| Topic Name: |
Undergraduate in Need of Advice |
| Message Name: |
Good advice: forget about it |
| Date Posted: |
03/01/2002 |
| 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: |
The economy now sucks, and consulting is an industry very affected by the conjuncture: it??s a cyclical industry - the consulting business model only works with growth.
With the background and GPA you mentionned, I am sorry to tell you that you have near-to-zero chances of getting into any consulting firm right now (don??t even think about strategy consulting). Besides that, I believe that with a 4-year old son, consulting is not for you: if you think you don??t have time now to raise your child, it??s because you never worked in consulting. You??d have a new concept of what "free time" is = a nanosecond per week.
Try to find a job that would allow to spend time with your son - I assure you it is more rewarding than spending (too much) time in consulting. Your son will thank you ;)
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