Anyone here in management consulting? I have a few Qs

[gotsmack]

Summer is rolling around and I have 1 year left in my MBA program.

I'm 99% sure this is what I want to do with my life but can't be 100% sure until I actually do. I know about the crappy hours but the work seems fun. It really seems like it falls in line with what I want to do (solve problems, but not be an engineer and put theory into practice).

I just have a few questions if you could help me out.
1. How did you get your job at a management consulting firm? My GPA is high but I don't have much work experience. I know firms hire undergrads, but I'm a grad student and don't have the experience of the other students.

2. What do you do on a normal day?

3. How important are finance courses from school? I only took intro to finance, but I have a year left and can add finance as a concentration. I'm doing business strategy and marketing now. If the financial analysis skills are something I can pick up on the job, I'm not going to bother with the courses. I know that there are certain areas that depend on financial analysis more than others, but could I get away without taking any more courses in finance.

Thanks in advance.

 

"What would you say...ya do here?"

"Well look, I already told you! I deal with the goddamn customers so the engineers don't have to! I have people skills! I am good at dealing with people! Can't you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?"

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I can't answer those questions since I'm only in HS, but from hearing other close people tell me about it, work your tail end off getting experience even at low prices and when you work your way up the ladder you'll find the potential salary can get quite high. Maybe this is irrelevant now, but companies were paying $500 an hour for people who did consulting at one time for people like those I know. These aren't the brightest people ever, it's just they come in with an unbiased point of view and choose what's right and what works of the company, but the hours can be horrible. Since you're coming out of college, you'll like the travel it requires, some of these people were hardly ever home, mostly in nice hotels every week. What's my point? Work really hard and consulting could open up many doors for your future

 

[gotsmack]

ttt

 

[TubStain]

Which MBA program are you in?

For management consulting, you generally need to focus on Strategy and Finance during your MBA program. They are generally the defacto concentrations for people looking to get into mangement/strategy consulting. Not many companies take you seriously if you dont have a thorough grasp of Finance.

I would go to the businessweek forums and ask there. Lots of high achievers at different stages in their career and they can give you better advice.

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Maybe this is irrelevant now, but companies were paying $500 an hour for people who did consulting at one time for people like those I know. These aren't the brightest people ever, it's just they come in with an unbiased point of view and choose what's right and what works of the company, but the hours can be horrible.

The company was paid $500 an hour, the consultant got only a small fraction of that.

 

[gotsmack]

I'm in the program at Rutgers. We're mostly known for our pharmaceutical management program.

I guess I have to add on some more finance courses. Maybe I'll take 1 over the summer 1 next semester and 3 finance classes in spring 05. I have my schedule made for next semester already.

 

[TubStain]

Originally posted by: gotsmack
I'm in the program at Rutgers. We're mostly known for our pharmaceutical management program.

I guess I have to add on some more finance courses. Maybe I'll take 1 over the summer 1 next semester and 3 finance classes in spring 05. I have my schedule made for next semester already.

Hmm, with the right network connections you might be able to land a job, but speaking point blank, Rutgers doesnt really have a very good brand name when it comes to B Schools.

My sister went to Rutgers MBA, and she's working for a Bulge bracket right now, but that was mostly due to luck, as she graduated in 1998 during the tech heydey and she had some tech skills to complement her biz degree. Taking a good set of finance courses is always a good thing, as you can apply it to most industries. Look into getting a CPA/CFA credentials if possible too. Employers might take you more seriously by seeing your dedication to prove yourself.

 

[gotsmack]

well, if I had the 5 years work experience I'd be at NYU or U Michigan.

It was a calculated risk. I declined a pretty good offer for full time employment so I could do the MBA program. I figured that I wouldn't want to give up the salary in 4 or 5 years to go back to school. Besides, I secretly harbor desires to do my PhD. But the programs I'm looking at only accept 3% of applicants.