Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Business Consultants And Professors
Richard suggests that entry-level candidates consider opportunities at large companies, medium-sized companies, or small scrappy firms, emphasizing that while big companies offer "high salaries and good benefits right away," smaller firms might provide more hands-on client experience. He ultimately recommends actively networking with a diverse range of professionals, even outside one's specific field of interest, to gain insights, build momentum, and discover unforeseen opportunities.
Consulting, Networking, Entry-Level Positions, Career Opportunities, Professional Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Richard Clarke
Business Consultant and Professor
Lucid Morpho LLC
College of Charleston
University of San Diego (MBA, MS Finance, PhD)
Economics
Education, Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain
Consulting
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level positions vary in consulting: Large companies offer high salaries and benefits but may be less hands-on, while medium-sized companies provide client access and growth potential. Small, scrappy firms offer risk and reward for those who prefer that.
2. Networking is crucial: Attend various professional events, even outside your target industry, to learn from successful individuals and expand your network. This can create momentum and open doors to opportunities.
3. Informational interviews and exploring diverse fields: Engage in informational interviews to learn about different areas. Don't limit yourself to your specific field; attend events in seemingly unrelated industries to gain broader insights.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider?
The question is what entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider? There are a lot, and it's hard to say without knowing more specifics.
There are large companies that offer high salaries and good benefits right away. While it can be harder to be competitive past the entry level at these companies, they are often doing something right to be as successful as they are. They can also be the ones to identify and address challenges in the space.
There are also medium-sized companies where you can work. This offers a nice middle ground; you might not start at the same salary, but you could grow into it. You might also get more hands-on client experience faster in that environment.
Alternatively, you could join a small, scrappy startup, which involves more risk but also more chances for reward. Ultimately, you need to find out what you want and try things out.
The best thing you can do is network and have informational interviews. Find people in your field on campus or at events. Even if it's not the industry you think you want to go into, listening to professionals can be beneficial.
There's never any harm in building your network with professionals who are finding success. Their energy can also breed momentum, and they might know someone who can help you.
For example, some areas in consulting involve marketing analytics or customer persona profiling. Learning from colleagues about what they do can be very valuable.
Even if you're older, you can still spend time with successful people, network, and learn about their experiences. Explore areas outside your immediate focus; you might discover something unexpected. It's worth it to check out these opportunities, especially when there are events with food and resources available on campus.