| Topic Name: |
technology background->consulting |
| Message Name: |
Having been in consulting, I would say avoid it |
| Date Posted: |
01/10/2003 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi,
I'm a senior at an ivy, double majoring in math & CS. I've had a few selective CS internships with big companies, however I want to move into strategy or IT consulting. I completely missed the recruiting deadlines for all the big firms that my school offers--my question now is, am i lost? can i get an interview by networking with alums? I have excellent grades and scores, however my background is very technical. Also considering the economy it seems as though most firms got all their new hires through recruiting, and there aren't really any spaces left.
My second question concerns this: I eventually want to get into upper management at a tech company. One of the ways i see is to get a CS-software-coding job, and work my way up (possibly getting an MBA). The other way is through strategy consulting...Anybody know any other ideas? What if I were to go the first route, and get an MBA. Would strategy firms not look at me because I came from a software background?
thanks. |
| Message: |
I have a similar background: Top undergrad engineering degree w/ thesis + research. Good scores. Personable (sort of ;-))
I was in consulting for a year, got laid off and recently interviewed with a competitor, which is an offer I will turn down for a manufacturing position I interviewed with (provided I receive an offer).
Consulting is fun when the economy is good, but ultimately you get sidetracked from your original plan (engineering, software dev, etc).
I would say, careerwise, it's better to go directly into industry. If you have the qualities consultants look for in recruiting, you'll shine at an industry position.
Exiting consulting is very, very tough. The projects and roles you get in consulting are dicated almost entirely by whatever the partners have sold. You may end up doing stuff not even remotely related to your background which will hurt you when you leave. (ie, you'll do a strategic goverment initiative rather than learn code).
Bottom line: when you leave consulting you'll be back at "entry level" in the software/engineering field so if you do go for it, get out early rather than later.
Good luck!
|
|
