<p>Hi, I'm an EE student thinking about my career after I graduate.</p>
<p>I have had one internship in the aviation industry and one internship that I will most likely accept with a major defense contractor, doing radar/sonar type work. Ultimately, after I graduate, what my <em>original</em> plan included was to work as an engineer for a few years, then obtain an MBA degree from a top tier school. I don't think I want to be an engineer my whole life, but rather experience new roles and responsibilities while helping run an organization. Obviously, not after I graduate with my bachelors, but in due time when I have gained enough experience and exposure in the industry.</p>
<p>After doing some research online of available jobs, I've considered another career path...</p>
<p>Should I go into the Consulting industry straight after I graduate? Consulting meaning management, global strategy, etc. I've been to many company websites where they hire "Associates" - no required degree specialization, just a bachelors degree. I figure with the strong analytical and problem-solving skills that I currently posses and will posses as I finish my academics and internship will be a positive factor for me.</p>
<p>How does this career path sound? Have you taken this path or know someone who has? Even if I take a job with a company as an Associate, I do intend on pursuing an MBA - regardless. As far as what industry I would like to stay in, that is not a problem for me. I would not mind working in any industry, as long as I enjoy it and the benefits are existent. Any advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>As an engineering student, you most likely possess the analytical abilities that the firms seek.</p>
<p>Many students join consulting firms after they graduate. At my school, they mostly pursue and join management consulting firms -- typically McKinsey, Bain, Boston Consulting Group and a few others -- after graduating.</p>
<p>By the way, the entry title varies by firm, for example, at McKinsey you are a "Business Analyst," at Bain you are an "Associate Consultant," at BCG you are an "Associate." </p>
<p>It should be noted that the hours are not as bad as banking, but still pretty tough and there is a lot of travel involved to work sites.</p>
<p>The structure is much like banking; that is to say, it is typically a 2 year program...and many, if they feel you were a top-notch employee, will foot the bill for you to get your MBA, assuming you return and work for a period of time. Also these top-tier consulting firms have excellent admissions rates to the country's best business schools. I'm sure that is all of great interest you.</p>
<p>What is great about management consulting firms (especially the top-tier ones) are the excellent exit opportunities, especially to management positions at Fortune 500 companies (if that interests you)</p>
<p>In order to get a position at such firms you need to have the grades and be able to NAIL those case interviews.</p>
<p>the best consulting firms only recruit at a very small number of elite schools, so that's half the battle.</p>
<p>I got an interview for mckinsey and it went fine...but "fine" isn't enough for these guys! In the end it was for the best because now I have been accepted into a similar but much more adventurous opportunity...</p>