Strategy Simplified S22E6: Consulting Unpacked | How I’d Break Into Consulting If I Had to Start Over
Jan 28, 2026
A clear playbook for breaking into consulting from scratch. Advice on narrowing firm lists and flexible region choices. Emphasis on skill-building over resume polishing. Tips for early, frequent case practice and diverse partners. Guidance on networking only after forming a strong personal pitch and keeping the process authentic and enjoyable.
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Target Firms And Regions Strategically
- Narrow your firm and region list but keep backups to preserve flexibility.
- Being too broad wastes time and being too narrow removes opportunities to connect and advocate for you.
Early Mistake: Overfocusing On The Resume
- Jenny Rae spent most prep time on her resume and very little on cases, which left her at risk.
- A McKinsey friend warned she was a poor case partner and pushed her to improve quickly.
Begin Case Practice Immediately
- Start case practice early and test yourself to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Focus practice on applied business insight and analytics, not just frameworks or calculations.