruiters, who’ll be joining us for Careers in Consulting on September 21. For more information about the program, watch your weekly Career eNews.

Mimic the life of a consultant for a week and see how you feel. Seriously. Set your alarm for 430 on Monday morning, go to Rochester, NY (or some equally depressed city nearby), stay in a budget hotel chain until Thursday afternoon (don't cheat and stay in your room; find an alternate location to work from during the day), and limit communications with the outside world except for short breaks. Evaluate how it would feel to do this every week for at least 39 weeks of the year.

Kimberly Liao
Formerly with PRTM as a Private Equity Consultant
Candidate, Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, The Fletcher School, 2011

For students entering the interviewing world "do your homework." Do not show up at an interview without thoroughly researching the company, what it does, and what you would be doing if hired. And do not go into an interview and ask how many hours you'll have to work. It's consulting - hours are unpredictable and often long. Asking makes it seem like you are already planning on slacking. A better question would be about work/life balance...but this question may be best in a second round interview rather than a first round interview. I would suggest asking a more junior person this question as well since they will be closer to your position level and are likely in the best position to give you an idea of the company culture. In general, I would focus on questions related to the job you'd be doing and the people you'd be working with.

Lindsey (Bosak) Reynolds, Manager, Economic and Valuation Services, KPMG
Major: Quantitative Economics, 2004
Master’s Degree in Economics, 2005

There are an endless number of directions you can take a career within consulting; specialization can be key and may set you apart from the pack.

Brian Cooperman, Senior Research Analyst, McKinsey & Company
Double major: Classics & History, 2005

To land an entry level position in consulting, understand who the company's clients are. Understand what the company's value proposition is. Understand why you're part of it.

Alex Levy, Principal Consultant, Arcadia Solutions
Double major: Computer Science and Russian Languages & Literature, 2004

Consulting is a broad field that crosses many disciplines and industries; just as you would when selecting a major, look for a role and find firm that aligns with your strengths and interests. It is these roles that you will be most passionate about and likely the most successful in.

Michael Meucci, Senior Consultant, Arcadia Solutions
Major: Economics, 2009

Things that make people successful in consulting: Professional demeanor; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Smart yet not a know-it-all; Driven and proactive; Takes initiative; Ability to work well in a team; Strong oral and written communication skills; Ability and desire to learn new things quickly; Organized with an attention to detail.

Pamela Tarro, Director of Recruiting, Exeter Group, Inc.

Before your first interview, practice some case interview questions with friends. Focus on structuring different types of problems and walking someone through your thought process - it will really help you deliver a confident, polished answer during an actual interview.

Lisa Markusson, Senior Associate, Novantus Consulting
University of Pennsylvania, 2007
Major: Systems Science & Engineering, Minor: Mathematics