Ding Central
Converting Your Consulting Dings Into Offers for Full-Time
Vineeth Subramanyam, '07
Issue date: 3/8/07 Section: Perspectives
Second, keep your spirits high for the rest of the interviews. Easy said, I know, but force yourself to set the past aside and remain enthusiastic. Don't get distracted by those who may have made it to second rounds and/or gotten offers. Most importantly, remain open to firms that may not have been on your A-list, or even in consulting at all. From this point on, focus on what is in your control and banish those thoughts that are not.
Third, choose your internship carefully. If you have multiple offers, spend some time to understand what each experience will add to your resume for full-time. In particular, consider this in the context of the feedback that you received. Ask yourself what you could possibly do to quell any doubts from your A-list firms for full-time recruiting. In my case, I was convinced that I needed a consulting internship for two reasons - to help me confirm my interest in consulting, and to add something very valuable to my resume that was entirely filled with prior startup experience (which is very different from consulting).
Fourth, stay productive over the summer. You probably haven't thought this far, but allow me break it gently - you'll be working this summer. Regardless of the project, location or team you're given, go at it with gusto and excel in your role. In a nutshell, plan on returning to campus with a full-time offer at the end of your internship. There is no better endorsement to prove that you can handle this role and "fit" in, as it were. What may be less than obvious is the need to maintain contact with your A-list firms throughout the summer. Make a list of people who were your "cheerleaders" from each firm and drop them all an update on how you're doing. Reiterate your interest in those firms. Most importantly, tell them how much you're enjoying your internship and how it is positioning you better for a consulting role for full-time. If possible, arrange for a coffee chat at a local café - there's no substitute for a face-to-face meeting.
Third, choose your internship carefully. If you have multiple offers, spend some time to understand what each experience will add to your resume for full-time. In particular, consider this in the context of the feedback that you received. Ask yourself what you could possibly do to quell any doubts from your A-list firms for full-time recruiting. In my case, I was convinced that I needed a consulting internship for two reasons - to help me confirm my interest in consulting, and to add something very valuable to my resume that was entirely filled with prior startup experience (which is very different from consulting).
Fourth, stay productive over the summer. You probably haven't thought this far, but allow me break it gently - you'll be working this summer. Regardless of the project, location or team you're given, go at it with gusto and excel in your role. In a nutshell, plan on returning to campus with a full-time offer at the end of your internship. There is no better endorsement to prove that you can handle this role and "fit" in, as it were. What may be less than obvious is the need to maintain contact with your A-list firms throughout the summer. Make a list of people who were your "cheerleaders" from each firm and drop them all an update on how you're doing. Reiterate your interest in those firms. Most importantly, tell them how much you're enjoying your internship and how it is positioning you better for a consulting role for full-time. If possible, arrange for a coffee chat at a local café - there's no substitute for a face-to-face meeting.
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