What You Need to Know About Preparing for a Successful Consulting Career

When it comes to prestigious careers, management consulting certainly tops the list. Today’s top firms can offer a stable career with superior benefits and highly competitive salaries.

Because of this, it’s no surprise that thousands of individuals worldwide strive to apply for the few vacant positions that are available during recruitment season.

The criteria and standards that most consulting firms set for their employees can be daunting. To start, near-perfect GPAs and degrees from top universities with matching MBAs are common in the consulting industry. The recruitment process is so thorough that having these credentials does not guarantee that you will be shortlisted for a consulting position.

Chances are almost all the applicants at your target firm have the same set of accomplishments, which means that you must go out of your way to stand out from the crowd. With that being said, how does one actually prepare for a consulting career?

Setting a Foundation

Before you can begin to separate yourself from the sea of applicants, you need to meet the basic criteria that high-calibre consulting firms are looking for. Apart from high GPAs, and a degree in the relevant field, you must also consider joining the right organizations and clubs. How will you know which ones to join?

To find out, you have to check with your target firm. Simply take note of which organizations consultants were in while they were in school. These are the ones you should be in. Don’t forget that you must also be an active participant in the club. Being a member and attending the events does not look very engaging on a resume. Instead, slowly work your way up to taking on a leadership role.

Your Consulting Network

A strong network can make a huge difference in a consultant’s career. Recommendations, insider tips for your target firm, and guidance during the application process are just some of the benefits that one can reap from a reliable consulting network.

Building a network you can rely on for new opportunities takes time. It is best to make your outings count. This means making sure you are always in the right place at the right time. Attend consulting events such as conferences and expos.

You can also look into the alumni list at the university you attended to see if you know anyone that is currently active in the industry. For those who are lacking leads, social media sites such as LinkedIn provide venues for professionals who want to extend (or in this case start) their network. Join the relevant groups as you would a university organization. The key to making the most out of social media is participation and building your online reputation.

The Application Process

With the right credentials and network, the process of writing a cover letter and resume is a lot easier. It is good practice to keep your cover letter short and straightforward. 3-4 paragraphs are enough to persuade the recruiter in reading your full resume.

While is tempting to put everything down, your resume should only include details that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Education, externship, recommendations, organizations, skills and work experience (if any) are details that are found in all successful applications.

Once you have those down, you will need to sharpen your mental math skills. This takes daily practice. Using tools such as apps and flashcards can help boost one’s memory when it comes to standard math operations. Mock interviews can help pinpoint your trouble areas and address them accordingly.

When practising with a friend, make sure to take note of the body language you’re portraying, as well as your professional vocabulary. It’s common for consulting applicants to burn the midnight oil during the preparation process, especially as their interview date gets closer.

Making a great first impression counts during the interview, which means that you have to consider your appearance. A simple, clean look supersedes a stylish appearance (this isn’t the fashion industry). Lastly, a good night’s rest can help you focus on the big day, therefore skip the late-night drinks and clock in early. It’s the one day that you can’t afford to miss. Good luck!

ConsultingFact is an online hub for individuals who are preparing for a consulting career. The website offers a number of platforms for applicants, including a comprehensive online course. There are also guides available for those who are looking for specific consulting topics. The tutorial ranges from an overview of the consulting industry to case interview frameworks.