Is the major really that important when finding jobs in the business field?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>I'm transferring to a different school, and over the past few months have pretty much decided that I want to work in management consulting. Originally I had intended to go to law school and major in English, and therefore all of my classes my freshman year were Arts & Sciences classes. I'm enrolled in my new school's A&S program as an English major. </p>

<p>The problem is, a switch to the business school would mean that I have to start all my core requirements over again, which I don't want. If I stay enrolled in A&S and take a double major in marketing or IB (unfortunately there is no management/admin. major), I can't study abroad and I won't graduate on time. </p>

<p>My tentative solution is to stick with my English major and take a lot of business and business-oriented electives (Calc, Accounting, Econ, Finance, upper-level management classes... basically everything but Stats). If I present a transcript with my resume, and assuming reasonable success in the business classes, will I be taken as seriously as a business major?</p>

2

<p>It is not necessary to be a business major to work in management consulting. The key skills that top management consulting firms look for are: ability to think critically under pressure, excellent writing skills, teamwork, and leadership. I don't think being an English major would be looked down upon; I've known several English majors who are working as consultants. Consultants come from a wide variety of backgrounds like engineering, science and humanities.</p>

3

<p>It is true that management consultants can come from all fields and from all schools. However, you will have a major advantage in getting a management consulting job if (a) you come from a top, top school; or (2) you major in Business Administration (especially with a Management Consulting major) or a field like Economics/Economics consulting prior to looking for work (and also if you practice "case interviews" prior to actually applying for the jobs).</p>

<p>It should also be noted that when you say management consulting, you should be aware that this comprises six different fields:</p>

<p>(1) Strategic consulting
(2) Financial consulting
(3) Operations consulting
(4) Information technology consulting
(5) Human Resources and Benefits Consulting; and
(6) Logistical consulting</p>

<p>Additionally, you will find consultants in "niche" areas like specialized engineering areas, safety, IT security, regulatory areas (including SOX financials compliance), etc. In general, the more detailed and specific the "niche" area, the more you will need specific skills--including knowledge and experience in the area as an "intern" or "associate" prior to being moved into the more direct "consultant" or "senior consultant" positions.</p>

<p>P.S. I've been in the consulting field for over 30 years--starting in financial, moving to strategic, then IT, then back to Financial--and now in a "niche" area that incorporates all of the above. I've also run my own consulting company for 4 of those years--although I now am an executive for a publicly listed Silicon Valley startup with international operations in 5 other countries. I only mention this so you'll know that I do know a bit about this area, and am not a high school or college student giving a "reasoned" opinion.</p>

4

<p>Thanks! I have a few questions/responses for you.</p>

<p>
[quote]
It is true that management consultants can come from all fields and from all schools. However, you will have a major advantage in getting a management consulting job if (a) you come from a top, top school;

[/quote]

I'm attending a top 15 school (not Ivy league) that several top consulting firms recruit at. Good enough do you think?
[quote]
or (2) you major in Business Administration (especially with a Management Consulting major) or a field like Economics/Economics consulting prior to looking for work (and also if you practice "case interviews" prior to actually applying for the jobs).

[/quote]

My school, unfortunately, does not have an administration major. The closest to that would be "Organization and Human Resources." I know it would have been smart to pick a school that DID have this kind of major, but my decision to switch to the business field, as I said, was a recent one. If I took quite a few management electives would that give me an advantage as well?</p>

<p>
[quote]
It should also be noted that when you say management consulting, you should be aware that this comprises six different fields:</p>

<p>(1) Strategic consulting
(2) Financial consulting
(3) Operations consulting
(4) Information technology consulting
(5) Human Resources and Benefits Consulting; and
(6) Logistical consulting

[/quote]

Strategic consulting would be the one I would want to work in.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Additionally, you will find consultants in "niche" areas like specialized engineering areas, safety, IT security, regulatory areas (including SOX financials compliance), etc. In general, the more detailed and specific the "niche" area, the more you will need specific skills--including knowledge and experience in the area as an "intern" or "associate" prior to being moved into the more direct "consultant" or "senior consultant" positions.

[/quote]

Yeah, I know I would either need to work in such a position or get an MBA before moving up. I was mainly trying to figure out what I could do for a couple years to get business experience before I get an MBA.</p>

<p>
[quote]
P.S. I've been in the consulting field for over 30 years--starting in financial, moving to strategic, then IT, then back to Financial--and now in a "niche" area that incorporates all of the above. I've also run my own consulting company for 4 of those years--although I now am an executive for a publicly listed Silicon Valley startup with international operations in 5 other countries. I only mention this so you'll know that I do know a bit about this area, and am not a high school or college student giving a "reasoned" opinion.

[/quote]

So in your opinion, what's the best way for a college sophomore to start getting his foot in the door?</p>

5

<p>interview for summer internships at big banks - they usually have a handful of spots open . they are usually reserved for rising seniors, but you should try anyway and see what theyre looking for. </p>

<p>on a previous note, i know a lot of young businesspeople who majored in history. it really has little to do with what you did in college. the diploma is what's important. theyll send you back to business school if they think youre not ready.</p>

6

<p>
[quote]
theyll send you back to business school if they think youre not ready.

[/quote]

As in not hire you?</p>

7

<p>usually analyst programs end in just a few job offers - those who dont get the offers go to business school and, with the recommendation from the analyst program, get a job somewhere else</p>

8

<p>But isn't it pretty much impossible to get into a good business school without experience?</p>

9

<p>
[quote]
interview for summer internships at big banks

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It's almost impossible if you don't attend a target school. What school are you transferring to?</p>

10

<p>
[quote]
It's almost impossible if you don't attend a target school. What school are you transferring to?

[/quote]

Wash U. </p>

<p>I actually know a guy at Wash U. who is a year ahead of me (he went to my high school) who got an internship at Morgan Keegan, which is the big investment banking company where I live.</p>

11

<p>Yes, Wash U is a target school by a lot of big banks.</p>

12

<p>
[quote]
Yes, Wash U is a target school by a lot of big banks.

[/quote]

So not impossible then?</p>

13

<p>Majoring in English and landing a job in management consulting in doable provided your school is a target school for recruitment (Wash U is) by consulting companies or banks. However, you would need a very high GPA possibly 3.5 or above and have strong leadership roles in ECs.</p>

14

<p>History and liberal arts majors are successful in getting into management consulting provided they come from top schools.</p>

15

<p>Calcruzer, S. graduated from a top school in May with degree in economics and will begin work at a strategic consulting firm right after Labor Day. Can you give me a simple, straightforward explanation of strategic consulting? I'd like to understand what type of work he'll be doing. Also, what are the functions of an entry-level person? Thank you.</p>