Getting into management consulting without an MBA remains an enigma so to speak. The professional universe construes that an MBA is a passport to a flourishing career as a management consultant.
Consultants offer a vast array of opportunities for career growth in terms of remuneration and challenges.
That explains why jobs in this field remain hot property. This is reflected in the below figures.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the number of management consultant jobs in the United States is expected to grow by 11% by 2029. In the Indian context, the average base salary for a management consultant is ₹6,73,964 per year, according to Indeed.
Besides, employee profiles at management consulting are among the most sought-after and rewarding careers in the business world, offering a variety of opportunities to work on challenging and impactful projects across industries and geographies.
However, getting hired by a management consultant is not easy, especially without an MBA degree, which is often considered the golden ticket to the consulting industry.
So, can you get hired by a management consultant without an MBA?
The answer is yes, but it may require more preparation and networking than with an MBA.
There are different paths and degrees that can help you break into the consulting industry, depending on your background and experience.
In this post, we share some tips on how to get hired by a management consultant without an MBA, based on four possible paths as alternatives to MBA:
If you are pursuing or have completed a non-MBA master’s degree, such as in engineering, mathematics, economics, or public policy, you can apply for a pre-MBA role at a consulting firm, such as an analyst or an associate.
These roles are typically entry-level positions that involve conducting research, analysis, and problem-solving for various consulting projects and clients.
To get hired into management consulting without an MBA or for a pre-MBA role as a non-MBA master’s student, you will need to demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:
You will need to show that you can handle complex data and calculations, as well as structure and solve unstructured problems using logical frameworks and methodologies.
You will need to exhibit that you have performed well academically and have taken on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities or organizations. The former can be done by securing a competitive GPA or CGPA
You will need to ace the case interview, which is a key part of the consulting hiring process.
The case interview is a simulated consulting scenario where you are given a business problem and asked to provide a solution or recommendation.
One can hone case interview skills by using online resources, books, or mock interviews with peers or mentors.
You will need to network with consultants and recruiters at the firms you are interested in, and get referrals or recommendations from them.
Best modes of networking include attending events, workshops, webinars, or career fairs hosted by the consulting firms or your school. You can also reach out to consultants via email, LinkedIn, or alumni network.
This goes to prove that entering into management consulting without an MBA is not a herculean task. The absence of an MBA just needs to be compensated by other skills.
You will need to network with consultants and recruiters at the firms you are interested in, and get referrals or recommendations from them.
Best modes of networking include attending events, workshops, webinars, or career fairs hosted by the consulting firms or your school. You can also reach out to consultants via email, LinkedIn, or alumni network.
This goes to prove that entering into management consulting without an MBA is not a herculean task. The absence of an MBA just needs to be compensated by other skills.
As a prospect, you will need to prove that you have worked in or studied the field or industry that you are applying for, and have gained relevant skills and knowledge that can add value to the consulting projects and clients.
Adaptability is the key. You will need to show that you understand the consulting industry and its expectations, such as working in teams, delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines, communicating effectively with clients and stakeholders, and being adaptable and flexible.
As with any other professional capacity, you will need to show that you can communicate clearly and persuasively with different audiences, such as clients, colleagues, managers, or experts.
Demonstration of abilities to collaborate well with others and contribute positively to the team dynamics is a vital part too.
You will need to network with consultants and recruiters at the firms you are interested in, and get referrals or recommendations from them.
Best means of networking include attending events, workshops, webinars, or career fairs hosted by consulting firms or your school. You can also reach out to consultants via email, LinkedIn, or alumni network.
If you have several years of work experience in a related or complementary field, such as accounting, law, engineering, or entrepreneurship, you can apply for an experienced role at a consulting firm, such as a manager or a senior consultant.
Extensive experience in an allied field can aid one in breaking into management consulting sans an MBA degree.
Roles of this nature are typically senior-level positions that involve leading and managing consulting teams, projects, and clients.
To get hired for an experienced role as a professional with several years of work experience, you will need to demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:
You will need to exhibit that you have successfully completed projects and assignments in your previous roles, and have achieved measurable outcomes and benefits for your clients or employers.
You will need to showcase your abilities to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, and understand their needs and expectations.
You will also need to demonstrate that you can plan, execute, and oversee complex and large-scale projects, and manage risks, issues, and resources effectively.
Management consulting warrants robust leadership and inspirational team managers who can instill motivation in consulting teams, and provide guidance and feedback to junior consultants.
You will also need to show that you can mentor and coach others, and share your knowledge and expertise with the consulting community.
Networking is crucial for securing an experienced role in a consulting firm. Pivoting to consulting with a non-MBA background becomes that much simpler for those with sound networking skills
As a suggestion, aspirants should build connections with consultants and recruiters from the firms you are interested in, and seek referrals or recommendations from them.
Attend events, workshops, webinars, and career fairs hosted by consulting firms or your alma mater. Engage with consultants through email, LinkedIn, or alumni networks to expand your professional network.
By combining your substantial work experience with the skills and qualifications mentioned above, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for an experienced role in a reputable consulting firm.
Remember to tailor your application and highlight relevant achievements to stand out in the competitive consulting industry.
If you have the time and resources to pursue an MBA degree, you can use it as a platform to switch careers or advance in the consulting industry.
An MBA degree can help you gain the skills, knowledge, network, and credibility that are valued by consulting firms. Many such firms actively recruit MBA graduates from top business schools for various roles and levels.
To land into management consulting with an MBA degree, you will need to demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:
You will need to have a high GMAT score that meets or exceeds the average score of the MBA programs that you are applying for.
A high GMAT score can help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of admission.
You will need to have a clear and convincing story that explains why you want to pursue an MBA degree, why you are interested in management consulting, and what are your short-term and long-term goals.
Your story should also highlight your strengths, achievements, challenges, and learnings from your previous experiences.
You will need to have specific and realistic goals for your MBA and consulting career.
You should be able to articulate how an MBA degree will help you achieve your goals, and how you will contribute to the MBA program and the consulting industry.
Leverage MBA resources and opportunities that can help you prepare for a consulting career.
These include clubs, events, workshops, webinars, courses, internships, case competitions, alumni network, career services, etc.
Technopak is a great place to work for MBA and non-MBA professionals who are passionate about solving business problems and creating value for clients across 12 key sectors, such as apparel, retail, food, skills, textiles, e-commerce and sustainability.
If you are looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career in management consulting, Technopak is the place for you. You can find more information about Technopak and its careers here
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.
