If you are considering a career in consulting, you are in good company. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the management analysts (AKA management consultants) sector is estimated to grow by 14% from 2014 to 2024, which is 7% faster than the average rate of growth for most occupations. As firms continue to seek ways to run their organizations more efficiently, the demand for helpful business consultants is expected to continue to grow. Furthermore, many organizations prefer hiring consultants who hold an MBA.
Moreover, MBA candidates who are considering business schools in the New York City metro area can choose from a wealth of programs. At the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, for instance, MBA students can receive a great deal of support for future careers in consulting. To learn more, I spoke with Tricia Schwerdtman, the president of Fordham’s Management Consulting Association.
How does the Gabelli School help prepare students for careers in consulting?
Schwerdtman explained that the Gabelli School has a number of different societies and student-run organizations that support MBA students, including the Management Consulting Association (MCA). The MCA is an extracurricular organization that offers students tremendous preparation for consulting careers. Twice a semester, industry and subject matter experts present speaking panels to give students a firsthand perspective of the consulting industry. In addition, interview prep sessions are provided for students who need to refine their job search skills. And the MCA holds case study presentations so students can participate and receive feedback on their suggestions.
Furthermore, the school’s MBA Consulting Program connects teams of MBA students with nonprofit and for-profit organizations throughout the New York City metro area. Students help the organizations develop creative solutions to challenging business problems. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, the teams of six to eight MBA students work with the organization’s staff to gather informative data and develop suggestions for improvement. Founded in 1992, the program has served over 700 MBA students and 80 clients.
What makes consulting jobs so appealing in today’s job market?
“Consulting jobs are appealing for MBA students because they provide the opportunity to use everything you’ve learned,” said Schwerdtman. Consultants get a chance to address a different set of issues than persons working in a specific industry. Moreover, Schwerdtman notes that consulting is a demanding career that attracts driven people, and MBA courses are great at preparing students for this career. The excitement of trying to find creative solutions to difficult problems is a big reason many ambitious people are drawn to consulting careers.
How do professors at the Gabelli School help students prepare for consulting careers?
Schwerdtman notes that the Gabelli School’s professors are invested in helping their students succeed. They support the Management Consulting Association, help students prepare for job interviews, and even offer pep talks when needed.
How does the Gabelli School’s MBA program provide students with the skills necessary for consulting careers?
“There are a number of different skills we target: definitely leadership and teamwork,” said Schwerdtman. Getting comfortable speaking in front of large audiences is another key skill that the Gabelli School studies focus on. Because the school has a large international population, everything from accents to speech pacing is addressed. Students also work on the storyboarding aspects of presentations, such as how to logically present arguments with facts.
How does the school’s Jesuit tradition help MBA students?
Schwerdtman added that Fordham University’s Jesuit tradition means business students are taught to consider how certain strategic decisions influence the whole community, and the importance of making respectful decisions. Furthermore, she notes that the student community is very supportive, and students are quick to help one another prepare for interviews and team competitions.
“Classmates are willing to make connections with you, and these are the people who will help you get jobs down the line,” said Schwerdtman.