Profile Review and Study Questions

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, without having looked at your resume, it is very hard to provide an in-depth answer to your questions. Still, from the information provided by you, I think chances are high that you will be invited by several strategy consulting companies.
• Moreover, given your work experience, I would advise you to consider entering strategy consulting as an industry/capability expert or at a boutique consulting company (for further reading on boutique consulting companies, please have a look at this article).
• While all of your academic achievements will matter in the initial screening phase of the application process, I assume your EMBA grade will matter more than your grade at the undergraduate level.
• Lastly, I would advise you not to worry about the GMAT/GRE if it was not required to be admitted to the EMBA program.

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

Hi there,

1) Graduated undergrad in 2014 with a pretty rubbish grade. Will this be checked/assessed/requested during MBB applications? Or will a good EMBA grade be able to carry me through?

They could request transcripts for your education during the application process. However (i) you don’t need to provide the grade of your bachelor in your CV (ii) grades from 9 years ago won’t be as relevant as for a new graduate, in particular considering that you are graduating from an EMBA now.

You can compensate a lot GPA score with a referral, you can find more information at the link below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

2) I'm currently brushing up on my “consultant math” which is going well. I have not done any GMAT/GRE tests. Will not having a reputable test score hurt my application?

No. A strong GMAT score is a nice-to-have add-on for your CV but is not needed to pass the screening.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Based on the info you provide, it doesn't look to good I'm afraid.

I also studied in New Zealand (PGDipSci in Geology at Auckland Uni) and eventually made it to McKinsey after working in Oil & Gas for 6+ years. However, I graduated with distinction in all my science degrees and also hold an MBA. Unfortunately, that's often what it takes.

Your experience could be useful for sustainability of working in pulp and paper, perhaps (I worked on a few P&P projects in Chile with McK). However, the edge you're having through your experience is outweighed by the lack of academic achievements that just aren't very competitive.

That being said, you should always give it a try! Try build a network and file the best possible application with a referral. As for the GMAT, this won't stand out and is just a means to an end for getting into b-school.

Please let me know if there's anything I can help with.

Best of luck!
Moritz

Hi there,

I worked for BCG Australia, live here, and am half Kiwi-half American. Happy to assess from a relevant background!

Your profile isn't great, but you might have an in as a sustainability consultant. This is an extremely hot field at the moment in both the US and Australia and I think it's your best bet!

You really need to get some consulting-related experience. I recommend you get some experiental learning through your school and sign up for part-time pro bono consulting to put on your resume.

Going through school recruiting channels and networking will also be absolutely critical

Hi there,

Agree with Ian.  Sustainability consulting could be a good fit for you or you might have an even better shot at Supply Chain consulting, based on your past 8 years experience.  Most consultancies have supply chain offerings, might be worth taking a look.  I currently work in Supply Chain Strategy at Deloitte so would be happy to give you more info if you'd like.

Your “rubbish" undergrad grade will be checked and will impact your application but having a good EMBA grade may help you (depends a bit on how rubbish and what level you will be joining at). 

I'd say that not having GMAT/GRE is the least of your concerns.  MBB ask for them only if they know candidates are coming from business schools where they are required.

Hope it helps.

Cheers,

Tom    

Very unlikely. Not a great grade, experience unlikeky to be particularly useful, and the EMBA does not require to do a GMAT which signals that it is not a top school. It's not the “not having a score” that hurts you, but the fact that you went to a school that doesn't even require a GMAT to get in.

On top of that you want to go abroad, which I guess requires VISA sponsorship (even if it doesn't, not being there puts you at disadvantage).

So all in all, it's quite difficult at this point.

Hi there, it's a little tough to assess based on this information, but at a high level, I think that you'll be ok to go into a boutique or big four consulting, it may be hard to get into MBB. MBB tends to go for really strong academics or really strong work experience - but this is where it'd be great to see your resume. 

On the USA, it's really hard to get in unless you a) have right to work; or b) have family or a really good reason to be there. Consulting firms want to know that they people that they invest in will want to stay the course and unless you have a good reason to be there they will be cautious to extend the benefit of the doubt to you. 

Hi there!

Lots of great answers below. 

I'd recommend you prioritise getting into the industry instead of getting into a specific firm (particularly during the current economic times). 

Once you are in the industry and have a stronger value prop, then you can start moving between firms. 

Sharing with you an article that provides a detailed breakdown of how to develop a strong application strategy:

• Free Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

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