| Topic Name: |
Undergraduate in Need of Advice |
| Message Name: |
advice for you |
| Date Posted: |
02/28/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I have some very specific concerns regarding my career goals:
First, I've majored in Cultural Anthropology, and haven't undertaken any business-related coursework. It's too late for me to add business courses into my schedule; I graduate in May (I am, however, currently completing an internship at an investment services firm). Will this lack of business coursework completely shut down my goal of securing a position as a junior analyst/researcher at a Top 5 consulting firm?
Second, is my GPA (3.54 overall, 3.65 within major) considered sufficient for these firms?
Third, I haven't been involved in extra-curricular activities (except for the odd part-time job here and there). I used my time as an undergraduate to devote time to raising my four year old son. I recently saw a quote from a recruiter online that said, "A college student with a 4.0 GPA and no extra-curricular activities would inspire little interest." Is this true? How can I be sure that I don't leave recruiters with the false impression that I was your "typical college student with no responsibilities"? These firms seem to emphasize work/life balance(on their websites at least); I'm hoping they will understand my special situation as a student. Is this too much to expect?
Fourth, I attend a State University of New York school- far from Ivy League. Is this acceptable to the Top 5?
Fifth, I intend to emphasize to potential employers the following personal characteristics: creative intelligence, analytical thinking, proactiveness, and a strong desire for moving into the field of strategic consulting/knowledge management. I'm also confident that I can present myself as a smart, capable, professional candidate in person. What can I do to get increase my chances not only of getting hired, but especially of nabbing an interview?
I really look forward to your advice- any and all of it will be immensely appreciated and utilized.
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| Message: |
Hi. I've worked in consulting and didn't go with Big 5 (went for strategy instead), but was offered analyst positions with the places like D&T. I think the first question you need to ask yourself is, why do you want to do consulting? The big mistake I think most students do is focus on HOW DO I GET A JOB and less on WHAT DO I WANT TO DO. and the reason why I bring that up is because what you really want to do should be a reflection of your activities, priorities, coursework, etc. First, you say you have been busy raising your 4 yr old son. I will tell you this. You will be even MORE BUSY in consulting than in school so how do you expect to tend to your son working in such a demanding job? Second, if you are interested in business, then why did you not decide to try out a class in business? And how do you know that you actually want to do business if you've had no exposure?
Those are the questions I think you need to ponder further. The answers to almost all of your questions are that it doesn't not matter what your GPA, extra-curricular activities, educational background, or courseload was. you will not be completely eliminated. But if you want to emphasize certain qualities, how do you expect to prove them. You'll need to arm yourself with good stories (practice story-telling), papers and other things that you've written, and possibly reference letters (though this is only icing on the cake i think). Most of all be confident and try at this, just don't sweat it. If you don't get the job or even an interview, then try a new approach and move on.
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