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Construction/Consultancy?job profile dilemma for my MBA app!

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by Stacey Oyler » Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:26 am
Hi,

Thanks for your post. Just to clarify, do you have an offer from a consulting firm? Or is this a hypothetical? As a former recruiter for McKinsey (as well as a former adcom member at Tuck), I can tell you that getting a job at a consulting firm is a bit difficult. Most consultancies recruit their primary workforce straight out of undergrad (and then again right out of bschool), and thus the opportunities for someone with work experience are very slim.

My suggestion is that rather than trying to change your career to an industry that might be nearly impossible to join, either stick with your current role and excel or find something else you would like to do and go do it. Even if it's an entry level position adcoms will admire your choice to walk away from something you don't like to pursue an interest in something you are passionate about.

Regards,

Stacey
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by eubschoolasp » Fri Jul 15, 2011 4:27 am
Thank you for your reply. I honestly appreciate it.
I do not currently have an offer from a consultancy and i believe you are correct about it being difficult to get one.
But may I repeat my question and ask once again if you think people in consultancies are normally preferred (over people with engineering jobs, or otherwise also)? I just got this feeling and am not sure about it (Another reason why i ask this is that during my current job, it would be very difficult to work at any position other than an Engineer, so i don't know how to project my experience in terms of growth!). Or would my current work-exp along with a good GMAT score be fine for a top b-school?
Also, while applying, if i mention that i would be happy with an entry level job (the same they offer to fresh grads), would it help in some way? I do believe i am good analytically and would suit a consultancy, so asking for a starting job wouldn't be that difficult, isn't it?
Finally, may i ask for anything (a coursework etc.) that may help me get a job with a consultancy or improve my application for that?
Thank you very much!
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by Stacey Oyler » Fri Jul 15, 2011 10:31 am
Hi,

Thanks for the additional information/questions. In regard to gaining better odds of successful admission as a consultant applicant, I really don't think that is the case. Many consultants apply to business school and the pool is very competitive. Even if you did get a consulting job now, it would be a few years before you were on par with those applying to bschool and thus it really doesn't seem all that beneficial.

In regard to your questions about increasing your odds of successful getting a consulting job, yes, you should apply for an analyst type role (one that is offered to recent graduates of undergrad programs). Taking additional coursework won't help. Unlike applying to bschool, consultancies are looking for applicants who already have the skills relevant to the job. You should think about your skills and what you can offer and then market yourself to targeted firms.

Best,

Stacey
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by eubschoolasp » Thu Jul 21, 2011 4:16 am
Hi!
Thanks again. I somehow feel your suggestions make a lot of sense and i certainly gained some more clarity. Out of the complete MBA application package, what bothers me most right now is the work-exp part. I also haven't been able to convince myself to move away from my current area of work, as much as i would like to get into consulting, for the same reasons you mentioned.
In your view, would joining a consultancy and starting from the scratch be more beneficial than carrying on with my current area of work or would that be a waste of the time i've invested in my current job and hamper my application?
I understand there's no fixed %age, but talking generally, how much does one's work-exp count towards an MBA application? Can a good GMAT score and undergrad GPA help cover-up some not-that-great work exp. And although it varies from school to school, how many years of work exp do they normally consider fine- 3yrs to 4yrs? How exactly do they analyze the work-exp? I'm worried because i don't see much growth in this area, especially in my organization! I just couldn't find a better person to ask all this than a former member of an Adcom; i'm sure you must have a very good idea of all these! I am really not very confident on this work-exp part and would appreciate your insight on this.

Thank you,
Sahil
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by Stacey Oyler » Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:42 am
Hi,

Adcoms look at your role/trajectory along with your leadership and team skills when evaluating work experience. Most candidates to full time programs have 2-5 years of experience (usually on the higher end for European programs). The time it would take you to transition to consulting and get enough experience to significantly add value to your applications is likely 2-3 years. You're on the younger side now, so you do have time to switch careers before applying. It's up to you to decide the best use of your time and energy.

Regards,

Stacey
Last edited by Stacey Oyler on Fri Jul 29, 2011 8:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
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by eubschoolasp » Mon Jul 25, 2011 4:56 am
Thank you very much for your help. Your views have been further strengthened after i saw the stats in MBA watch at this website. Taking Harvard as an example, i noticed that 43% applicants had Engineering majors and 25% were employed in high-tech industry, which does weaken my perception that consultants are preferred. I am more confident now and I think 18-24 months more in my current area of work (although i'd try to get into Project Management in this field) should prove to be quality work experience in case i don't get any consultancy job.
Just a final thought- is there any additional quality the b-schools really appreciate or which gives you a huge boost in your CV/application, e.g- social service, representation in some sports activities etc.?
Thank you very much for your insight.

Sahil
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by Stacey Oyler » Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:03 am
Sahil,

I'm glad to help! In regard to your final question - bschools like to see applicants who have a life outside of the office. Those who can balance work with extracurricular activities (be it sports, volunteer work, personal hobbies/interests)are valued because it demonstrates a likeliness that they will be involved in activities in bschool outside of the classroom. Additionally, extracurricular activities are often a great way to demonstrate leadership and teamwork.

Best,

Stacey
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by eubschoolasp » Thu Jul 28, 2011 8:13 pm
As an alternative, would pursuing a Masters degree in my subject (Civil Engineering) be helpful in some way or would it raise more questions like "Why would you like to do an MBA after you've done Masters?" I could do it from a recognized University in US/U which may further enhance my academic credentials and then probably get a job in those countries with a top-employer to make my work-exp even stronger. But would it count as too much of a technical thing without much experience in a managerial position? How much effect do you think it would have on my application- and whether that would be positive or not? I plan to get some finance job for the short-run and then move on to Entrepreneurship later after i understand the nuances of finance. Would a Masters help in some way towards defining a path towards my career goals?

Thanks
Sahil
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by Stacey Oyler » Fri Jul 29, 2011 8:53 am
Hi,

I don't think seeking at a Masters degree in Civil Engineering is the best use of time. Not only does it take away from your years of work/professional experience, but the adcom might question why you pursued a degree in an industry you don't enjoy only to immediately seek out an MBA. You don't want to appear to be a "degree collector" - meaning someone who is either lost in their career or doesn't enjoy it so goes to school to escape. An MBA really is the best route to achieving your goals.

Best,

Stacey
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Stacey Oyler
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Stay Informed with Clear Admit!
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