One of my biggest fears when I first gained an interest in consulting was that I was simply ineligible as a non-business student. Fortunately, this is not the case. Breaking into the consulting industry with a non-business degree can be challenging as a sizeable portion of hires are from top business schools, but non-business hires are on the rise. This owes to an increasing emphasis of diversity in thought processes and backgrounds. Top consulting firms recognize that the best ideas are produced by the convergence of unique perspectives, and this is precisely what is offered by bringing together brilliant minds of varying academic backgrounds.
This being said, getting hired will certainly not be a walk in the park. Here are 5 strategies that may help:
1. Develop Strong Quantitative Analysis Skills
Consultants are often called upon to solve complex problems, so having strong quantitative analysis skills is essential. If your degree leans more heavily towards the qualitative humanities — as mine does — be sure to make special provisions to develop key quantitative skills.
You can start with the basics by getting comfortable with basic math and doing computations in Excel. These skills will be essential for analyzing and interpreting data. Next, you can leverage various online resources to become familiar with further analytical tools such as Python or R. While this might not be essential for all consultants, it’s definitely a useful skill that is becoming increasingly commonplace as technology continues to advance. Another way you might pick up these skills is through coursework or extracurricular activities. For example, you could take classes in statistics, data analysis, or programming, or join a student consulting group or business club. If you’re concerned about lending credibility to your quantitative abilities, you can consider prioritizing courses that provide relevant certifications.
2. Gain Relevant Work Experience
If you’re struggling to even get your foot in the door, consider gaining valuable experience by working in a related field. For example, you could try interning in adjacent roles that also involve problem-solving and project management. This will give you a chance to develop these core skills and knowledge that are necessary for a career in consulting, and it will also make you a more competitive candidate when you apply for consulting internships and jobs.
3. Network with Industry Professionals
Networking is an important part of breaking into any industry, and consulting is no exception. Attend industry events and conferences, join professional organizations, and seek out internships or job shadowing opportunities. This will give you a chance to meet people in the consulting industry and learn more about what it takes to be successful in this field.
Further, these working professionals will give you keen insights into exactly what it’s like to work at their firm. This will help you tailor your resume and cover letter to the precise skills and traits that each firm is looking for! For instance, McKinsey is known to place a particularly strong emphasis on personal impact and leadership.
4. Consider an MBA
While an MBA is not necessary for a career in consulting, it can be a valuable asset, especially if you have a non-business undergraduate degree. An MBA program will provide you with a strong foundation in business principles and give you the opportunity to specialize in areas like strategy, marketing, or finance. Plus, many consulting firms recruit MBA graduates directly from business schools.
5. Keep on Trying!
Breaking into consulting with a non-business degree may require extra effort and perseverance. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a job right away – instead, use each rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve. Keep building your skills, networking, and applying for jobs, and eventually you will find a consulting firm that values your unique background and skills.
Note that some firms might value diversity more than others and consequently be more open to hiring candidates with non-traditional backgrounds. Keep a lookout for firms with programs or initiatives specifically designed to recruit and support candidates with diverse experiences and expertise, such as those with a strong graduate recruitment program. If a firm is keen on hiring candidates with non-business masters and doctorates, it’s likely that they are interested in your non-business undergraduate degree too.
Overall, breaking into consulting with a non-business degree can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By developing strong analytical skills, gaining relevant work experience, networking with industry professionals, considering an MBA, and being persistent, you can increase your chances of success in this competitive field.
Lucas Foo is a Philosophy and Linguistics Undergraduate at the University of Oxford. He enjoys drawing insights from ambiguity to create real and positive impact.
Image: Pexels
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