The following consulting business school hiring trends emerged during a recent conversation with counterparts from several top business schools:
- Full-time roles in the US: there appear to be increased opportunities in the US vs. last year. More firms seem to have a slightly more optimistic outlook than last year’s significantly reduced opportunities. However, full-time recruiting needs still remain nominal as the focus remains on converting summer interns to fill full-time needs.
- Full-time roles in the Middle East: Growth in this region may be plateauing, but there opportunities continue in the Middle East offices of many global firms, including Bain, BCG, FTI Delta, Kearney, McKinsey, and Strategy&
- MBA summer internship: there is uncertainty if US hiring goals will remain flat or decrease slightly vs last year, given the uncertainty of the economy and the election. Firms typically do not have final hiring targets until late October.
- International student recruiting in the US: two firms have changed course to require permanent US work authorization – AlixPartners and Fidelity Consulting.
What does this mean for you?
- Be true to yourself. Let your skills and values drive your target list of firms, practices and locations to ensure more meaningful and engaging interactions as you network. This approach can help to set yourself apart from the multitude of other applicants.
- Be expansive in your search. Brand name firms are fantastic employer options and big cities are hubs of action, but they are not the only fantastic employers and not the only places of action. After focusing on your skills and values, then create the largest target list possible across organizations, firm styles, internal consulting options, and locations. And lastly, start researching and networking with an open mind. This will help you think more strategically about your options and uncover the best opportunities for your future.
- Review and reiterate you. Make an appointment with a coach. Use VMock and Rocketblocks. Double check your resume. Ensure that your networking, written communications and executive presence remain at the highest levels and continue to hone your casing and behavioral skills throughout your entire recruitment journey. With practice comes confidence and the ability to flex your approach for specific interviewer questions, styles, and personalities.
