Future Aspirations Question

Q: How can I show that consulting is not my only possible ambition and that I can leave it one day?

Hello, there

I took the liberty to summarise your question. From my perspective, since you have a genuine interest in consulting, you can be honest about your future ambitions (especially because in consulting everyone is aware of the high turnover rate and of the unpredictability of one's future). From what I understood of your case, you could highlight what makes consulting attractive to you, convince the interviewer that you definitely want to have that professional experience and that becoming a partner is a valid path for you. However, you know that becoming a partner is not an easy choice and job to achieve and, if for some reason you decide to leave consulting one day, you consider work for a prior client, or to create your own company, or anything else. I don't think you would lose points for letting the interviewer know that you have a plan A, a plan B, a plan C and that you are trying to achieve something relevant on your professional life. On the contrary, the more solid your ambition and the more versatile your plans, the more compelling your case.

I hope it helps and good luck!

Hi there,

Q: Any recommendations on the best way to frame this without making it sound like I am using consulting as a stepping stone? 

Given what you shared, I would recommend focusing as a main objective on the path of growing as a consultant within the firm – as this is one of your possible goals, you can simply concentrate on that.

You could mention that at the moment the skills that you could develop in consulting are the most attractive compared to any other career (assuming that's true), and you would like to contribute to the company, in particular in [SECTOR A], [SECTOR B] and [SECTOR C] (your sectors of interest) for the next few years. If relevant, you can add examples of why those sectors in that firm are interesting to you.

You can also connect with your background and show why you think you can contribute to the firm, as they are asking about that.

I don’t see the need to detail the exact exits you aim for, unless they explicitly ask for that in the question.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Just for your mindset: If you are talking to MBB (unclear from your info) they know that for 80% of their applicants, their journey with them is a stepping stone. It's not something you need to hide.

Firms like McKinsey even appreciate it and like to see their alumni network grow.

Cheers,

Florian

Indeed, presenting consulting as a stepping stone is something Partners don't like to hear. 

I would instead recommend that you position the story (I would need to understand it better to be more tailored) in such a way that consulting appears like the natural next step in your journey. 

And ideally, regarding the future, this would be within the firm or deepening your expertise within a certain area that they could provide access to. 

Best,
Cristian 

Let's change the perspective here. It's not about being a stepping stone or looking good in your resume. It's about the things you will experience and learn (and how you will contribute to the consulting firm by using your unique qualities and skills) - this is where you need to focus your answer.

Connect your scientific background to your consulting ambitions by explaining how your unique expertise can add value to the firm. Highlight your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities as assets that will benefit both your professional growth and the firm’s success.

All the best

Regards Ashwin 

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation!

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

• First of all, I think you have given yourself the answer: Please don't give the impression that you will be gone in 1-2 years either way and you should be fine.
• Moreover, as long as no time period is specified, "future aspirations" does not necessarily mean that you have to present a clear plan with roles until retirement. If you're only focusing on the next few years (which is already imponderable), that should be fine as well.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen