| Topic Name: |
On Campus Recruitment |
| Message Name: |
MC |
| Date Posted: |
06/25/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
My story for the sake of transparency:
I'm a current third year student studying economics and political science at a top 15 school as ranked by USNWR.
I transferred into this school after a year at a large state school. My transfer GPA was a 3.9 with SAT scores in the 99th percentile.
My GPA now is a 3.45 (transfer GPA not included).
While I'm a senior in credits, because of how they transferred over I can just barely graduate with both majors next year if I load up on classes. I can also take it a bit easier and stick around for an extra term.
I really want a career in management consulting with a top 5 firm, but am afraid my GPA is simply too low to even get past the filter screens. Everything else on my resume is good. I've started my own non-profit, am part of a business venture with $50,000 in capital, etc. I work part-time at a top five business school. This summer I'll be working at a top lobbying firm in DC and doing research for a top thinktank. I'm also on grant money to research financial markets in East Asia. Hopefully this will lead to a publication in a fairly legitimate journal.
My interest in MC stem from particapating in a case study competition sponsored and judged by a top three consulting firm. I placed very well in the competition. Would this perchance help in any regard?
So should I go for FT recruitment in the fall? Or should I stay an extra year and hopefully pick up my GPA to around a high 3.6 while trying to obtain an internship next summer with a MC firm?
I cant believe I let my GPA slide so much...
Also does getting rejected from a firm have any impact on applying for a job with them next year? |
| Message: |
If you are graduating from a top school, this alone will probaly get a glance over at your resume.
The important thing is to stress the variety and success of all your activities. Consultants need to be not only bright, but capable of handling numerous projects with creative analytical thought.
From what I've seen, landing a consultant position really is a crap shoot. Apply to many firms and remember someone like McKinsey gets thousands of applications for a few select positions.
If you want to 'hang around,' do it because you don't want to rush (and perhaps further damage your GPA) and have more time to take oppertunities at your school.
A 'high' 3.6 and 3.45 really isn't that different. Anyway, I would probaly your include transfer GPA. It will get your foot in the door and then you can play up all of your other attributes.
If you are rejected. Most firms have a policy that you can't apply for at least a year. The apps also specifically ask if you have applied before. A GPA is unlikely to make a difference. A Masters or excellent job experience will.
Don't forget to look at your school's career office. Most schools have quotas each year from top local schools. For example, Mercer in Chicago will hire at least 2 U of Chicago and 2 Northwestern.
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