Do scholarships count as achievements

Question

Hi all amazing people,

I have a couple of questions regarding my resume and networking:

Should I mention scholarships as achievements on my resume, and do they count as significant accomplishments?
How should I ask for a referral if I only know someone via LinkedIn, but we share the same alma mater?
Can taking part in case competition and substantial winning be seen as a significant achievement?

Context: I completed my degree in Electrical Engineering with a CGPA of 3.75/4.00 on a competitive full government scholarship. Afterward, I worked in a highly technical job in Pakistan for five years. I was then accepted into a Master's program in Renewable Energy in Germany with a fully-funded government scholarship (DAAD) which I am pursuing. Additionally, I am currently working as a Data Analyst in a student job (+ internship) and internship with a leading energy supplier in Europe.

Given my background from non-target schools, what would you suggest if I want to pursue a career in consulting, particularly with MBB?

Thank you for your insights!

Answer 1

Hi there,

1. Yes, definitely!

2. Send them a focused and polite message, e.g, “Hi XYZ, I am Florian, a 3rd year student at ABC. I am currently in the process of applying with your firm and saw that we both share the same alma mater. Would you be available for a short call and provide some guidance on when it would be a good time to apply in the current market? Thank's a lot, Florian” Don't overthink these messages

3. Yes!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

Hi there, As my colleagues have previously answered, your best bet would be to wait before reaching out. I would reco... (read entire answer)

Hi there, As my colleagues have previously answered, your best bet would be to wait before reaching out. I would recommend asking your friend to follow up on your behalf as they... (read entire answer)

Answer 3

Hi there, I believe it indicates that they are waiting to send out the next steps. If you have done the Solve within... (read entire answer)

Hi there, I believe it indicates that they are waiting to send out the next steps. If you have done the Solve within the last 12 months, they might use that result. If not, you... (read entire answer)

Answer 4

Hey, I definitively get your concern and I am sorry to hear! It sounds like you're in a strong position overall, bu... (read entire answer)

Hey, I definitively get your concern and I am sorry to hear! It sounds like you're in a strong position overall, but McKinsey's CV screening can be particularly tough due to h... (read entire answer)