College Experiences That Helped a Senior Consultant at Deloitte Succeed
James, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte Consulting, emphasizes the importance of securing "some level of work experience," such as a summer internship, before applying for full-time roles. Furthermore, James stresses the value of early career exploration and networking, advising students to "start early" by connecting with alumni and developing a "game plan" to prepare for the competitive recruiting process.
Networking, Career Exploration, Internship, Early Career Planning, Resume Building
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
James McGhee
Senior Consultant
Deloitte Consulting
Duke University
UCLA Anderson School of Management - Master of Business Administration
Legal & Policy
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Consulting
Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Get work experience (internship) before applying for full-time roles to boost your resume.
2. Start networking early with alumni from your school who work at consulting firms to get insights and build connections.
3. Have a career plan and be prepared for the recruiting process well in advance of when it starts, ideally early in your college years
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
One of the things that was extraordinarily beneficial to me was gaining some work experience on my resume before applying for a full-time role. If you're a college junior or below and considering a career in consulting, I would definitely encourage you to do a summer internship.
It doesn't have to be directly related to consulting. Having some work experience to discuss when preparing for a full-time position was extremely beneficial for me.
Another point is that consulting recruiting begins very early. If this is a field you want to pursue, start early. Begin networking and identify alumni from your school who work at specific firms and reach out to them.
Whether you find their email or connect on LinkedIn, most people are willing to chat for 15 to 20 minutes. Starting your career exploration early, having a game plan, and being ready to go before recruiting starts is invaluable. I encourage everyone to do this when considering a career in consulting.