Management Consulting

theboytaylor

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of applying to management consultancy (specifically the strategic type stuff) firms, in the next while (probably places in London).

Does anybody have any experience or that on this line of work?
I think I'd really enjoy the short project aspect of it all, hence my decision to apply.

Thanks in advance.

p.s. I graduated from engineering this year and have been working in a bank since then.

The Hill Billy

No disrespect to you lad, but you'd be better off getting a few year's experience in a particular industry or business sector before going into 'management consultancy'.

If I were to interview you for a management consultancy role I'd be asking myself "What can an engineering grad with a few months banking experience offer to me from a management consultancy perspective? Does he have a sufficient wealth of knowledge & business experience to tell me how to improve my business?"

On the other hand are you considering a support- or analysis-type role in the likes of Accenture, BearingPoint, etc.? Even then I would still advise that you "walk before you run" & prove yourself in a role within the sector in which you wish to specialise in in management consultancy.

Best of luck!

dudara

I'd disagree with Hill Billy. All MC companies offer a graduate recruitment scheme. The catch is that you usually have to be very good to be considered. The companies like recruiting some of their consultants from college as it gives them a chance to educate you in their manner of consulting rather having to shape you as an experienced hire who may come in with different ideas.

I work for big 4 company as an MC. I started in the graduate programme, but I do have a PhD in Physics. Most people on my intake had a masters with a few people with degrees.I also interviewed for McKinsey and E&Y, as well as my current company.

All interviews were concerned with my ability to potentially perform as a consultant, eg thinking under pressure, people skills, problem solving.

What kind of consultancy houses are you thinking of applying to? Strategy like McKinsey, mixed like Deloitte, or more technical-based like Accenture?

The work is great. It can be a mix of short term and long term projects. In the past year I have completed 5 short-term billable projects for a variety of clients, and am currently 3 months into a long term (9 month) project. The experience and range of work is like nothing you'd get elsewhere. You're well paid and more importantly challenged.

damnyanks

2007 AD Management Consultants
2007 BC Oracles, witch doctors, prophets

You goto a location - say whats up. They check their mystical globe or excel spreadsheet. They tell you whats wrong according to such tools - then you either ignore it or take their word for it. Either way its your neck on the line

theboytaylor

Yeah, well I was planning on applying to the grad programmes (obviously I couldn't apply for any of the 'experienced hire' positions).

I was thinking strategy, but again not too sure tbh.

It's the being challenged (in a business setting) as well as the involvement in project work that appeals to me, if people had any other potential careers that might fit the bill I'd be more than happy to hear them.

damnyanks

Project management , product management at a real company.

dudara

theboytaylor wrote:

It's the being challenged (in a business setting) as well as the involvement in project work that appeals to me, if people had any other potential careers that might fit the bill I'd be more than happy to hear them.

You'll definitely be challenged. My first year was a roller coaster ride, learning so much, adapting to working in business and constantly being pushed. You will gain so much more experience (if you work at it) than if you worked for one company in one role. As with any career, it's all about the effort that you put in.

You will learn about working on a project, producing deliverables and as you gain experience, you will learn about project and program management. As you move up the ranks, you will be placed in more and more client-facing roles. Trust me, those kind of roles push you to develop professionally. More challenges.

Apply for the grad programmes, go to interviews, and talk any opportunity that you're given to talk to consultants. Learn about the job and whether it is what you expect.