How to Get into Consulting — 5 Steps and Expert Tips

Hi, I’m Sam A., a Leland coach and expert in the consulting application process. I led a school recruiting team for multiple cycles during my time at Bain & Co. and participated in dozens of interviews across multiple schools. Below are my top tips for students interested in management consulting. Though they may feel a bit broad, I’ve seen the students who apply them in unique and personalized ways see great success.

How to Get Into Consulting

Breaking into the consulting industry can seem like a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can position yourself for success. Consulting offers exciting opportunities to solve complex business problems, work with top consulting firms, and develop skills that are valued across industries.

Whether you're an undergraduate student, an MBA candidate, or an experienced hire, here’s a step-by-step guide to get into consulting with expert tips to help you stand out.

Step 1: Build a Strong Academic Foundation

An excellent academic record is the cornerstone for breaking into the consulting industry. Consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have rigorous academic expectations and often recruit from top-tier institutions. Meeting these standards requires careful planning and execution during your academic journey.

Choose Relevant Degree Programs

Your choice of degree program can significantly influence your candidacy for consulting jobs. While consulting firms welcome diverse academic backgrounds, certain fields of study tend to align well with the skills required for consulting roles.

Undergraduate Degree:

• Popular Fields: Business, economics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science are common choices.
• Why It Matters: These fields develop foundational skills in analytical thinking, data interpretation, and business operations.
• Example Coursework: Principles of finance, operations research, business strategy, and programming (e.g., Python, R).

Graduate Degree:

• MBA Programs: MBA programs at prestigious business schools (e.g., Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD) are a pipeline for management consulting roles.
  • Students often intern at consulting firms during the program, gaining direct exposure.
• Advanced Degrees (Master’s, PhDs): For technical consulting (e.g., healthcare or tech), degrees in engineering, life sciences, or data science can offer an edge.

Focus on High Academic Performance

Consulting firms often use academic performance as a proxy for intellectual rigor and discipline. A strong GPA not only strengthens your resume but also helps you pass initial screening.

Tips for Maintaining a High GPA:

1. Strategic Course Selection: Choose a mix of challenging and GPA-friendly courses to balance academic rigor with performance.
2. Time Management: Develop a study schedule that prioritizes deadlines and avoids last-minute cramming.
3. Leverage Resources: Take advantage of office hours, tutoring programs, and study groups.

Balance Grades with Extracurricular Involvement:

• Consulting firms value well-rounded candidates. Leadership roles in student organizations or participation in case competitions demonstrate time management and leadership abilities.
• For example, serving as president of a finance club or organizing a campus consulting project shows initiative and teamwork.

Build Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving and analytical thinking are core to consulting roles. Cultivating these skills early in your academic career and consulting resume will set you apart from other applicants.

Recommended Courses:

• Data Analysis: Learn statistical methods and software tools like Excel, R, or Tableau.
• Finance and Economics: Understand business operations and market dynamics.
• Operations Management: Gain insight into optimizing processes and resources.
• Logic and Critical Thinking: Courses in philosophy or computer science sharpen your reasoning skills.

Hands-On Experience:

• Case Competitions: Participate in local or national competitions to simulate real consulting scenarios.
• Research Projects: Work on projects that require data collection, hypothesis testing, and results presentation.
• Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications in project management (e.g., CAPM, PMP) or analytics (e.g., Google Data Analytics).

Examples of Relevant Academic Profiles

Prestigious School Recruitment

Top consulting firms often have dedicated recruiting pipelines at prestigious institutions. For example:

• Target Schools: Ivy League universities (e.g., Harvard, Yale), top business schools (e.g., Stanford GSB, Wharton), and globally recognized institutions (e.g., London Business School).
• Why It Matters: These schools provide access to exclusive networking events, on-campus interviews, and consulting-specific resources.

Tips for Maximizing School Selection:

1. Research Recruiting Trends: Use online forums, alumni networks, and career offices to identify target schools for your desired firms.
2. Leverage Alumni Connections: Alumni at top firms can guide you through the application process and provide insider advice.
3. Join Consulting Clubs: Many schools have consulting-focused student groups that offer case workshops and networking opportunities.

Step 2: Gain Practical Experience

Practical experience is a critical differentiator for consulting candidates. Beyond academics, firms look for individuals who have demonstrated their ability to solve real-world, complex problems, lead teams, and navigate complex situations. Gaining hands-on experience in consulting-related roles or industries builds your professional credibility and makes you a stronger candidate.

Pursue Consulting Internships

Internships with consulting firms provide direct exposure to the consulting industry and often serve as summer internships or the stepping stone to full-time roles. Firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG offer highly competitive summer analyst or associate internships for both undergraduate and MBA students.

How to Land and Succeed in a Consulting Internship:

1. Apply early – Consulting internships have early and structured recruiting timelines. Keep track of deadlines for applications, networking events, and assessments.
2. Prepare for interviews – Expect case interviews as part of the selection process. Start practicing early with mock interviews and case prep resources.
3. Network strategically – Attend firm-sponsored networking events and reach out to alumni working at your target firms to increase your chances.
4. Excel during the internship –
   • Show initiative by volunteering for challenging tasks.
   • Build strong relationships within your consulting team.
   • Deliver high-quality work to stand out for a potential return offer.

Seek Industry-Specific Roles

Consulting firms value candidates with expertise in particular industries, as this knowledge is directly transferable to consulting engagements. For example, if a consulting firm works heavily with healthcare clients, prior consulting experience in healthcare management is a strong asset.

Examples of Industry-Specific Roles:

• Technology Sector: Roles like business analyst, data analyst, or project manager in tech companies prepare you for consulting projects in the tech industry.
• Finance and Banking: Experience in investment banking, risk management, or financial analysis equips you with insights into financial consulting.
• Healthcare: Working in hospital administration or pharmaceutical companies provides valuable domain expertise for healthcare consulting.
• Sustainability: Roles in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) consulting or renewable energy firms can lead to specialized consulting opportunities.

How Industry Roles Add Value:

• Offer real-world exposure to solving business problems in a specific field.
• Help you understand the language, challenges, and operations unique to that industry.
• Allow you to demonstrate transferable skills, such as data analysis, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

Develop Leadership Skills

Leadership is a cornerstone of a consulting career, where team management and client interactions are everyday responsibilities. Demonstrating leadership experience shows that you can take initiative, manage responsibilities, and drive outcomes.

Ways to Build Leadership Experience:

1. Student Organizations:
   • Lead a consulting club or professional organization at your school.
   • Organize events, manage budgets, or oversee recruitment to showcase your ability to handle complex tasks.
2. Volunteer Opportunities:
   • Manage projects for nonprofits or local organizations, such as improving their operations or fundraising strategies.
3. Professional Work:
   • Assume leadership roles in your current job or internship, such as leading cross-functional teams or spearheading key projects.

Key Leadership Traits Consulting Firms Look For:

• Initiative: Proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and achieving results as a group.
• Problem-Solving: Developing and implementing solutions in challenging situations.
• Resilience: Handling pressure and adapting to changing priorities.

Types of Relevant Experience

Below is a summary of experience types that consulting firms value, with specific examples and their contributions to your candidacy:

Practical Tips for Gaining Experience

1. Start Early: Seek internships and leadership roles during your sophomore or junior year of undergraduate studies or the first year of your MBA.
2. Focus on Transferable Skills: Skills like analytical thinking, project management, and communication apply across industries and consulting projects.
3. Use Side Projects: If you can’t secure a formal internship, create your own consulting projects. For example, help a local business optimize operations or improve its marketing strategy.
4. Build a Portfolio: Document your experiences with measurable outcomes. For instance, “Reduced operational costs by 10% by streamlining workflows” is more impactful than vague descriptions.

How to Stand Out

• Quantify your achievements – Consulting firms value measurable impact. Frame your contributions with numbers (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings).
• Seek out recommendations – Strong references from supervisors or professors can boost your application.
• Stay engaged post-experience – Maintain relationships with former colleagues and supervisors, as they may serve as valuable mentors or referrals.

Step 3: Create a Polished Application

A polished and tailored application is essential for standing out in the highly competitive consulting recruiting process. Consulting firms receive thousands of applications for a limited number of positions, so your resume and cover letter must clearly articulate your qualifications, showcase key skills, and demonstrate your interest in the firm.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

A great application does more than list your accomplishments—it shows how your skills and experiences make you a strong fit for the consulting role and firm.

1. Customize Your Resume

Your resume is often the first document a recruiter reviews, so it should effectively highlight your most relevant experiences and skills.

Key Tips:

• Focus on Consulting-Specific Skills:
  • Highlight skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, data analysis, communication, leadership, and teamwork.
• Use Quantifiable Achievements:
  • Replace vague statements with measurable outcomes to demonstrate impact.
  • Example: "Increased client satisfaction by 20% through process optimization initiatives."
• Tailor Each Application:
  • Customize your resume for each firm by aligning your experiences with the firm’s values, industries, and focus areas.

Example Resume Highlights:

2. Craft an Impactful Cover Letter

Your cover letter is your opportunity to explain why you want to join the consulting firm and how your experiences align with your work.

Key Elements:

• Personalize Each Letter:
  • Mention specific aspects of the firm that resonate with you, such as their culture, focus industries, or notable projects.
• Highlight Relevant Experience:
  • Draw direct connections between your past roles and the responsibilities of the consulting role.
  • Example: "My experience conducting financial modeling as an analyst directly aligns with the analytical requirements of consulting engagements."
• Demonstrate Enthusiasm:
  • Explain why consulting excites you and how you can contribute to the firm’s mission.
  • Example: "I am inspired by the opportunity to solve complex business problems and create actionable strategies for clients."

Structure of a Cover Letter:

3. Include Key Sections in Your Resume

Your resume should be clear, concise, and structured to emphasize your strongest qualifications.

Recommended Sections:

• Education:
  • Include GPA (if strong), key coursework, and any academic honors.
  • Example: "Dean’s List, GPA: 3.85/4.0; Relevant Coursework: Financial Modeling, Data Analytics."
• Professional Experience:
  • List internships, jobs, and consulting-related experiences. Focus on measurable accomplishments.
  • Example: "Managed a cross-functional team to reduce production cycle time by 15%, saving $200,000 annually."
• Skills:
  • Highlight technical and interpersonal skills, such as proficiency in Excel, Tableau, or data analysis tools.
  • Example: "Proficient in SQL, Excel, Tableau; Fluent in Spanish."

Example Resume Snippet

Expert Tips for Crafting a Standout Application

1. Use action verbs – Start bullet points with strong verbs like "led," "analyzed," "streamlined," or "developed."
2. Keep it concise – Limit your resume to one page for undergraduates and recent graduates; and two pages for experienced hires.
3. Proofread meticulously – Typos or formatting inconsistencies can hurt your chances. Have a peer or mentor review your documents.
4. Leverage feedback – Seek advice from alumni, career coaches, or mentors to refine your application materials.

Step 4: Master Consulting Interviews

Consulting interviews are designed to assess a candidate’s problem-solving abilities, business acumen, communication skills, business knowledge, and alignment with the firm’s culture. These interviews are rigorous but conquerable with focused preparation. Understanding the interview structure and practicing the required skills are key to succeeding in this stage.

What to Expect in Consulting Interviews

1. Case Interviews

Case interviews simulate real consulting scenarios where candidates must solve complex problems or hypothetical business problems. This is the most critical part of the consulting hiring process.

• Format:
  • The interviewer presents a business problem, such as "How would you help a company increase profitability?" or "Should this company enter a new market?"
  • You are expected to ask clarifying questions, develop a structured approach, analyze the situation, and propose actionable recommendations.
• Skills Tested:
  • Logical and analytical thinking.
  • Creativity in finding solutions.
  • Effective communication and structured thought processes.
• Example Case Problem:
  • Problem: A coffee chain is experiencing declining profits. How would you address the issue?
  • Approach: Analyze revenue and cost drivers, identify market trends, and propose specific actions (e.g., renegotiating supplier contracts or introducing new product lines).

2. Fit/Behavioral Interviews

Fit interviews evaluate how well you align with the firm’s values, culture, and teamwork dynamics.

• Common Questions:
  • "Tell me about a time you worked in a team to solve a challenging problem."
  • "Describe a leadership experience and the impact you had."
  • "Why do you want to join [specific firm]?"
• Skills Tested:
  • Leadership, adaptability, and teamwork.
  • Clear articulation of past experiences and lessons learned.
  • Enthusiasm for the firm and consulting as a career.

Tips for Success

Thorough preparation and deliberate practice are crucial to mastering consulting interviews.

1. Practice Case Studies

Case interviews are a skill that can be developed with consistent practice. Here’s how:

• Use Resources:
  • Books: Case in Point by Marc Cosentino and Crack the Case System by David Ohrvall are excellent resources.
  • Online Platforms: Websites like PrepLounge and CaseInterview.com offer practice materials and mock interview sessions.
• Engage in Peer Practice:
  • Partner with peers or alumni to practice mock cases. They can provide feedback and simulate the interview setting.
  • Join consulting clubs or case practice groups at your school for structured support.
• Work on Timing:
  • Practice solving cases within the allotted time to simulate real interview conditions.

2. Hone Problem-Solving Skills

Strong problem-solving skills are critical for case interviews. Break problems into manageable parts and use structured frameworks for creative solutions.

• Common Frameworks to Use:
  • SWOT Analysis: Examine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
  • Porter’s Five Forces: Analyze competitive pressures in an industry.
  • Profitability Framework: Deconstruct the problem into revenue and cost drivers.
  • Market Entry Framework: Assess market attractiveness, entry strategy, and potential risks.

Example Problem-Solving Approach:

Scenario: A retail chain wants to reduce operating costs.

• Step 1: Clarify the problem and set objectives.
• Step 2: Break down costs into fixed (e.g., rent) and variable (e.g., inventory) categories.
• Step 3: Brainstorm potential solutions (e.g., renegotiating leases, improving inventory turnover).
• Step 4: Provide actionable recommendations.

3. Prepare STAR Stories for Fit Questions

Behavioral questions require concise yet impactful storytelling about past experiences in building relationships. The STAR method ensures clarity and structure:

• Situation: Provide context for the story.
• Task: Explain your role or objective.
• Action: Detail the steps you took to address the challenge.
• Result: Highlight the measurable impact of your actions.

Example STAR Response:

• Question: "Tell me about a time you solved a business problem."
• Situation: "During my internship at a tech startup, sales had stagnated, and the CEO asked me to investigate."
• Task: "My role was to identify the root cause and propose solutions."
• Action: "I conducted a sales funnel analysis, identified inefficiencies in lead conversion, and recommended a revised outreach strategy."
• Result: "The new approach increased lead conversions by 25% within three months."

4. Sharpen Communication Skills

Clear, confident communication is vital in consulting interviews. You must articulate your thought process logically and concisely.

• Structure Your Responses: Use bullet points or numbered lists to present your ideas systematically.
• Pause to Think: Take a few seconds to organize your thoughts before responding to complex questions.
• Practice Active Listening: Listen carefully to the interviewer’s prompts and adjust your approach accordingly.

Mock Case Interview Example

Case Problem: A national airline is experiencing declining ticket sales. What would you do?

Approach:

1. Clarify Objectives: "Is the goal to increase revenue, cut costs, or both?"
2. Identify Key Areas to Explore:
   • External factors: Market demand, competition, travel trends.
   • Internal factors: Pricing strategy, customer experience, route efficiency.
3. Conduct Analysis:
   • Revenue drivers: Pricing, ticket sales volume.
   • Cost analysis: Fuel costs, staffing, maintenance.
4. Provide Recommendations:
   • Adjust pricing tiers to capture price-sensitive customers.
   • Optimize flight schedules for high-demand routes.

Step 5: Network Strategically

Networking is one of the most effective ways to break into management consulting firms. The consulting industry heavily relies on referrals and insider insights, making your connections invaluable. A well-executed networking strategy can help you understand firm culture, get advice for applications, and even secure referrals to increase your chances of landing a role.

Effective Networking Strategies

To make the most of your professional networking, focus on building authentic and meaningful relationships with consultants and recruiters.

1. Attend Targeted Events

Networking events are one of the easiest ways to meet consulting professionals management consultants and recruiters. Many firms host events to identify and interact with potential candidates.

• Campus Events:
  • Attend firm presentations, career fairs, and panel discussions hosted by your university.
  • Example: McKinsey often conducts “Meet the Firm” events at target schools.
• Consulting Webinars and Virtual Events:
  • Firms like Bain and BCG offer virtual webinars for prospective candidates. These events provide insights into the consulting industry and firm-specific culture.
• Networking Sessions:
  • Participate in coffee chats, workshops, and informational sessions hosted by consulting firms.
  • Prepare thoughtful questions and aim to leave a positive impression.

2. Build Relationships on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with consultants and building your own professional network.

• Connect with Current Consultants:
  • Look for consultants working at your target firms, especially those who share a common background (e.g., alumni from your school).
  • Send a personalized connection request mentioning your shared interest in consulting or your admiration for their career path.
• Engage Meaningfully:
  • After connecting, ask specific questions like, “What skills have been most valuable in your role?” or “What advice do you have for someone applying to consulting?”
  • Avoid generic or overly broad questions, as they can make your outreach feel impersonal.

3. Leverage Alumni Networks

Your school’s alumni network can be one of your strongest assets. Alumni working in consulting are often willing to guide current students or recent graduates.

• Request Informational Interviews:
  • Reach out to alumni on platforms like LinkedIn or your school’s alumni directory.
  • During the interview process, ask about their journey into consulting, what they enjoy about their role, and tips for the recruiting process.
• Seek Referrals:
  • Build rapport with alumni over multiple interactions. If appropriate, ask if they would feel comfortable referring you for an open position.
• Examples of Alumni Networking Questions:
  • “How did you prepare for case interviews when applying to [firm]?”
  • “What do you think differentiates [firm] from other consulting companies?”

Practical Networking Tips

Networking requires preparation and consistent follow-ups to maximize its impact.

1. Prepare an Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief introduction that highlights who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you’re interested in consulting.

• Structure of a Strong Elevator Pitch:
  • Introduction: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a final-year economics major at [University].”
  • Interest Statement: “I’m passionate about using data-driven solutions to solve complex business problems.”
  • Goal Statement: “I’m currently exploring consulting opportunities and would love to hear about your experiences at [Firm].”

2. Follow Up After Events

Effective follow-ups help you stay on the radar of recruiters and professionals you meet.

• Send a Personalized Email:
  • Reference something specific from your conversation to make your follow-up memorable.
  • Example: “Thank you for sharing insights about the importance of teamwork at [Firm] during today’s webinar. It was incredibly helpful to hear your perspective.”
• Maintain Contact:
  • Periodically engage with your connections by sharing updates or asking for advice on specific application stages.

3. Use Job Boards and LinkedIn

Networking also includes actively exploring consulting job boards and platforms where consulting applications are posted.

• LinkedIn:
  • Search for open roles, internships, and programs at your target firms. Apply directly and mention your application in conversations with your connections.
• Job Boards:
  • Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and niche consulting platforms often list openings.

Example Networking Conversation Starter

If you’re meeting a consultant at an event or reaching out online about business issues, here’s an example of how to approach the conversation:

• Introduction: “Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], a junior at [University] majoring in business administration. I’m currently exploring a career in consulting and am particularly interested in [Firm] because of its focus on [specific industry or value, e.g., healthcare innovation].”
• Question: “I’d love to hear about your experience working on consulting engagements. What do you think is the most rewarding part of your role at [Firm]?”
• Closing: “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Do you have any advice for someone preparing for the consulting recruiting process?”

Benefits of Strategic Networking

Additional Tips for Success

• Develop specific skills – Consultants need strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Tools like Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis software can set you apart.
• Understand consulting firms’ expectations – Research their values, company culture, and typical project types to align your preparation.
• Stay persistent – The consulting recruiting process is highly competitive. Rejections are common, but persistence and continuous improvement will pay off.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into the consulting industry requires a combination of academic rigor, practical experience, polished application materials, interview preparation, and strategic networking. Consulting firms seek candidates who not only have the analytical skills to solve complex business problems but also demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and a genuine passion for the industry.

Work with Consulting Coaches

Need guidance to secure a consulting role? A consulting coach can help you refine your resume, perfect case interviews, and build strategies to stand out in the competitive recruiting process. With expert advice tailored to your goals, you’ll be better equipped to succeed at every stage.

Here are some Leland resources to get you started:

• How to Succeed in a Consulting Career - An Expert Coach's Guide
• A Comprehensive Guide to the Consulting Case Interview – With Examples
• An Expert’s Guide to Resumes: 5 Tips to Make You Stand Out
• Best 30 Free Resources to Get Into Management Consulting
• How to Negotiate Your Salary - with Example Emails
• From No Offers to Multiple Offers: How to Take Your Casing to the Next Level
• How to Network for Management Consulting

If you’d rather work one-on-one with a coach for personalized feedback and guidance, see my profile here. I’ve spent hundreds of hours helping students prepare for, and navigate, the consulting interview process for all three major firms. I know how it works, and am passionate about helping students reach their dreams. I’d love to work with you!