careerchange14 wrote:
Hi all,
I graduated from undergrad with a 3.17 and a degree in Business Economics, and an emphasis in accounting. After working for two years in an entry-level (but dead-end) accounting position, I went back for my MAcc. I completed an audit internship and am about to graduate and currently have a 3.73. I wanted to go into audit originally, but am looking into consulting since it sounds interesting, rewarding, and prestigious. Is there a realistic course of action I could take to get into consulting within these next few years? I am looking to settle down and start a family in around 5-7 years, so I'd like to pay my dues before then and have more time by the time I have kids.
1) So far, people have advised me to go into advisory at Deloitte or PwC and transfer over to their consulting arm. Is this a reasonable scenario? And with my stats, is it reasonable to get an offer in an area of advisory that would actually lead to consulting, such as TAS or corporate development, as opposed to something not so related?
2) Should I instead aim for a middle market or boutique consulting firm? Would I have a realistic chance with them now or only after working in advisory?
3) What are exit opportunities and work-life balance like in these smaller firms compared to the top consulting firms?
Any guidance would definitely be appreciated. If there are no realistic courses of action I could take, I may continue with my previous plan of going into auditing.
1. I think you should straight up apply for consulting positions at Deloitte, Accenture, etc. While your undergrad GPA is on the low end for consulting firms, your Master's GPA is really good.
Also, accounting is a great background to join consulting! Many projects involve improving / standardizing finance processes... in fact, in my three years of consulting, I've only been on finance projects. (I'm also part of my company's Finance and Enterprise Performance practice.) People are always looking for individuals with real finance experience at my firm. So if I were you, I would spin it that way - you'd like to be a consultant on finance projects because of your accounting background. You'd be a SME!
Plus, by joining a group you're not interested in (namely advisory), you risk being stuck there (if you're not able to transfer) and not progressing towards your goals! With that being said, I can't speak to how easy or difficult it is to transfer from advisory to consulting. I have heard of several people starting in technology and then switching into consulting (at the same firm).
2. Depends on what your goal is. I would honestly apply for any consulting firm you are interested in... The worst that could happen is not getting an interview. But if you don't apply, that will always be the outcome.
3. I unfortunately don't know! I work for the largest consulting firm in the world lol... but I imagine you could easily move into industry from a boutique firm, too.