Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Associate Consultants At Mercer
Major consulting firms like Mercer hire entry-level undergraduates through various channels, with roles often titled "analysts" or "associate consultants". The interviewee suggests proactively contacting firms' recruiting teams— "just reach out...and say hey, I'm interested in consulting"— to explore opportunities and leverage school connections or individual background to increase chances.
Entry-Level Positions, Consulting Firms, Job Search Strategies, Networking, Career Websites
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Peter Yuan
Associate Consultant
Mercer
University of British Columbia
UCLA Anderson School of Management (MBA)
Finance
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Consulting
International Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level positions in consulting firms often have titles like "Analyst" or "Associate Consultant."
2. Major consulting firms typically hire from three channels: industry experience, MBA programs, and undergraduate programs.
3. Reaching out directly to consulting firms' recruiting teams, even if your school isn't officially involved in their recruiting process, is encouraged. There are usually dedicated teams to assist students in finding suitable entry-level positions.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
Major consulting firms typically hire through three channels. These include individuals with industry experience, sometimes called cold hires.
They also hire at the MBA level. Depending on the firm, titles can range from associate to consultant.
Out of undergrad, which for most firms is the biggest pipeline, there are entry-level positions. These are either called analysts or associate consultants, though there are various names.
What I would do is visit the career website and figure out if your school is involved in the recruiting process for companies you're targeting. Even if it's not, take the step to reach out.
Say, "Hey, I'm a third or fourth-year college student interested in consulting. Are you looking to hire? Are there any positions I can apply for?"
These firms generally have dedicated recruiting teams due to the massive hiring volumes each year. So, there's someone who can point you in the right direction or introduce you to someone with a similar background. This can be based on your studies, your school, or your individual background.