Top Tips for Students Looking to Get into Consulting

Breaking Into Consulting by Keya Mediratta

Careers in consulting are highly competitive, with firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC hiring top graduates. To stand out, follow these key strategies:

1. Understand the Consulting Industry

Consulting covers various areas:
Strategy Consulting – McKinsey, BCG, Bain (MBB) advise on corporate strategy.
Management Consulting – Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC improve business operations.
Technology Consulting – Accenture, IBM lead digital transformation.
Financial & Risk Consulting – Firms advise banks, insurance companies.

2. Be Strategic with Applications

London is competitive, but firms also recruit in:
📍 Manchester – Deloitte, PwC, KPMG
📍 Birmingham – EY, Accenture
📍 Edinburgh, Glasgow – McKinsey, PwC
📍 Bristol, Leeds – Bain, KPMG

📌 Tip: Applying outside London improves your chances.

3. Apply Early & Track Deadlines

Consulting firms hire on a rolling basis. The biggest UK graduate intakes:

  • Deloitte – 1,200
  • PwC – 1,000
  • EY – 900
  • KPMG – 850
  • McKinsey, Bain & BCG (MBB) – 200-300

📌 Tip: Apply early and track deadlines with Windō.

4. Gain Relevant Experience

Internships & Insight Weeks – Secure early experience.
University Consulting Clubs – Work on real projects.
Case Competitions – Join challenges hosted by MBB & Big 4 firms.
Certifications – Take courses like McKinsey Forward, Coursera, HBS Online.

5. Use Windō to Compare Firms

Choosing the right firm is about more than prestige. Windō, an AI-powered platform, helps students:
🔍 Compare company culture, CSR initiatives, and work-life balance.
🏆 Get exclusive insights into firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Deloitte.
🌍 Find early career opportunities beyond London.

6. Perfect Your CV & Cover Letter

Your CV should highlight:
📊 Problem-solving skills – Case studies, data analysis.
🏆 Leadership & teamwork – Involvement in societies.
📈 Commercial awareness – Understanding industry trends.
🎯 Results-driven projects – Quantify achievements.

📌 Tip: Tailor your cover letter to each firm.

7. Master Case Interviews & Psychometric Tests

Case Interviews – Practice market-sizing, profitability analysis, and strategy problems.
Psychometric Tests – Prepare for numerical & logical reasoning exams.
Commercial Awareness – Stay updated via FT, The Economist, McKinsey Insights.

📌 Tip: Use PrepLounge, CaseCoach & JobTestPrep for interview prep.

8. Network & Stay Engaged

🤝 Attend insight days & networking events.
🎓 Connect with alumni & consultants on LinkedIn.
📢 Engage in industry discussions.
📰 Follow McKinsey Insights & BCG Perspectives.

Final Tip

Breaking into careers in consulting requires preparation, networking, and persistence. Apply early, build experience, master case interviews, and use Windō to find the best firm for you! 🚀