Resources for Careers in Consulting
Do you like to problem-solve, analyze, and create solutions? Are you passionate about ideas, and enjoy working as a team member? Many students find the career of consulting as an interesting place to start after graduation. Strategy/management consulting offer strategic advice to organizations to assist them in improving their operations, revenues, organizational structure, etc. Consulting, however, also includes specialty consulting in areas such as informational technology, engineering, environmental, and other technical areas. Often the technical areas offer improved productivity to businesses in automation, reduced waste (green initiatives) and changes in the processes they use.
Students interested in consulting usually are passionate about ideas, have developed strong analytical skills with a flare for creative problem-solving, strong writing skills, enjoy teamwork and can develop relationships easily with others (often exemplified in leadership positions on campus). When working on the technical consulting side, these skills are combined with the content knowledge so critical to productivity improvement.
Becoming involved in leadership roles on campus, tackling research problems, developing strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as an appreciate of global issues can form the foundation for your fit in this career. Some students will find an internship in consulting; others will apply without that prior experience in their senior year. The interview process includes general background questions, behavioral interviewing, and case interview discussions, with a chance to analyze how you would solve actual business problems.
Alumni Careers Network
Alumni have VOLUNTEERED to have students contact them for advice and information about majors and careers. The Alumni Careers Network (ACN), with 4,500 volunteers worldwide, is a searchable on-line database of Princeton alumni who are willing and eager for you to contact them so they can provide you with advice and assistance about their industry or career field.
Selected Online Resources
Careers in Consulting - http://www.careers-in-business.com/consulting/mc.htm- This is an excellent site to gain information about a consulting career including questions to assess where this field is right for you.
Top-Consultant.com - http://www.top-consultant.com/UK/career/appointments.asp- Provides information on different consulting careers and job postings around the world.
Consulting Magazine - http://www.consultingmag.com/ Provides up-to-date information about the consulting industry and careers.
Professional Associations
A professional association is an organization of people who have similar career interests. These membership- based organizations often offer a reduced rate for students that allow access to the many resources they provide. Professional association websites can also offer job/internship databases as well as opportunities to find mentors or other contacts.
Association of Management Consulting Firms -http://www.amcf.org/amcf/-This International association of firms in management consulting.
Institute of Management Consultants - http://www.imcusa.org/- This association offers a student membership as well as certification for consultants.