Quality of Consulting for B-School

Question

Hi,

I have a question regarding the type of consulting preferable for b-schools. I know that there are many different types of consulting out there...e.g

Management - M/B/B, Katzenbach, Monitor...etc.
IT Consulting - IBM, Accenture
Economics/Litigation Consulting - NERA, Cornerstone, LECG

Can anyone shed light on how each field is viewed? Obviously M/B/B analysts are actively seeked by top b-schools, but for someone who really likes Technology or Economics, does going to a firm like IBM or LECG put them at a disadvantage? Granted, econ/litigation firms like NERA are really well-known in their field, but they don't seem to get any respect since management consulting is seen as the top b-school feeder, and most people haven't heard of them. I am wondering because when graduating from undergrad (ivy league), I had an option to go to one of MBB and a top econ consulting firm, and I chose the latter because I was an econ major and loved econometrics. Now I'm starting to regret it since it seems like an overwhelming percentage with a pre-bschool consulting background had management consulting experience.

Thanks.

AlexMBAApply · Answer

Yes, the strat firms are feeders to the top schools, moreso than other types of consulting firms.

Regret isn't particularly productive. Make the most of what you have now, and the experience that you've had.

There certainly has been people from econ/litigation consulting getting into the top b-schools -- the key is being able to convince the adcom that you are more than your job (the adcoms are familiar enough with this segment because it's not like b-school applicants from econ/litigation consulting are rare) -- what is apparent is that you're detail oriented and analytical (especially with numbers). What isn't as obvious are the interpersonal and team skills (which is what you'll have to really emphasize).

Beyond that, it's pointless to worry about how other types of consultants fare. Focus on you and what you can do.

bipolarbear · Answer

You're right and I appreciate the honest response. I have one last question that I hope you get a chance to answer- how does one exactly show "interpersonal and team skills?" I assume one method is taking part in an extracurricular outside of work (e.g. joining a volunteer organization/music ensemble/sports team), but are there any other pointers or tips?

Thanks again.

Thanks again.

Skitalets · Answer

Bipolarbear, I got into Duke and Kellogg from an operations-focused boutique that no one outside the hospitality industry has ever heard of. I have a friend who worked at Mercer and a non-profit who is going to Wharton. So going to one kind of consulting firm over another is not something worth regretting -- it will only sink you if you have nothing more redeeming in your application than the company you work for. Don't sweat your past decisions -- work to put together a compelling app going forward.

bipolarbear · Answer

Encouraging news. Thanks.

AlexMBAApply · Answer

Talk about work situations, focusing on your impact on the interpersonal dynamics of the group. Highlight how you influenced people's behavior in a particular work example.

Quality of Consulting for B-School

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