Preparing for a Career in Consulting at Stanford GSB

TL;DR

Stanford MBA panel provides insights and advice on careers in consulting and how the MBA program can help students achieve their goals.

Transcript

[MUSIC] Welcome to the Stanford MBA session on preparing for a career in consulting. My name's Lisa Jane Angela, I'm a director of MBA Admissions at the Stanford Graduate School of Business as well as an alumna of the program. And I am super excited to host this panel today, because both before and after business school, I was a consultant. But tod... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 The GSB provides a supportive and collaborative environment for students interested in consulting.
• 📌 The location of Stanford in Silicon Valley offers access to networking opportunities with executives and exposure to innovative industries.
• 👻 Consulting allows for flexibility and career growth, with options to pivot to different industries or functions over time.
• 🤩 Interpersonal skills and leadership development are key aspects of the GSB curriculum that contribute to success in consulting.
• 😑 Consulting offers the opportunity to work on challenging problems and build relationships with clients, but it can involve long hours and travel (pre-COVID).
• 👻 The consulting industry values diverse backgrounds and skillsets, allowing for different paths and specializations within the field.
• 🧑‍🎓 The GSB alumni network and career management advisors are valuable resources for students navigating the consulting industry.
• 🧑‍🎓 Personal experiences, such as participating in events like Talk at the GSB, can have a profound impact on students and reinforce their decision to pursue consulting.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can the GSB help students transition into consulting?

The GSB offers resources such as case interview practice, career counseling, and networking opportunities with alumni in the consulting industry.

Q: What is a typical day like for a consultant?

A consultant's day involves client calls, teamwork, problem-solving, and occasional travel (pre-COVID). It can be demanding, but it offers the opportunity to work on diverse problems and build relationships with clients.

Q: Are there different paths or specializations within consulting?

Consulting firms allow you to specialize in specific industries or functions, but many consultants start as generalists and explore different areas before finding their focus.

Q: How can students determine the right fit in terms of company and type of work within consulting?

It's a personal decision that involves considering your interests, values, and the opportunity to work with people who inspire you. Networking, conversations with alumni, and internships can also help students explore different firms and roles.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The panel consists of Stanford MBA alumni who are currently working in the consulting industry.

• The purpose of the panel is to allow students to learn more about the GSB experience and how it can support their career aspirations.

• Consulting is a popular career choice among Stanford MBA graduates, with record compensation and high job placement rates.