| Topic Name: |
Informational interviews - advice needed |
| Message Name: |
3 ideas |
| Date Posted: |
12/28/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
i attend a non-target school but am in a large metropolitan area, so there are some strategy firms in my city. what do you recommend i do to get interviews with strategy consulting firms both in my city and around the US? if informational interviews aren't the biggest help, then do i just submit my resume and hope for the best? i have solid work experience behind me -- a BB i-bank, DC lobbying firm, start-up venture -- great grades, and solid activities, but no firms come to my school. i appreciate any advice that you can pass my way. |
| Message: |
1) Turn up at the recruiting events at the target schools. If firms have an office in your city, then there is also a top school there. E.g. BOS has Harvard; CHI has NWU or UC; SFO has Stanford. Do as much as possible through their recruiting system. Follow-up with consultants you meet at the info sessions. (You would be amazed how few people ask for my card and never follow-up.)
2) Work your IB contacts. Every banker knows plenty of consultants and will hook you up if needed. The easiest way to get a consulting job is to know a consultant. (Also check for contacts with your school alumni association--you might be surprised.)
3) Select your target firms carefully. Submitting your resume to 100 firms can be done over a lazy afternoon, but put a lot of effort into determining which firms fit with you best and spend a lot of time understanding those firms. Send a highly customized cover letter that demonstrates clearly and convincingly why you are an ideal candidate, based on a deep understanding of the firm and what it does. (Hint: this is very hard to do.)
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