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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.
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<p>Hey, I don't understand it either, but the fact is, it can work. For example, McKinsey actively recruits people with advanced degrees from big-name schools instead of people who have lots of work experience (unless that work experience is highly prominent). For example, McKinsey is the biggest single recruiter at Harvard Law, bigger than any law firm. </p>
<p>Nevertheless, it is still true that getting into a top-flight MBA program almost always requires getting strong work experience. </p>
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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.
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<p>Let me point out that many of the top-flight universities are also large. For example, Harvard has about 20,000 total students (undergrad + grad). That is highly comparable to most state universities. For example UMass-Amherst has about 22k (undergrad +grad). </p>
<p>However, I agree with your general point that large universities also have extensive alumni networks. Obviously what matters is not the sheer size of the alumni network, but the quality of it. For example, are the alumni in prominent business positions, do the alumni feel strongly connected to the university, etc. It's not just enough to go to a school that has lots of alumni. You want to go to one that has lots of alumni who are in positions to make hiring decisions and who would be willing to speak with you solely based on your school connection. </p>
<p>I also agree with you that what is more important is cultivating workplace relationships because that is another way to improve your network. But to do that, you first have to get a job so you first have to get your foot in the door.</p>
<p>My point is simple. A lot of having a strong career is simply getting a good job offer in the first place. This is where self-marketing and self-promotion come into play, and going to a super-famous school is an aspect of self-marketing, as is accessing a strong alumni network. Lots of people out there could do very well on the job, but they don't even get an offer because they are unable to market themselves properly.</p>