Embarking on your university journey is an exciting milestone, especially if you’re aiming for a career in management consulting. This dynamic field offers a wealth of opportunities but requires early preparation and strategic planning. In this guide, we’ll explore how to build a solid academic foundation, maximize extracurricular involvement, and prepare for case interviews.

Academic Excellence: Building a Strong Foundation

Your academic journey is the cornerstone of your future consulting career. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Choose the right courses. Regardless of your background and study program, consulting firms are increasingly welcoming candidates from diverse fields, including STEM and law, provided they understand basic business concepts. Focus on subjects that develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and business acumen, such as economics, business administration, or statistics. Maintaining a strong GPA will make your resume stand out, and taking elective courses in data analytics can boost your technical skills, which are proving to become highly valued in consulting.

Develop practical skills. Actively engage in projects that challenge your problem-solving, communication, and data analysis skills. Seek opportunities to take on leadership roles to refine your management and team coordination skills, and participate in case studies, simulations, and business competitions offered by your university to gain hands-on experience with real-world problems. These activities not only enhance your practical skills, but also demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, making you a more attractive candidate to consulting firms.

Use available resources. Take advantage of your university’s resources by attending guest lectures and company-organized workshops or leveraging online resources, such as access to platforms like CaseCoach or PrepLounge, that aid in preparing for the interview process. Additionally, utilize online resources like MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on platforms like Coursera and edX, or Forage virtual work experience programs offered by top companies, to supplement your learning and gain knowledge in specific areas relevant to consulting.

Maximizing Extracurricular Involvement: Beyond the Classroom

Extracurricular activities are more than just a break from academics—they’re a vital part of your development as a future consultant.

Join relevant clubs and societies. Get involved in student organizations related to business, consulting, finance, or entrepreneurship. These clubs often host case competitions, which are excellent for developing consulting skills and demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and initiative on your CV. Participating in these will help you learn how to approach complex business problems and develop strategic solutions, often under time constraints. From the point of view of a recruiter, this active involvement showcases your practical experience and commitment to professional growth.

Take on internships and part-time jobs to gain practical experience. Look for roles that let you apply your academic knowledge, such as business strategy or project management, and, in your final year, target consulting firms specifically. Finding and applying to internships involves researching companies, networking with industry professionals, and using job portals. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences, and be prepared for rigorous application processes, including online assessments and interviews.

Consulting Interviews: What to Expect

Consulting interviews are a critical part of the hiring process and typically include two main parts: the personal fit interview and the case interview.

The personal fit interview assesses your background, motivation, and cultural fit with the firm. Expect questions about your resume, leadership experiences, and why you’re interested in consulting. This part aims to evaluate your communication skills, personality, and how well you align with the company’s values.

The case interview tests your problem-solving abilities. You’ll be given a business problem to analyze and solve, often in real-time. This part assesses your logical thinking, analytical skills, ability to structure a complex problem, and creativity. Common scenarios include typical business challenges, such as market entry strategies, profitability analysis, and operational improvements.  

Timely preparation for your case interview is key, and there is a wide array of online available resources to aid you. YouTube channels, such as Victor Cheng, Management Consulted, and Crafting Cases, offer a great introductory overview of how a case interview flows and how to tackle the business problem. They also include case drills, follow by the interviewer’s evaluation of the case, helping you understand what is expected of you. 

Afterward, start practicing cases with casebooks, many of which are available online for free or through your university’s repositories. Joining a case club can also give you access to casebooks written by alumni with consulting experience. Try to practice with as many people as possible, ideally including other applicants. This approach helps you understand the case mechanism from both the interviewee’s and interviewer’s perspectives. There’s no set number of cases you should practice; it varies for each candidate, and it’s recommended to stop when you feel barely any marginal improvement.

Your Path to Success

A career in management consulting is within your reach with the right preparation and strategic planning. By excelling academically, engaging in relevant extracurricular activities, and thoroughly preparing for interviews, you can position yourself as a strong candidate. Remember, the journey requires dedication and perseverance, but the rewards of a successful consulting career are well worth the effort. Good luck on your path to becoming a consultant!