Anyone else looking into consulting? Anyone want to talk about the career?

I would like to work for a consulting company post-MBA.

Will be starting this fall at a school that sends grads to the McK, BCG, BAH, Bain.

Worried about the shape of the economy in 2009 and 2010 and how it will affect my internship chances and full-time employment upon graduation.

I too worry about that. But I feel like although internships may be tough come October, we should be OK for Full Time recruitment. In addition firms may be kind of light staffed at that point if they slow full time recruiting for 2009, so they might hire in bigger numbers. Whatâ?Ts a starting salary these days, 120K +25% bonus+ 10% profit sharing? They might cut the sign on bonus they have been giving to people lately.

Looking at consulting too here, specifically in strategy. Currently I am an engineering program manager.

I am trying to figure out what schools outside of the top10-15 get decent consulting companies. I got dinged from Darden after an interview (screwed up the interview). Anyone got an opinion on what other peer schools (Texas, Duke, UNC etc.) and slightly lower regional schools (Georgetown, Kelley, USC, etc.) are good for consulting careers?

I have looked through the companies list that recruit there, almost none of them all of the big 3 recruiting. Some will have Bain but not Mck, others might have BCG only and so on.

Moreover, the schools don't list the number hired. So if Mck just showed up for a job fair and didn't hire anyone, or hired maybe 1 out of a class of 200, its name maybe on the list, but you can't practically call it a recruiter at the school.

Hey Guys,

I have a question that I might as well bring up since I already got DINGED from most schools is what to do if you don't get in anywhere? All of my recommendations are done from my current and past supervisors so what do people do in this situation? Is it time to switch jobs because surely they are going to think you're less than stellar if they're vouching for you and you're getting rejected from the schools you applied, especially from a superficial industry such as investment banking. I don't think simply telling them, "it was a extremely competitive year" is going to cut it....Anyone with any thought or stories???

If I were in that situation, I would seriously reflect on your application and your school choices. Did you apply to schools that were above your capabilities? Also, hand your full application to someone you know who has gone through the application process and have them truthfully critique it. Were your essays great, or were they lacking something key? Did you interview well? Were your story and career goals coherent? Did you give very school specific reasons why each program was an excellent fit for you and your goals? Also, are you sure you picked the best recommenders? Did they give a compelling and stellar recommendation?

I would seriously ponder your application prior to making any hasty decisions.

I am in a similar situation (still waiting for my rejection emails). While I don't think quitting your job is a bad idea (I am contemplating the same), the only thing you need to ask your self is how it fits into your long term plan.

If you will re-apply within a year any new job really won't make any sense as you won't gain or contribute as much as you can.

If you stick to another job for a few years and then either progress internally or re-apply that would be fine - but it must make sense given your long-term goals. I can't honestly see what would be better than 4 years I-banking and 3 years PE.

You must re-visit your applications and figure out what went wrong, perhaps even get Sandy's ding report? Most people have stellar recommendations and you do fit the typical banking profile - the biggest struggle you have is differentiating yourself from the crowd. Since you state banking is so superficial, why not devote time to stuff which nobody does - climb Mt. Everest for charity, adopt an African child, etc.

As for your work environment - it might be harder for you at work, but I can't see how it would affect the way you are treated at work. Of course you might need a different combination of recommenders next year, but certainly if someone thinks you are good will stand by you especially if you double your efforts at the workplace as a way of dealing with this setback. Point is, be cautious don't just make a decision while you are still hurt from the rejections.

My 2 cents anyway.

I have a similar basic numbers profile (slightly higher GMAT, same GPA, but not Ivy).

How about enrolling in some pertinent pre-MBA coursework to show your commitment to getting an MBA. I did this, this year between Round 1 deadlines and Round 2 deadlines, and I applied to M7s in R1 and M7s in R2 and was ONLY granted interviews from the schools I applied to in R2. (One gave me an interview the very next day after I sent in a PDF of my new "transcript".) Definitely don't leave your job!

I'm not sure more course-work is the answer. He already has a high GMAT/GPA and is successful in the finance industry; all things that show he has the quantitative ability to succeed in grad school. I think the best thing to do is to work on community efforts, have essays re-read by brutally honest alumni or consultants, and go to every event function/visitation to show your commitment. Also, try to get feedback.

For the short-term, I would stay at the company and just say that you needed to work on some things before you reapply.

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I recently ran across an interesting specialized MBA program called "Football Industries". The University of Liverpool (UK) offers the degree in a 12 month period, and focuses on the commercial side of football, or soccer as many Americans would say. I'm now pondering if my love for the game, as I am a former college player, could carry on through the business side. At first glance it seems it would be exciting to work for FIFA or one of the English Premier League Clubs. But I am questioning a few things:

1. What is the average salary for graduates?
2. Is there a good job placement? And/or plenty of opportunity?
3. Are there any other schools that offer similar programs?
4. Will I be able to apply the skills obtained in this program to other lines of work?
5. How do the US professional leauge (MLS) view this type of degree? And are their possible job opportunities in the US upon graduation?

Any comments or suggestions that anyone may have will be greatly appreciated.

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Ciao ragazzi!

Ping pong is the name of the game! A few weeks ago we finally got our ping pong table delivered. After a few hours we figured out how to put the pieces together. It's set up in our small gym on the same floor as our living quarters. It's been a great break from work and has brought different people of the class together to joke around for a bit - you have no idea the emotion and enthusiasm that comes out of Italians, Turks, and Slovenians when you put a ping pong paddle in their hands!

Yesterday we had our Global Marketing final exam, which concluded a three week stretch of final exams (one per week). When not studying for classes, much of our work time is spent on our consulting projects. We work with real Italian companies in the area on various business strategy problems. Most of the projects are currently in the "survey phase." Successful phone calls to gather information have been hit and miss, but we are still plugging away.