Struggling to find consulting position (experienced hire roles)

It's challenging to navigate a competitive job market, but you have several viable options with a background and interest in strategy:

Corporate Strategy Roles: This remains a strong option. In China, especially in large corporations, there's often a need for strategic thinkers who can help companies adapt to changing markets and navigate uncertainty.

Consulting Roles Abroad: While it can be more challenging for foreigners to secure consulting roles in English-speaking countries, it's not impossible. Networking, showcasing your unique perspective as someone with experience in China, and possibly targeting firms with a global focus could improve your chances.

Other Corporate Roles: Expanding your search to include roles such as product management, revenue management, business development, or even roles in related fields like market research or data analysis can be a smart move. These roles often require strategic thinking and could be a stepping stone to a more traditional strategy role in the future.

Startups and Smaller Companies: Don't overlook opportunities in smaller companies or startups. They may be more flexible in their hiring and could offer you a chance to gain valuable strategic experience.

Online Freelancing or Consulting: You could offer your strategic expertise as a freelancer or consultant, either independently or through platforms like Upwork or LinkedIn ProFinder. This can provide valuable experience and potentially lead to more traditional roles.

Education and Certifications: Consider enhancing your qualifications with relevant certifications or courses in strategy, which can make you a more attractive candidate.

Language and Cultural Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency in both Mandarin and English is a significant asset. Highlighting your ability to bridge cultural and language gaps can be appealing to international companies.

Networking: Continue to build your professional network, both locally and globally. Attend industry events, join online forums, and reach out to alumni or professionals in your desired field for advice and opportunities.

Adaptability and Resilience: In a competitive job market, adaptability and resilience are crucial. Be open to adjusting your career goals as you gain new experiences and skills.

Remember that persistence and a proactive approach can often make the difference in a tough job market. Keep refining your strategy and stay open to unexpected opportunities that may arise.

Hi,

The market is tough now in other parts of Asia as well. If you are interested in strategy, here are my thoughts on the potential types of opportunities you could try to apply for:

• Consulting - boutique firms
  • Not sure if you've tried smaller firms, but this could be a way to still get relevant experience although at a smaller/local scale
• Corporate - M&A teams
  • Not exactly strategy but some M&A teams have blurred lines with corp strat, plus in any case this is an interesting role (and very ‘strategic’ if you think about it)
• Startups - Strategy / Growth / M&A roles
  • This is something that is relevant and strategic
  • The market is of course not great now, but definitely do consider this
• Public sector/SOE - Strategy / Policy teams
  • Much rarer and hard to come by, but this is something that does exist in several Southeast Asian countries and may exist too in China
• NGOs
  • Also some potential here, although it will be a very different experience from corporate (e.g. lean, resource limited, specific scope etc)

All of the above of course depends on your current experience/background, hard to say what is feasible without having a look at your detailed CV.

All the best!

Hi there,

In addition to the excellent suggestions above, consider these:

1. Emerging Industries: explore growing areas like green energy or fintech for strategic roles
2. Regional opportunities: consider strategy positions in tier 2 and 3 cities within China or nearby countries less competed
3. Interdisciplinary roles: Look into roles that merge strategy with another domain, such as tech or marketing
4. Networking: attend industry events and webinars and network in social media to expand your network and unlock hidden opportunities
5. Skill enhancement: think about short courses or certifications that can boost your profile
6. Remote roles: Look for positions in companies open to remote work, letting you work for firms outside your region.

Stay proactive, and all the best in your search!

Alberto

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your negative experience with the consulting recruitment in China!

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

• First of all, consider boutique consulting firms. They often specialize in certain industries or functions and could provide you with an opportunity to leverage your background in strategy. These firms might be less impacted by the larger economic or recruitment trends affecting the big players, and can offer a more personalized working environment.
• Moreover, networking can be your biggest ally. Engage with alumni, former colleagues, or people you've met. Sometimes, positions are not advertised publicly, and having someone vouch for you internally can make a significant difference.

You can find more on this topic here: Boutique consulting companies.

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

Best,

Hagen

Hello!

I would consider consulting roles in the Middle East or Central Asia.

There's some recruiting activity going on in the Middle East and the Central Asian consulting market is growing. For example, McKinsey is opening a new office in Uzbekistan (the hiring is now done in Kazakhstan), though I'm not sure if they require the knowledge of a local language. But there are plenty of Chinese business there, so they may see value in your profile.

Just don't limit your selection by the MBBs and also apply to T2 and T3 companies across a wide range of geographies.

Good luck,
Nick

Hi there,

So sorry recruiting is so tough at the moment.

If you can, consider trying other offices as well as networking to see where there are openings (and getting your foot in the door).

Some other optons are:

• Tech roles
• Strategy & ops roles
• Think tanks
• Startups
• Government

Here's some more reading to help you with your recruiting/apps:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/application-tracker

Hi there!

Lots of great answers below. 

I just wanted to add that at the end of the day, what you should be optimising for is doing something that gives you the sort of skills that consulting firms want (so that went this period passes, you have a great profile that they'll jump at). 

So put all your decisions about what to do through that filter. From my point of view, you could also grow tremendously by doing an entrepreneurial thing. Consulting firms love this because it shows a sense of initiative, a can-do attitude and a growth mindset. 

Best,
Cristian

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