<p>if you want to get into consulting, you should probably work for a while first. i don't understand this idea that good names and advanced degrees automatically qualify someone as a consultant. a consultant is an expert in their field. An MBA is definitely not required for someone to move up and start making money. it can help, but in many areas it is overrated.</p>
<p>sakky is right about networking, kind of. Networking is the most important thing in business, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a "good name school" is the only way to get contacts. Large universities also have extensive alumni networks, but what's most important is the relationships that you cultivate once you are in the workplace by demonstrating yourself as competent employee with a good attitude.</p>
<p>The worst thing that you can do is march into a company with a nice academic pedigree and expect people to care, because odds are, if you went to Harvard, your hiring manager didn't. in the long run, except in certain fields, the name of your undergrad is not very highly correlated with the success you will find. and if you are getting an MBA, well then you should already have a job, shouldn't you?</p>