Engineering graduate with low gpa wanna get into the consulting industry

Question

Hello,

I have just received my Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the top institute in Indonesia. Unfortunately, I graduated with a GPA of 2.88 out of 4.00, which is quite average in my major but considered highly satisfactory. Despite this, I have substantial work experience, including two research projects and two product management internships—one at the largest aqua-tech startup in Asia. My contributions during these experiences were impactful.

In addition to my internships, I held a leadership role as president of a student chapter at my campus, participated in The Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations 2021 in Taiwan, and was a mechanic for my university's robotics team, helping them qualify for RoboCup 2021. I was also selected as the only Indonesian hackathon mentor for ImpactHack2020 by the National Museum of American Diplomacy.

My goal is to enter the consulting industry, specifically management or strategy consulting at a well-known multinational company, ideally MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain). However, my GPA is considered low by Indonesian standards, even though it is deemed highly satisfactory for my major due to the rigor of my university.

Recently, I received an offer from a small Indonesian hydraulic systems consulting company. I am unsure if I should accept this offer since I have been job hunting for five months. My plan is to take this job and pursue a master's degree next year at a top 50 or 100 global university. I aim to achieve a high GPA during my master's to improve my academic standing.

I am considering two options: Automation Engineering, which aligns well with my undergraduate degree but is a 2-year program, or Engineering Management, which can typically be completed in 1 year. I am leaning towards Engineering Management due to the shorter duration, allowing me to enter the workforce sooner.

Would obtaining one of these degrees help me transition into consulting after graduation? Which program would you recommend, or do you have other suggestions to address my situation?

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on that offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, have you ever applied to consulting firms to see if you will be invited or not? It seems to me that you are basing your case on pure assumptions.
Moreover, before you think about alternative routes into the consulting industry, I would highly advise you to at least approach current consultants at your target firms and politely ask if they could take a quick look at your application files and whether they think you would have a chance of passing the screening stage or not.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

The Engineering Management shows a higher interest in business and may allow you to get a business type of role after your masters. In this sense, it may put you in a better path towards consulting.

But please understand that from the academic training standpoint, it makes no difference for a consulting firm. What is really relevant is the reputation of the degree and school and how you perform academically. And in that sense my guess is that they're similar.

Answer 3

I recommend you do an MBA or a Masters as a way to reset your GPA perception.

Answer 4

Hi,

Worked in SEA here.

I think most important is if your future school is one of the target hiring schools for MBB.

In general - if you want to use school as a route to MBB, then its best to go to business school, e.g. INSEAD in SEA.