The MBA journey is a deeply reflective process, centered around understanding your goals and aspirations. Being honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses is crucial in determining how you measure up and which schools are the best fit for you. While targeting M7 schools is an admirable goal, it’s important to diversify your application […]
Category: Consulting
After years of planning for your MBA, you will eventually reach the stage that involves completing the MBA application package. This includes compiling your background information, reflecting on your goals and aspirations, writing essays, and securing recommenders. Below I’ve outlined key tasks to consider starting 12 months before application deadlines. 9-12 months before application deadline […]
I was always inspired by students who graduated from top MBA programs. Through several internships and networking opportunities, I met many individuals from these programs who thoroughly enjoyed their experiences. As a result, I knew that I wanted to pursue an MBA after completing my undergraduate business degree in 2018. Over the past few months, […]
In today’s data-driven world, the role of a data scientist has become increasingly crucial across various industries. From technology and finance to healthcare and marketing, data scientists are at the forefront of extracting meaningful insights from vast amounts of data. This article explores what data scientists do, the impact they have, and how you can […]
Embarking on a career switch can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you’re seeking new challenges, pursuing a long-held passion, or responding to changes in your industry, transitioning to a new career path requires strategic decision-making. In this short article, we’ll explore the six (6) essential steps that you can follow to help you navigate […]
Business students and prospective consulting candidates often ask me what life is like as an MBB consultant. The answer can vary significantly depending on the client, project, and team. However, I wanted to provide a glimpse into a typical day during a longer-term client project to give you a better understanding of what your daily […]
Between 2011 and 2017, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which is one of the world’s leading management consulting firms, engaged in high level bribery in Angola. BCG has admitted to paying millions in bribes to secure contracts with the Angolan Ministry of Economy and the National Bank of Angola. The misconduct orchestrated by employees in BCG’s Lisbon […]
I have often heard from leaders at MBB firms that management consulting is a close substitute for an MBA program. From my experience at one of the MBB firms and now as an MBA candidate, I want to share the similarities that I have found between being an MBB consultant and doing an MBA, whether […]
In my last series of publications, I shared my opinions on the MBA and the key elements of an MBA application package. However, when it comes to actually applying to schools, it can often be a daunting task. I found that reading articles and watching YouTube videos only provided high-level, general advice, not something specific […]
MBA rankings are a significant factor for many prospective students when choosing a business school. However, understanding the methodology behind these rankings, their significance, and how to interpret them is crucial for making an informed decision. In this article, we will delve into global MBA rankings and provide guidance on how to use or not […]
Negotiating a job offer can be a daunting task, but it is a crucial skill to master in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or looking to advance your career, negotiating effectively can make a significant difference to your salary, benefits, and overall job satisfaction. In this article, […]
In the previous article, I provided a high-level overview of the MBA landscape. Now, I will delve deeper into each component of the MBA application package. The key application components, along with their estimated importance weights, include: Standardized tests (GMAT or GRE) – 20% Academic transcripts – 18% Resume – 15% Letters of recommendation – […]
If you are a business student or working professional, terms such as “MBA”, “M7” and “GMAT” may be familiar. For me, I never seriously considered pursuing an MBA until my final year of undergraduate studies. Now as an experienced professional, I want to share the potential significance of pursuing an MBA and offer guidance on […]
In my journey from university to the professional world, I, like many of my peers, initially gravitated towards the allure of prestigious roles in consulting or finance. These fields promise versatility, growth opportunities, and the potential for exciting career transitions. However, what my undergraduate business program failed to emphasize was the often-overlooked world of startups—particularly small businesses that operate outside […]
In recent years, the consulting industry has witnessed a significant shift, with boutique consulting firms emerging as competition against their larger counterparts. This trend towards specialization and personal service is reshaping the landscape, offering clients a unique blend of niche expertise, agility, competitive pricing, and strong relationships that big-name consultancies struggle to match. In this […]
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test widely used for admissions into various graduate and business programs across the globe. Understanding what the GRE is, how it aids in unlocking master’s programs, particularly MBAs, and effective preparation strategies is crucial for prospective graduate students. In this article, we’ll delve into the key aspects […]
In the fast-paced world of management consulting, effective communication is key. As consultants strive to convey complex ideas, strategies, and recommendations, a well-crafted slide deck is an invaluable tool. In this article, we will explore a simple structure that you could follow to break down the layout of a consulting slide deck. 1. The Problem […]
Securing a consulting position involves passing through a rigorous process that goes far beyond a mere evaluation of your technical expertise. Consulting firms are keen to identify candidates who not only possess the required knowledge, but also exhibit specific skills that are crucial for success in the industry. In this article, we’ll delve into the […]
The GMAT is a necessary hurdle that individuals who aspire to pursue an MBA or a graduate degree in finance need to overcome in order to gain admission to a top school. The GMAT assesses a wide range of skills, from analytical writing to quantitative and verbal reasoning. Success on the GMAT requires a well-thought-out […]
Meetings can either be a powerful catalyst for collaboration and decision-making or a drain on time and productivity. Whether you are in consulting, strategy, operations, or product management, the ability to manage meetings effectively is a crucial skill that can significantly impact the success of your endeavors. In this short article, we will explore strategies […]
In the competitive, fast-paced, and ever-evolving landscape of technology and business, the role of a product manager is pivotal. A great product manager is not just a project coordinator, they are visionaries, strategists, and leaders. In this short article, we will delve into five key strategies that can help you become a great product manager. […]
Are you signed up for a case competition, ready to showcase your skills and get a quick resume-building experience? Maybe you’ve been a part of a team that for some reason failed to even make the first cut because of inexperience or a lack of cohesion. Or maybe this is your first exposure to case […]
If your job description involves providing a service to a client utilizing your skill set and time, then you are probably a consultant of some kind. If you have read some of the blogs on this website, you have probably come across many that describe life and work as a management or business consultant. These […]
In the previous article, we introduced the key skills an effective consultant is expected to possess — but now what? As an aspiring consultant, simply knowing which skills to show on your CV is not enough; you’ll also need to know how to hone and highlight these skills, which is what we’ll be covering in […]
The role of a consultant is dynamic and complex, requiring a unique blend of skills that go beyond pure technical proficiency. In this 2-part article, I will outline the 5 key skills of an effective consultant, then discuss how to hone and highlight these skills. Being a consultant is no easy feat, and almost every […]
Being a management consultant is a rewarding yet challenging profession. Business consultancy can involve helping to increase a business’s capabilities, develop a new product, or enter a new market. While you may be a highly proficient management consultant, the pressures of the job can make it challenging to take consistently good care of yourself. According […]
In consulting, one of the most coveted and highest compensated roles is that of the engagement manager (EM). This role is crucial to the functions of a consulting firm. They often have significant influence on the success of a consulting engagement, as they often interact directly with clients and oversee engagements end-to-end. Similar roles are […]
Choosing a career path to dedicate years of your life to is never an easy decision, and this applies whether you are an undergraduate seeking a first job fresh out of university, or someone looking to make a career switch. After all, faced with the tantalising possibility of all the possible paths you could take, […]
As a consultant, you will typically work long hours, and during this time you might find yourself creating slide decks, analyzing massive data sets, and working within fast paced teams to solve your clients’ most challenging problems. To add to the stress, consultants are often travelling long distances for on-site visits with the client or […]
Individuals looking to fast-track their careers frequently find themselves lured by the exciting world of consulting in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving business environment. Beyond the veneer of prestige and a lucrative 6-figure salary, however, lies a highly intense and competitive industry, leading naturally to a high turnover rate as many choose to exit this […]
Consulting is a wide field of work. If your job description involves providing a service to a client utilizing your skill set and time, then you are probably a consultant of some kind. If you have read some of the blogs on this website, you have probably come across many that describe life and work […]
Traditionally, consultants come from backgrounds in finance, strategy, economics, or business management. Top firms tend to recruit graduates from target business schools, and the industry is notoriously quantitative and analytical. Fortunately, there’s growing recognition that individuals from different backgrounds can offer a unique perspective coupled with logical thinking. In this blog post, we’ll explore how […]
A common adage within business states that “it’s not about what you know, but who you know”. While consultants do need strong analytical skills, the latter half of this saying holds true; you need to network. As any aspiring management consultant knows, networking is both an art and a science. It combines organic relationship-building as […]
Business operations teams play a critical role in the success and growth of both big companies and small startups. While the specific responsibilities may vary based on the organization’s size, industry, and structure, these teams are generally responsible for various functions aimed at optimizing operations, driving efficiency, and supporting strategic goals. Let’s explore the role […]
Imagine this: you are three months away from graduating, and you have five job offers printed out and sitting in front of you on the table. Which one do you pick? If all else is equal, you pick the highest paying one, right? Or, do you pick the one that moves you to your dream […]
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with proper preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, thorough interview preparation is key to showcasing your skills, qualifications, and personality. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five essential steps that you can take to help you prepare […]
Marketing consultants advise companies on marketing strategies and campaigns. To do this, they should possess a keen understanding of the client’s target market and existing customer base, as well as the ability to recommend clear and actionable strategies to increase sales, expand the customer base, and develop new product offerings that will appeal to customers. […]
Have you ever questioned whether you are on the right career path? Have you ever wondered if you would have been better off choosing to pursue a different industry, role, or company? For most people, uncertainty is uncomfortable and is to be avoided at all costs. Many people spend their entire lives changing from company […]
I previously wrote a similar article for those in consulting coming from undergrad. Now I want to highlight the outlook for those who joined consulting from grad school. Although there are extensive parallels, the grad school pool is decently different because they tend to be older (ballpark around 28 or so when they started their […]
During one of my recent consulting experiences, I received a piece of advice from my supervisor that saved our engagement. His advice was specific to consulting, but applicable to other areas of business too. I was assigned to a typical strategy engagement – should client X selling product Y increase sales in market Z? Our […]
Management consulting is widely known as a highly intense industry. Much is expected of consultants in terms of hours of work, quality of output, and responsiveness to client requests. The sheer intensity of the industry is a big reason why many consultants end up burning out within 2 years, opting to exit into more relaxed […]
The hypothesis-based problem solving (HBPS) approach is a method employed by consultants to develop actionable recommendations for clients using a structured, evidence-based process. As we saw in the previous article, the HBPS process has five key steps: Define the problem Define drivers and generate/refine hypotheses Determine information needs Gather and analyze the data Draw conclusions […]
There are generally two main approaches to solving problems in consulting, namely the: Investigative / data-based approach, and Hypothesis-based approach. The investigative approach is appropriate when the opportunity is well-defined, repetitive, and standardized, or where the solution is clear from the beginning. Progress is made by employing technical and subject matter expertise to drive towards […]
Whether you are studying for your MBA, Ph.D., or J.D., graduate school is an incredible opportunity to learn as much as you can. You might be completing case studies, conducting experiments, and writing lengthy legal reports, all of which will prepare you for your career. As someone who recently completed graduate school and began a […]
LinkedIn is an often overlooked part of the management consulting application. A candidate might spend hours on their resume and cover letter but put little thought into their LinkedIn profile other than a profile picture and a cheesy blurb in the “about” section. LinkedIn is actually a key part of the management consulting application. Although […]
Last year, after 2.5 years in management consulting, I transitioned to a Fortune 50 US company in an internal strategy role. Having had about a year on the new job, I want to highlight the benefits of this transition to give the many consultants out there some perspective. Before outlining the benefits of internal strategy, […]
Recently, I had the opportunity to run an “Impact Workshop” that aimed to reflect on our role as advisors (“consultants”), explore our individual motivations, and agree on behaviors that reflect our role. Surprisingly, one of the biggest revelations was how much we underestimated the importance of facilitating and how much of a central role it […]
As a consultant, you are likely working 60-80 hours during the week. Add in 6 hours of sleep every night, 14 hours for meals throughout the week, and 14 hours for weekly commuting, and there is not much time left for anything else. In order to keep your body and mind functioning optimally, you should […]
As consultants, we are required and recommended to take notes for the meetings we attend. This seems like a simple task because formal education has forced us, at one time or another, to take notes. The world of formal education, however, is typically parsed out so an individual only needs to focus on one subject […]
If you are transitioning into consulting from school or a job in industry or government, you will likely begin traveling more than ever. Sure, maybe you have gone to a few conferences or travelled to your company’s annual meeting, but once you begin a consulting career you will be on the road much more frequently […]