| Topic Name: |
Undergraduate in Need of Advice |
| Message Name: |
re: specific concerns |
| Date Posted: |
03/02/2002 |
| 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: |
Good luck on your effort. Most of what I have to say has already been said by others who have posted their messages. In this economy it is incredibly tough for even highly qualified and experienced people to find work in consulting, let alone new folks. Quantifiable accomplishments take precedence over personal characteristics in this economy.
One option you may definitely want to try is the government / public sector consulting arms of the Big 5 (note, not "Top 5"), Booz Allen's WTB, and several of the contract players around Washington DC such as AMS, SAIC, etc. These organizations actually do implement their work-life balance policies and generally work 40-55 hours per week, with very little travel. However, the flip side to public sector consulting is that the vast majority of it is centered around Washington DC and you may have to re-locate there.
Your major is also an issue. Your experience at your investment firm alone is not enough to land a job as a consultant in the public sector arms. I would recommend starting if necessary as a project or administrative assistant. If you can prove yourself quickly, as your self-assessment seems to state, you will rise quickly through the ranks to the position you desire. The important thing is to get your foot in the door of the organization, no matter at what level, especially in these economic times.
Good luck.
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