16 answers
Helen
Student
Rockville, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
2490 views
How did you get your start in consulting?
I am a Junior in University who hopes to have a career in consulting but I'm not sure where to start.
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16 answers
Karolina r
AML Compliance
1
Answer
Totowa, New Jersey
Updated
Karolina’s Answer
Hello! Looking for internship opportunities is a great way to begin. It helps you learn about a company's culture, structure, location, and possible benefits. Check out summer programs, but remember that spots are often limited, so apply early. Good luck!
Phillipa Smith
Risk management professional
3
Answers
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Updated
Phillipa’s Answer
Good for you knowing what you want to do so early on in your professional life. Hold onto that enthusiasm and look for intern and early experience opportunities - read thought leadership to understand what is trending externally and what consulting skills might be most sought after in a few years time . You can also get into consulting roles via internal consulting routes (e.g., internal risk advisory/tech depending on your interest) to gain first-hand experience and then take that into a client-facing role at a later date. There is one more than one route to the role you want in most cases, all experience is good experience!
DeShawna Manley
Benefit Administration
4
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
DeShawna’s Answer
Hi Helen, you've gotten a lot of great advice. Here's one more tip: consulting is a wide field, and you can consult on almost anything. From my experience, having deep knowledge in the area I consulted on helped me a lot. Find something you're passionate about and focus on that. Use your expertise to grow your career.
Kirk Kemppel
Manager, vCIOs
3
Answers
Barberton
Updated
Kirk’s Answer
I began my career immediately after high school by securing an entry-level position at a small IT firm. My initial responsibilities included handling client calls and routing them to the appropriate teams. During this time, I focused on asking thoughtful questions and actively listening, not only to clients but also to internal teams and industry professionals to understand best practices and common pitfalls. I learned that effective consulting isn't always about having immediate answers; it's about listening carefully, analyzing the situation, and delivering well-informed solutions.
Sivu Suppiah Ramu
Talent Mobility
4
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Sivu’s Answer
Hi Helen,
There are some wonderful suggestions that others have mentioned.
1) Network, network, network! It's who you know not what you know sometimes. Reach out to individuals (e.g. through your university's alumni network, LinkedIn, friends of family or friends) who are in consulting. Have informational interviews with them to learn about their career path, their role, and ask them for tips and advice. I did not go to a traditional business school but I worked at EY after graduating and these informational interviews helped me a lot.
2) Get an internship: You will want to land an internship that will still teach you relevant consulting skillset while in college, especially the year before you graduate. I did not get an internship at a consulting firm my 3rd year. But I interned with a global HR M&A team at Thomson Reuters and that still exposed me to M&A and the transactions world, which helped me land my consulting role.
3) Practice Interviewing: Consulting interviews will be a lot of case interviews. Victor Cheng has a lot of great resources for this. If you have a relevant internship and university leadership experience (like being a president or VP for a club), you can tie that to how it helped you build consulting skills for the behavioral interview questions.
4) Most importantly - don't stress! Find a job and role that you enjoy! Company and team culture are important to consider too.
Best of luck,
Sivu
Network
Practice Interviewing
Get an internship
Don't stress!
There are some wonderful suggestions that others have mentioned.
1) Network, network, network! It's who you know not what you know sometimes. Reach out to individuals (e.g. through your university's alumni network, LinkedIn, friends of family or friends) who are in consulting. Have informational interviews with them to learn about their career path, their role, and ask them for tips and advice. I did not go to a traditional business school but I worked at EY after graduating and these informational interviews helped me a lot.
2) Get an internship: You will want to land an internship that will still teach you relevant consulting skillset while in college, especially the year before you graduate. I did not get an internship at a consulting firm my 3rd year. But I interned with a global HR M&A team at Thomson Reuters and that still exposed me to M&A and the transactions world, which helped me land my consulting role.
3) Practice Interviewing: Consulting interviews will be a lot of case interviews. Victor Cheng has a lot of great resources for this. If you have a relevant internship and university leadership experience (like being a president or VP for a club), you can tie that to how it helped you build consulting skills for the behavioral interview questions.
4) Most importantly - don't stress! Find a job and role that you enjoy! Company and team culture are important to consider too.
Best of luck,
Sivu
Sivu recommends the following next steps:
Ryan Townsend
Healthcare Technology Consultant
5
Answers
Spring Lake, Michigan
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Helen,
I'm a consulting manager at a Big 4 consulting firm, and I got into consulting later in my career as an experienced hire. Since you're considering consulting in your junior year of college, you're already ahead. Many successful consultants started early and worked their way up.
Here's what you can do:
1. Talk to Career Services: Find out which consulting firms recruit at your school and what they require. If no consulting firms recruit at your school, look for alumni on LinkedIn who are in consulting to see which firms they work for.
2. Focus on GPA: If you aim for top firms, you'll need a strong GPA. If your GPA needs improvement, consider retaking courses to replace low grades. This can significantly boost your overall GPA.
3. Consider Your School: If your school isn't known for consulting opportunities, think about transferring to one that is, even if it takes longer to graduate.
4. Choose the Right Major: Many consultants have degrees in business, economics, or engineering. If your major doesn't align with consulting, consider changing it, even if it delays graduation.
5. Network: If your school has on-campus recruiting, meet with recruiters and ask insightful questions. If not, get advice from career services on connecting with recruiters. Reading "Network Like a Rockstar" can also help.
6. Pursue Internships: Many firms hire from their internship programs. On campus recruiting happens at a particular time each year, so know when it is and what to expect.
7. Prepare for Interviews: Get ready for both behavioral and case interviews. Join your school's consulting club and use resources like books and online platforms for practice, especially with case interviews.
8. Stay Persistent: If you don't land a consulting job right away, keep building skills. If you're still struggling after 3-5 years, consider an MBA from a school with strong consulting recruitment.
Good luck!
Make an Appointment with career services at your school
Make a plan- work backwards from what you need to land the job and create steps to get you there
I'm a consulting manager at a Big 4 consulting firm, and I got into consulting later in my career as an experienced hire. Since you're considering consulting in your junior year of college, you're already ahead. Many successful consultants started early and worked their way up.
Here's what you can do:
1. Talk to Career Services: Find out which consulting firms recruit at your school and what they require. If no consulting firms recruit at your school, look for alumni on LinkedIn who are in consulting to see which firms they work for.
2. Focus on GPA: If you aim for top firms, you'll need a strong GPA. If your GPA needs improvement, consider retaking courses to replace low grades. This can significantly boost your overall GPA.
3. Consider Your School: If your school isn't known for consulting opportunities, think about transferring to one that is, even if it takes longer to graduate.
4. Choose the Right Major: Many consultants have degrees in business, economics, or engineering. If your major doesn't align with consulting, consider changing it, even if it delays graduation.
5. Network: If your school has on-campus recruiting, meet with recruiters and ask insightful questions. If not, get advice from career services on connecting with recruiters. Reading "Network Like a Rockstar" can also help.
6. Pursue Internships: Many firms hire from their internship programs. On campus recruiting happens at a particular time each year, so know when it is and what to expect.
7. Prepare for Interviews: Get ready for both behavioral and case interviews. Join your school's consulting club and use resources like books and online platforms for practice, especially with case interviews.
8. Stay Persistent: If you don't land a consulting job right away, keep building skills. If you're still struggling after 3-5 years, consider an MBA from a school with strong consulting recruitment.
Good luck!
Ryan recommends the following next steps:
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
If you're interested in consulting, it's a great idea to start by learning about the field. Top firms like McKinsey, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group appreciate strong academics, but they also value leadership, initiative, and proven impact. Gaining experience at startups, research labs, or nonprofits can be just as beneficial as interning at big firms. Start preparing for case interviews early with resources like Case Interview Secrets, Case in Point, PrepLounge, RocketBlocks, and CaseCoach. Free programs like McKinsey Forward can help you build problem-solving and communication skills. To boost your business knowledge, keep up with news from sources like The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, or Harvard Business Review. Success in consulting involves strong analytical skills, clear communication, business sense, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced, team settings.
Connect with alumni and professionals on LinkedIn, join groups like the Management Consulting Network or MBB Prep Community, and attend info sessions online or on campus. Make sure your resume highlights leadership, results, and analytical skills with clear, action-focused language. Get involved in student consulting clubs, case competitions, or volunteer projects, and check out early-career platforms like Handshake, RippleMatch, and Paragon One. Communities like PrepLounge, Crafting Cases, Management Consulted, and Reddit’s r/consulting offer great prep support and practice interviews. Many universities also offer alumni mentorship and personalized career guidance. Stay consistent, keep learning, and be open to various entry paths, and you'll be on your way to a successful consulting career.
Connect with alumni and professionals on LinkedIn, join groups like the Management Consulting Network or MBB Prep Community, and attend info sessions online or on campus. Make sure your resume highlights leadership, results, and analytical skills with clear, action-focused language. Get involved in student consulting clubs, case competitions, or volunteer projects, and check out early-career platforms like Handshake, RippleMatch, and Paragon One. Communities like PrepLounge, Crafting Cases, Management Consulted, and Reddit’s r/consulting offer great prep support and practice interviews. Many universities also offer alumni mentorship and personalized career guidance. Stay consistent, keep learning, and be open to various entry paths, and you'll be on your way to a successful consulting career.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2429
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in consulting business.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Consulting can be in many different disciplines, e.g. Management, Transformation, Strategy, Technology, etc. You can explore more consulting disciplines online.
2. Explore more on these consulting disciplines and determine what you have interest.
3. You would need to have the expertise on the area you have interest. You might need to obtain college degree on that disciplines
4. Find out the entry criteria of relevant subjects in college
5. Explore any intern opportunities of large consultancy firms. They also offer gradates training programs as well.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Consulting can be in many different disciplines, e.g. Management, Transformation, Strategy, Technology, etc. You can explore more consulting disciplines online.
2. Explore more on these consulting disciplines and determine what you have interest.
3. You would need to have the expertise on the area you have interest. You might need to obtain college degree on that disciplines
4. Find out the entry criteria of relevant subjects in college
5. Explore any intern opportunities of large consultancy firms. They also offer gradates training programs as well.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
84
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Helen!
"Consulting" is a general term that covers many different fields. What sort of consulting are you looking to get into? Perhaps you're interested in business consulting, HR consulting, legal consulting, cybersecurity consulting, etc. Once you have that sort of figured out, then you can begin to think about next steps. Generally, internships are probably the easiest way to for a college student to get a sense of the type of work they might want to make a career out of. Oftentimes, internship opportunities also lead to return offers for college grads, which is great because you won't have to worry about job search again. I also recommend attending career fairs at your school and speaking to recruiters--ask them questions about the company they represent and upcoming internship opportunities. That's how I got my first job right out of school!
Good luck!
"Consulting" is a general term that covers many different fields. What sort of consulting are you looking to get into? Perhaps you're interested in business consulting, HR consulting, legal consulting, cybersecurity consulting, etc. Once you have that sort of figured out, then you can begin to think about next steps. Generally, internships are probably the easiest way to for a college student to get a sense of the type of work they might want to make a career out of. Oftentimes, internship opportunities also lead to return offers for college grads, which is great because you won't have to worry about job search again. I also recommend attending career fairs at your school and speaking to recruiters--ask them questions about the company they represent and upcoming internship opportunities. That's how I got my first job right out of school!
Good luck!
RIchard Gervasio
Senior Consultant - Xerox Managed Print Services
3
Answers
Norwalk, Connecticut
Updated
RIchard’s Answer
Hi Helen.
There are countless areas in which a consultant can be engaged. One typically becomes a consultant by getting an advanced degree in college (like an MBA or a PhD) and gets hired on by a consulting firm that brings you on as an associate. The other way is to gain practical experience (5-10 years) and demonstrate a high level of success and then go to work for an established consulting firm. Another way is to start go on your own (this is done typically after 10+ years where you can establish an exemplary track record in your field of expertise.
I would get into a field or or a discipline that you love and get great at it. Get an advanced degree (a master's degree in your field) and network. Reach out to consulting firms and see if they have internships.
I did it by getting good in a particular discipline and getting my MBA in International Finance. I was hired to be a consultant by 2 different international consulting firms and worked for many years (prior to joining Xerox) in Japan and Southeast Asia as well as Central and Eastern Europe. You definitely can do it!
Best of luck!!
There are countless areas in which a consultant can be engaged. One typically becomes a consultant by getting an advanced degree in college (like an MBA or a PhD) and gets hired on by a consulting firm that brings you on as an associate. The other way is to gain practical experience (5-10 years) and demonstrate a high level of success and then go to work for an established consulting firm. Another way is to start go on your own (this is done typically after 10+ years where you can establish an exemplary track record in your field of expertise.
I would get into a field or or a discipline that you love and get great at it. Get an advanced degree (a master's degree in your field) and network. Reach out to consulting firms and see if they have internships.
I did it by getting good in a particular discipline and getting my MBA in International Finance. I was hired to be a consultant by 2 different international consulting firms and worked for many years (prior to joining Xerox) in Japan and Southeast Asia as well as Central and Eastern Europe. You definitely can do it!
Best of luck!!
Mark Blitzer
Learning / HR Technology
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Helen,
There are lots of great suggestions here, and they've covered a lot. Just remember, your first job after graduation doesn't have to be perfect. It might lead to a career that fits your passions and needs, but it might not—and that's okay!
I suggest you explore more than just consulting roles. Most management consultants focus on specific business areas, and gaining experience in one area can help you move into consulting later. It will also help you figure out what really matters to you in your career.
I went through a similar change myself. I started in civil service, and while it was fulfilling, I realized it wasn't the right path for me. So, I went back to school for an MBA and shifted into consulting. At the time, a master's degree was the best choice for me due to personal and economic reasons.
Reinventing your career is always possible. My needs have changed again, and I've moved away from consulting. There's no right or wrong path, so don't worry about getting it perfect. What's right for you now might change as your career grows.
There are lots of great suggestions here, and they've covered a lot. Just remember, your first job after graduation doesn't have to be perfect. It might lead to a career that fits your passions and needs, but it might not—and that's okay!
I suggest you explore more than just consulting roles. Most management consultants focus on specific business areas, and gaining experience in one area can help you move into consulting later. It will also help you figure out what really matters to you in your career.
I went through a similar change myself. I started in civil service, and while it was fulfilling, I realized it wasn't the right path for me. So, I went back to school for an MBA and shifted into consulting. At the time, a master's degree was the best choice for me due to personal and economic reasons.
Reinventing your career is always possible. My needs have changed again, and I've moved away from consulting. There's no right or wrong path, so don't worry about getting it perfect. What's right for you now might change as your career grows.
Julie Mickelson
High Tech Program Management, Operations and Process Design
1
Answer
Atherton, California
Updated
Julie’s Answer
I worked for 10 years at a Big 4 consulting firm and began as a temporary employee while in university. This path, in a tough industry to enter, lets you learn the business, make connections, and keep a flexible schedule.
You can also explore internship programs at the Big 4. After graduation, attend college fairs and campus recruiting events where they often seek new graduates for training programs.
Additionally, check their websites to understand their mission, vision, clients, and services to see which aligns with your interests.
You can also explore internship programs at the Big 4. After graduation, attend college fairs and campus recruiting events where they often seek new graduates for training programs.
Additionally, check their websites to understand their mission, vision, clients, and services to see which aligns with your interests.
M Grima
Social Impact Program Lead
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
M’s Answer
Hi Helen! Great question - as others have recommended, internships and career fairs are a great starting point. When going to career fairs, asking questions and being able to answer basic career / interview questions can lead to opportunities if you leave a positive impression. Knowing how to talk about your experience and skillsets is really important so recommend preparing (e.g., review job descriptions, implement storytelling to convey impact).
Also, if you know someone who already works at a consulting firm, getting their insights and/or asking to be introduced to their network could also be helpful. Don't be afraid to reach out to someone that you don't know very well to learn more - people are generally pretty willing and excited to share about their work and/or career journey. Skills and experience are really important when applying for roles but also knowing when roles are open and what the team is looking may give you an advantage during the hiring process.
Best of luck!
Also, if you know someone who already works at a consulting firm, getting their insights and/or asking to be introduced to their network could also be helpful. Don't be afraid to reach out to someone that you don't know very well to learn more - people are generally pretty willing and excited to share about their work and/or career journey. Skills and experience are really important when applying for roles but also knowing when roles are open and what the team is looking may give you an advantage during the hiring process.
Best of luck!
Daniele Brown
Financials Crimes Associate
20
Answers
Hinesville, Georgia
Updated
Daniele’s Answer
Hi Helen,
To start in consulting, try these steps. First, consider speaking with recruiters on LinkedIn, as I did when I joined a big four consulting firm. Attend career fairs at your university or others to meet potential employers. Also, reach out to people working at your desired firms through LinkedIn and professional Facebook groups.
Best of luck!
Daniele
To start in consulting, try these steps. First, consider speaking with recruiters on LinkedIn, as I did when I joined a big four consulting firm. Attend career fairs at your university or others to meet potential employers. Also, reach out to people working at your desired firms through LinkedIn and professional Facebook groups.
Best of luck!
Daniele
Jackson Lagerwey
Consulting
32
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
Hi Helen,
My consulting career started off in the valuations practice at a big 4 firm with a summer internship during my junior year. This is typically one of the earliest ways to break into the industry, as the internship will provide you with the opportunity for a full time hire after you graduate. If you are still able to, try to recruit hard for those positions for your upcoming summer. Consulting interviews typically require some preparation especially because of the case study aspect of the interviews. I recommend you start by prepping the case interviews for about 1-2 months, so that you're ready for interviews when they come around.
If you arent able to secure an internship, the next way is by simply recruiting for full time positions during your senior year of college. I believe recruiting starts in the fall and during the summer, so be aware of all of the timelines and apply for the jobs. If you are coming from a non-target school (which I did), I recommend applying to as many consulting positions as possible and also networking with people in those companies. Its important to get your foot in the door and also to learn about their job firsthand by speaking with employees in these companies.
Beyond this, if you arent able to get a position in consulting right out of college, Id recommend looking for some internal strategy/bizops/corp dev roles which have skills that you can translate to consulting. Analyst roles in general at a tech firm would also probably work.
There are so many different types of consulting, so take your time to narrow down which one interests you the most. Additionally, be very diligent and proactive with your applications as it can be a tough process at times. Best of luck!
My consulting career started off in the valuations practice at a big 4 firm with a summer internship during my junior year. This is typically one of the earliest ways to break into the industry, as the internship will provide you with the opportunity for a full time hire after you graduate. If you are still able to, try to recruit hard for those positions for your upcoming summer. Consulting interviews typically require some preparation especially because of the case study aspect of the interviews. I recommend you start by prepping the case interviews for about 1-2 months, so that you're ready for interviews when they come around.
If you arent able to secure an internship, the next way is by simply recruiting for full time positions during your senior year of college. I believe recruiting starts in the fall and during the summer, so be aware of all of the timelines and apply for the jobs. If you are coming from a non-target school (which I did), I recommend applying to as many consulting positions as possible and also networking with people in those companies. Its important to get your foot in the door and also to learn about their job firsthand by speaking with employees in these companies.
Beyond this, if you arent able to get a position in consulting right out of college, Id recommend looking for some internal strategy/bizops/corp dev roles which have skills that you can translate to consulting. Analyst roles in general at a tech firm would also probably work.
There are so many different types of consulting, so take your time to narrow down which one interests you the most. Additionally, be very diligent and proactive with your applications as it can be a tough process at times. Best of luck!
Haley Hill
Human Resource Senior Manager
4
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Haley’s Answer
Hi Helen, that's a wonderful question. My college roommate worked at a consulting firm, and by staying in touch, she informed me about a job opening. I realized I needed better Excel skills for the position, so I took an online course for a month to improve. After that, I reapplied and got the job. The key takeaway is to keep your connections strong, as you never know when you might help each other. Also, be open to learning new skills to prepare for opportunities.