management consulting

during the summer, beginning in july, i decided i wanted to become a management consultant, with a specific interest in strategy business consulting.

there are many great things about being a consultant that appeal to me at this stage.

first off, i know how to make money, but money is not what i need right now. i need experience and good mentors. consulting will give me exposure to different industries, and access to top level business leaders. yes, i could get this type of experience other ways, but with consulting, i think it's the biggest payoff to time committed.

second, i'd like to leave my options open. there are so many things i'm interested in, but not particularly passionate about. as an entrepreneur, i feel that my ability to enter the corporate world is closing. not really sure if i like that or not. this could probably be a book full of the different considerations that could possibly affect the decision.

third, i'm not exactly a polished diamond. my ability to communicate my thoughts i think is above average, and so is my ability to think rationally under extreme pressure. but it could be a lot better, and being around other people that communicate their thoughts very explicitly will help me through submersion.

fourth, by working with other smart, passionate people, i will be able to set myself up for my next big venture, and also enjoy myself, doing something new every day.

while everyone's reasons may be different for their interest in management consulting, but there are quite a few applicants, and relatively few job offers. when seeking advice on how to apply, the career counselors told me that my GPA of 3.55, which qualified me for biomedical engineering honor society, was probably too low to make the first cut. But, once I got an interview, I knew that I would be able to shine by showing them my intellectual horsepower.

Bain will accept ~30-35 associate consultants for the 2007 class. I'm guessing that's how McKinsey and BCG recruit as well. However, there are literally thousands of new graduates that want to work at these prestigious places. Interesting work, great contacts, pretty ok pay, great work environment, no prior knowledge or skills necessary, and the list goes on.

at hopkins, i'm guessing there were 80-100 applicants, 28 1st round interviews, 4-5 2nd round interviews. i didn't even hear anything from mckinsey or BCG, which i assume is because of "low" GPA.

so now i'm at the 2nd round interview with Bain. the only thing i need to overcome is my nervousness around potentially senior staff. when i have that piece down, then i will most likely get the job.