| Topic Name: |
How does classroom diversity affect your chances? |
| Message Name: |
The ideas... |
| Date Posted: |
01/06/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
I would take a few classes to show that you have quantitative skills. Your internship at MSDW will be a HUGE help. Firms like Bain, BCG, McK and Monitor will still look at you so it pays to apply. They look at things like communications and philosphy whci have little to do with business, why not music? MSDW will make a difference.
However, keep in mind that while a 3.53 is good, it is not stellar. Work hard to keep your grades up and take some quant courses (be sure to highlight quant courses on your resume or cover letter). As well, if you have any other activities or internships that make you stand out, you will stand a better chance of an interview.
Good luck |
| Message: |
...above are somewhat incorrect. Certainly any undergraduate is welcome to send applications to McKinsey, Bain, etc, but it is very difficult for students outside of their target schools to get a look. You should apply to a McKinsey office if you really like strategy consulting. But keep in mind its difficult to get hired from a target school, even more difficult from a non-target school. Don't lose focus on the firms that are beating on the door for Vanderbilt students on campus.
In terms of future course selection, I am biased towards Computer Science, since I am a CS student myself. Also, lots of the Big 5, AMS, IBM Global Services, EDS, are big on technology engagements. Keep in mind there is a huge shortage of technical talent out there. It is where I had all of my recruiting success. Try and take a few more advance level CS classes, if they appeal to you.
But keep in mind, there is at least a 6 month time span between when you get an offer letter and when you start. You can place on your resume that you are interested in obtaining an Econ degree to complement music, then decide to back out a couple of courses short 2nd semester senior year. By that time, the firm who hired you is not going to care as long as you graduate on time. So with this in mind, take classes that you want to take, whether it be CS, Finance, or History of Bach.
Your GPA is fine for AC, PwC, IBM Global Services, and AMS. No flags will be raised by your GPA to the poor recruiter who has to sift through the hundreds of resumes to find the few students their firms want to interview. As long as you address the other aspects they are looking for (like Andersen's obsession with activities and time-juggling) you will be fine. It might be a bit low for EY and DC, but I have no idea what they look for honestly. They just pre-screened me for a campus interview and I went.
One last note: Whether you get pre-screened or not, use your campus recruiting center to the maximum. Sign up for open slots, try and get onto alternate lists, and particpate in interview lotteries. Recruiting is the worst aspect of senior year and the more interviews you can squeeze will help you increase your chances for getting a job and give you good interview practice.
GL to you.
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