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"Where is the bottleneck for someone with a background like mine? "
Breaking into consulting without a consulting internship can feel like trying to open a door from the wrong side. For one LSE student with a strong but unconventional background, applications weren’t turning into offers, and it was hard to tell why. Was it the CV, the firms, or the interviews? Rather than keep guessing, they asked someone who had already made it through the process.
What came back was an offer to talk it through, and a reminder that the experience they’d been downplaying might actually be what makes them stand out. The takeaway: when you’re stuck, the most useful feedback often comes from someone who has already been on the other side of the table.
Max
Question
My name is STUDENT, and I’m finishing a master’s degree at LSE in a policy-related field. Before my studies, I spent a few years in a commercial role where I worked closely with clients and helped grow revenue, and I’ve also had some international work experience.
I’m hoping to move into strategy consulting, whether that’s a large firm or a smaller one, but I haven’t had a consulting internship or role yet. Most of my experience is in client relationships, negotiation and business growth.
I’d really value your perspective on what’s most likely holding me back. Is it how I’m presenting myself on my CV and cover letter? Are some firms more open to candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, and should I focus on those? Or is it case interview preparation, which I haven’t had much chance to test yet?
Any honest sense of which of these matters most, based on what you’ve seen, would help me focus my efforts in the right place.
Thank you for your help! I’m happy to have a short call or continue over email.
Response (1 of 3)
Hi STUDENT,
Hope you’re doing well!
I’m an LSE alum working in management consulting at a firm here in North America. I’d be more than happy to chat about the recruitment process and how to get into the field. Your background sounds super cool, so I’d love to meet you as well.
Feel free to send me an email here and we can coordinate a time!
Kind regards,
ALUM
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