INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
CONSULTING
The field of consulting is a rapidly evolving, multi-faceted industry. Hired to advise corporations, consultants tackle various business problems and provide viable solutions for their clients. They must be skilled at conducting research, collecting raw data from various sources, and analyzing it. Depending on the specific focus of one’s study, consulting students may get hands-on experience working with various companies. For instance, summer internships offer a chance for consulting majors to hone specific skill sets, such as problem-solving. To further enhance learning beyond a classroom setting, consulting students also often partake in extracurriculars designed to enhance and apply their skills in real-life situations. By participating in organizations such as college newspapers and publications in addition to consulting clubs, consulting students strengthen their communication skills in real-life work settings to build an impressive resume. Consultants are responsible for advising organizations on solving complex problems, improving performance, and driving change. Their work typically involves structuring ambiguous challenges into clear workstreams, conducting research and analysis, and synthesizing insights into actionable recommendations. A significant part of the role also includes client communication, such as preparing slides, memos, and presentations, as well as collaborating closely with both internal teams and client stakeholders. Depending on the firm and project, consultants may also support implementation, ensuring recommendations are effectively executed. Day-to-day schedules vary, but a typical day might start with email checks and revision of project updates. The morning often involves focused work such as building Excel models, analyzing data, or drafting slides. Afternoons usually include team check-ins, problem-solving sessions, and client calls to present progress and gather feedback. Evenings are often spent refining deliverables and aligning with managers on next steps. While some days end at a reasonable hour, others can extend late into the evening during high-intensity project phases.

RECRUITING TIMELINE
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Early-career candidates (undergraduate/MS):
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between June — October
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MBAs:
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November — December (1st years)
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August — September (2nd years)
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Advanced degrees (PhD, MD, JD, etc.):
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February — April (bridge internships)
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June — September (full-time applications)
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Many consultants transition after 2 - 4 years into:
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Corporate strategy roles at large companies
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Private equity/venture capital investment teams
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Startups, often in leadership or operations
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Graduate school (MBA, law, policy)
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EXIT OPPORTUNITIES
INDUSTRY PATHWAYS
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Strategy/Management (Generalist):
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Large firms (e.g., McKinsey, Bain, BCG) serving clients across industries and functions. Broad exposure and strong training ground.
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Boutique (Specialist):
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Smaller firms focused on specific industries (healthcare, energy, retail) or functions (digital, supply chain). Offers earlier specialization and deeper expertise.
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In-House Consulting:
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Internal strategy teams within corporations or government. More stability and balance, but narrower project variety.
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Within the Firm: Clear progression from intern/analyst to consultant to manager to partner. Only a few reach the partner level, but the path is structured and well-defined.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
YOUR GUIDE TO AN MBA
50 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays
Check out this resource to help you build your ideal application profile to apply to top Masters in Business Administration Graduate programs in the US. Gain exclusive access to read inspiring and well-crafted essays by successful HBS applicants!
YOUR GUIDE TO AN MBA
50 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays
Check out this resource to help you build your ideal application profile to apply to top Masters in Business Administration Graduate programs in the US. Gain exclusive access to read inspiring and well-crafted essays by successful HBS applicants!

