Is learning french for Consulting in France in a short timespan a viable idea?

Hi there,

So reaching fluency in an “easy” language like French requires around 1000 hours starting from zero. You have to consider if you really have the time to reach that level.

If by a few months you mean 3-4, this means 8-11 hours per day every day, which doesn’t sound very realistic.

B2 would not be enough as you should target a C level to be able to work in French.

Alternatively, you could consider the UK, the Netherlands (for Bain) and the Nordics, where local language if different from English is not required.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi there,

Well, you have an unconventional approach, I'll tell you that.

I suppose never say never, but I do need to tell you this. I have studied French for 10 years and lived there for a year. I consider myself very fluent and I still would not feel comfortable recruiting or let alone working for a French consulting firm! It's truly hard enough to make it through in your native language.

I really do think you should give this idea more thought. That being said, if you do decide to proceed....

I recommend the following approach (Having learned - and maintained- 3 languages)...efficiency in time is key here:

1. Conversational: Download the app HelloTalk. It pairs you up with people that are opposite to you (i.e. learning your language, but native in English) and you chat via text, audio, call etc. It has awesome features (such as edit functionality so the other person can edit your messages for correctness).

2. Vocabulary: Use either handwritten flashcards and/or the app Quizlet. Review these whenever waiting (i.e. on the bus, cooking, on hold, etc)

3. Listening: Download English podcasts and listen while you sleep. I.e. put the phone next to your bed, at a soft enough volume that you can sleep, but loud enough that you cna hear the words. You'll be amazing how your listening improves.

4. Dedicated/tailored training: Go to www.italki.com. It's the PrepLounge for languages!

Hi,

I studied in France and explored consulting career in Europe, at that time I reached a conclusion that French fluency is mandatory.

I would suggest to focus 100% of your time to get the language fluency that includes practicing cases, watch TV, listen to radio, talk, think and even praying in French.

How long it took would really depends on your intensity to practice the language.

Good luck :)

Very difficult am afraid. I personally know of three people who explored this and eventually moved back to UK/Ireland. COVID situation adds more complexity.

If you are a die hard France fan, explore doing projects there via your firm based in Engligh speaking market. You can build experience & language skills over time and perhaps transfer eventually.

Hello there!

I'm not sure that a few months would be enough to reach near fluency. Some of my colleagues spent years to achieve C1 level from A1. The period of course varies depending on your motivation and time you devote to learning, but it would be difficult.

Anyway, it's a good idea to read French books about consulting, solve cases and listen to French podcasts (Maybe you will manage to find it on consulting topic?). Or finding a French peer to practice would also be an option.

Due to the current situation getting there would require much effort, so I suggest you considering the UK and other offices, where the local language is not required.

Hope it helps.

GB

Hello!

A few things: 

• A priori, I don´t think it makes any sense to learn a language as complex as french just to be able to perhaps get a job, that if very difficult to get in any case, even if you were totally fluent. For sure, there are some things we don´t know here: which is your mothertongue? Perhaps if you are italian or spanish is not that crazy
• I don´t agree that the English speaking market is small. Not what so ever! Furthermore, have you thought outside Europe? ME, for instance?

In your shoes, and knowing how competitive this world is, I would never choose that path. Focus on the interview in a language you master, there is where you will have your best chances. 

​Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hello, I am an engineering/business management graduate and have actively taken part in consulting recruitement processes since March of this year whilst not being born in France, but having learned the language beforehand.

Language fluency is a critical requirement and I do not think B2 is even close to being enough. I am at C2 level as I was raised in a francophone school and one of the most common negative feedback pieces I received was too much frenglish (Using english expressions in french)

My personal experience from talking with consulting candidates in the Paris International Campus bodes bad news for your case. Most international students with mid-level French were unable to get an offer, and some of them eventually moved out of France to the US or the UK.

You could give it a shot, but keep in mind that the requirements are very high, especially if the company is French (Capgemini, Wavestone etc.)

Hi,

I don't think it's a viable option taking into account the fluency you should have both during case interviews and at work. I would try joining MBB at some eng speaking office first

Best