Back when I was still in the Army, I remember how my MBA application research went. As a nontraditional applicant, I felt intimidated by the post-MBA world and the prospect of having a “real” civilian job for the first time. With droves of leadership experience but not much knowledge about what a P&L was, I wondered how I would find my place in the world of business.
Enter: consulting.
When I heard consultants can get exposure to every industry and function of business within the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, I realized this could be the answer to my gap in knowledge. A form of “continued education” post-MBA, the deal seemed even sweeter since I’d be paid while I was learning! And after five years at McKinsey, I can vouch that my goals were beyond met.
There are many other reasons to get a job in consulting beyond the exposure and experience. For some, it’s the high compensation—consulting firms typically offer competitive salaries and bonuses, helping grads pay off loans faster. For others, it might be the hope of accelerated career progression, especially if they are coming from a consulting firm and want to return post-MBA. And let’s not forget the solid networking and toolkit one will naturally acquire from investing a couple of years at a top firm.
But of the leading MBA programs, which will prepare you the best for a job in consulting—whether you aim to join BCG, Deloitte, McKinsey, or Oliver Wyman? When it comes to preparing MBA students for successful careers in consulting, several top programs stand out for their innovative teaching methods, extensive resources, and strong track records of placing graduates at elite firms. Here are six notable examples:
- Harvard Business School (HBS): HBS is renowned for its case study method, which immerses students in real-world business scenarios, forcing them to think critically, analyze data, and propose solutions—skills that are essential for consulting. Additionally, HBS offers a Management Consulting Club and numerous consulting-focused events and workshops.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB): Stanford GSB’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application, with a focus on problem solving and data analysis. The school’s Behavioral Lab and design thinking resources equip students with invaluable skills for tackling complex client challenges. Stanford’s strong connections with top consulting firms in the Bay Area also provide ample networking and recruitment opportunities.
- The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania: Wharton’s rigorous quantitative curriculum, combined with its emphasis on leadership development and teamwork, produces well-rounded graduates who excel in consulting. The Wharton Consulting Club and various industry events provide students with direct access to consulting firms and alumni mentors.
- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University: Kellogg’s team-based learning approach, which emphasizes collaboration and communication skills, is highly valuable for consulting. The school’s Analytical Consulting Lab offers hands-on experience working with real clients, while the Kellogg Consulting Club provides extensive resources and networking opportunities.
- Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College: Tuck’s supportive community, dedicated career services, consulting-focused resources, alumni network, experiential learning opportunities, and reputation make it an excellent choice for students aspiring to pursue consulting careers post-MBA. Additionally, Tuck alumni often maintain strong ties to the school and are willing to support and mentor current students.
- Darden School of Business, University of Virginia: Darden is known for its case method pedagogy, which emphasizes active participation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This teaching approach closely mirrors the problem-solving approach used in consulting, making Darden graduates well prepared for consulting case interviews and real-world consulting engagements.
Ultimately, while attending one of these top feeder schools is not a guarantee of a consulting job post-MBA, it undoubtedly increases your chances of being noticed and recruited by the industry’s prestigious firms.
And furthermore, since consulting recruiting occurs shortly after you begin your MBA studies, it wouldn’t hurt to get a head start on preparing for case interviews! The following resources provide comprehensive guidance on mastering the case interview process, which is a crucial component of consulting recruitment:
- Case in Point by Marc Cosentino (book)
- Victor Cheng’s Case Interview Prep (online courses and resources)
- Management Consulted (online courses and practice cases)
- Vault Guide to Case Interviews (book)
One final note: if you don’t land your dream firm for your summer internship but do get a consulting offer at another firm, consider taking it. Firms will frequently hire full-time MBAs whom they turned down for internships the year prior, especially if they will show up on day one with a consulting toolkit cultivated by another firm.
Hopefully, you now feel more confident to explore which programs are the best fit for your post-MBA goals. If you’d like to connect with one of our MBA counselors to assess your profile or ask any other questions about the MBA application process, don’t hesitate to sign up for a free 30-minute consultation!