Moving into consultancy from a industry and business background - COACH NEEDED!

Hi there,

1) Does my background lend me to have a good/fair chance of getting into consulting.

Your background seems a good fit. A question you have to ask yourself is if it would be fine to work with/have bosses younger than you. If that’s not a concern, with the right application strategy, you should be able to land invitations.

2) What course(s) can I do if any that will look positive on linkdin/CV

I don’t think any course is strictly necessary given what you shared, besides courses helping you to get invitations/prepare for the interview.

3) I want to know am I completely wasting my time? 

In general, consulting companies are still hiring. Whether it makes sense to apply now or wait a few months depends on (i) your personal goals and need to switch, plus (ii) the office to which you are applying (in some offices, some companies have significantly reduced hiring).

4) Is there a specific area of consulting that would be best suited to my experience.

For this, it would be useful to have more information on what exactly you did. I agree with Alberto that, based on that, an Expert role could make sense.

5) Is there anything else you recommend to get my foot in the door. I am looking for the path of least resistance. I know once I am in this “world” I can make headway. 

I would recommend looking for a referral and be sure you have a great CV/Cover before you apply. You can find more on that below:

▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

6) If there is a coach who reads this and is prepared to put in the time to get up to speed with my CV, interview prep and overall readiness then get in touch because I'm firing all cylinders to get moving!

To find a coach matching your needs, you can do the following:

1. Go to the main page listing the coaches: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach
2. Filter the coaches based on your criteria (eg budget, reviews)
3. Read reviews/profiles – define a shortlist (eg 3-5 coaches)
4. Send a message to the coaches with your questions and what you would like to work on to see if there is a match
5. Select the coach that best suits your needs

As a bonus point: you can check their Q&A answers (there is a label called “Q&A Contributions” in the profile) – it should give you an idea of the style of the coach and if it matches what you are looking for.

For any questions please feel free to PM me.

Best,

Francesco

Hi, 

1) The million dollar question is, does my background lend me to have a good/fair chance of getting into consulting.

It does. The key is articulating it effectively on your resume and in your cover letter to pass the initial screening. Additionally, during the interview process at McKinsey, highlighting how your actions directly contributed to impactful results is crucial. 

2) What course(s) can I do if any that will look positive on linkdin/CV

While it might not be necessary to pass a course for screening, demonstrating curiosity in diverse topics such as managing NGOs or exploring Machine Learning/Generative AI can showcase your eagerness to learn. It may not guarantee screening success, but it could be appreciated by interviewers. At McKinsey, they consider they will train you on anything so it's really not a requirement.

3) I understand with the level of redundancies going on right now that it will be difficult to get a role in consultancy but I am determined to push forward, however am I a realist and I want to know am I completely wasting my time? 

Certainly, the current context may not be the most favorable, but don't let it discourage you. Your past experience appears relevant, and if you perform well in your interviews, there's no reason you can't secure a position at your desired firm. The hiring landscape can also vary by office, so I suggest reaching out to a few current consultants in your target area. This can provide insights into the hiring plans of consulting firms, as the situation may differ significantly from one office to another.

4) Is there a specific area of consulting that would be best suited to my experience.
I would need more details to help you with that - but you might be part of the “Industrials” practice at McKinsey for example given your experience at Shell Oil Company and in the medical/healthcare industry. Given your experience in e-commerce, you might be part of the Digital practice.

3) Is there anything else you recommend to get my foot in the door. I am looking for the path of least resistance. I know once I am in this “world” I can make headway. 
- I suggest concentrating on specific consulting firms you're keen on joining instead of applying everywhere. Master the interview processes for those selected firms. 

- Ensure you're well-prepared with your quantitative skills and case studies; it's fundamental for interview success. 

- If McKinsey is your target, invest significant effort in preparing for the Personal Experience Interview (PEI).

4) I understand the value of a coach as I selected one for when my wife got into consultancy so if there is a coach who reads this and is prepared to put in the time to get up to speed with my CV, interview prep and overall readiness then get in touch because I'm firing all cylinders to get moving!
Sure, ready to help - review your CV, cover letters, and coach for the case studies! Feel free to DM me

Hi there,

1) The million dollar question is, does my background lend me to have a good/fair chance of getting into consulting.

It does. You have both industry and entrepreneurship experience, which is always a good mix in consulting.

2) What course(s) can I do if any that will look positive on linkdin/CV

I don't think with your wide experience this is about additional courses. I suggest you work in your professional story to make a fit for consulting.

3) I understand with the level of redundancies going on right now that it will be difficult to get a role in consultancy but I am determined to push forward, however am I a realist and I want to know am I completely wasting my time? 

You will be not, specially considering the vast amount of consulting firms out there.

4) Is there a specific area of consulting that would be best suited to my experience.

Based on the limited information you shared and my experience, I see yourself more on the expert consulting side, either in any of the industries you worked or in digital due to your e-commerce experience.

5) Is there anything else you recommend to get my foot in the door. I am looking for the path of least resistance. I know once I am in this “world” I can make headway. 

Few things. First, carefully selecting your target consulting firm and roles. Second, doing a lot of networking in those target companies to check your fit. Third, preparing for the interviews.

6) I understand the value of a coach as I selected one for when my wife got into consultancy so if there is a coach who reads this and is prepared to put in the time to get up to speed with my CV, interview prep and overall readiness then get in touch because I'm firing all cylinders to get moving!

Happy to keep talking about it in private. Just send me a message.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Hi there,

Happy to support you - feel free to reach out for an intro call! (I am a UK citizen and actively support a number of candidates + universities in the UK).

1) The million dollar question is, does my background lend me to have a good/fair chance of getting into consulting.

Honestly, yes. Seems strong

2) What course(s) can I do if any that will look positive on linkdin/CV

I generally recommend any “pro bono” experiential consulting programs. Impact Consulting, 180 degree consulting, etc.

3) I understand with the level of redundancies going on right now that it will be difficult to get a role in consultancy but I am determined to push forward, however am I a realist and I want to know am I completely wasting my time? 

Honestly, as of the past month or two there's been a bit of a boom in hiring (from what I've seen).

You're not wasting your time: Network first to see what's available to you.

4) Is there a specific area of consulting that would be best suited to my experience.

Hmmm. Honestly a few. Depends on your exact resume. At the very least you'd be at a higher level (project lead/principal).

5) Is there anything else you recommend to get my foot in the door. I am looking for the path of least resistance. I know once I am in this “world” I can make headway. 

Network, network, network.

And, get a tailored, super strong resume

6) I understand the value of a coach as I selected one for when my wife got into consultancy so if there is a coach who reads this and is prepared to put in the time to get up to speed with my CV, interview prep and overall readiness then get in touch because I'm firing all cylinders to get moving!

Of course! Shoot me a message and we can have an intro call to see if we're the right fit.

Good morning! It's great to hear about your interest in transitioning into consultancy. Based on your background, it seems like you have a diverse range of experiences that can be valuable in the consulting industry. Your finance roles, project management experience, and entrepreneurial journey in the medical/healthcare industry showcase your ability to adapt and drive results.

To address your questions:

Your background definitely lends you a good chance of getting into consulting. Your industry and business experience provide a unique perspective that can be valuable to consulting firms. It's important to highlight your transferable skills, such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, project management, and client relationship management, to demonstrate your suitability for a consulting role.

There are several courses and certifications that can enhance your profile and demonstrate your commitment to the consulting field. Consider courses in areas such as business strategy, project management, data analysis, and leadership. Additionally, obtaining certifications like Six Sigma or PMP can showcase your expertise in process improvement and project management.

While the current job market may present challenges, it's important to remain determined and focused on your goal. Networking, leveraging your existing connections, and actively seeking out opportunities can increase your chances of success. It may take time and effort, but with the right approach and perseverance, you can make progress in your transition to consulting.

Given your background, areas such as strategy consulting, operations consulting, or business transformation could be well-suited to your experience. These areas often require a combination of analytical skills, industry knowledge, and the ability to drive change.

In addition to networking and actively applying for roles, working with a coach can be highly beneficial. A coach can help you refine your CV, prepare for interviews, and provide guidance on navigating the consulting industry. I recommend seeking a coach who has experience in the consulting field and can provide personalized support tailored to your specific goals and needs.

Hi,

Networking is really one of the most effective ways to get your foot in the door. 

IMO, your profile is decent but not necessarily stellar, but hard to tell without looking at the details of your CV. 

As others have mentioned, there are multiple paths to consulting. An MBA is always an alternative to open up the path to consulting, if a direct lateral path doesn't work out now.

All the best!

Honestly, you should 

1) apply to consulting (after you network to try to get a referral) and start preparing for case interviews

2) if you don't get an interview, consider doing a Top Ranked MBA

You have an interesting profile and I don't see why you wouldn't be a good fit. 

I've worked with multiple senior hires, candidates with diverse background or ‘mature candidates’ (35-50y old), so feel free to reach out. 

I'd advise you to do a couple of intro calls to get a feel for the coach before progressing further, especially if you're thinking about a longer term arrangement. 

Best of luck!
Cristian

Hi there, happy to provide you a realistic perspective based on your CV, just ping me a DM. I am a bit more sceptical right now for experienced hired with a non laser focused expertise (you seem to have a mixed basket of experience which will make it more difficult to staff on projects at a senior level). Warm regards, Freddy