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John Kim
This is the #2 course in the specialization on management consulting.
In this course, we will learn how consulting firms work and how they make money. This can help you network with recruiters and prepare for the case interviews. Some of the topics covered:
• What drive project profitability?
• What competencies do I need at each stage in my career?
• How are consulting interviews different?
• How to do well on case interviews?
• How much do I need to practice cases?
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ilzvt/getting
What's inside
Syllabus
Small and Effective Teams
Consulting firms (like law, tax, audit, tax firms) are built on a leverage model. This means that projects have senior practitioners (partners, directors) who sell the work and develop the executive relationships. Managers keep the teams productive and the client happy. Junior staff do the work; conduct interviews, gather data, run analyses, put together presentations.
Read more
Syllabus
Small and Effective Teams
Consulting firms (like law, tax, audit, tax firms) are built on a leverage model. This means that projects have senior practitioners (partners, directors) who sell the work and develop the executive relationships. Managers keep the teams productive and the client happy. Junior staff do the work; conduct interviews, gather data, run analyses, put together presentations.
Read more
Consulting Competencies and Skills
Management consultants are good at many things. They can quickly scope ambiguous problems, find and analyze messy data, manage small diverse teams, keep the client engaged, and run profitable projects. How can you do them all and which skills should you learn first?
What are Consulting Projects Like?
Consulting projects vary enormously. I've been on 6 month-long implementation with 20+ practitioners coming and going, and 3 person assessments that only lasted 3 weeks. The executive sponsor often varies - CEO, CFO, CMO, COO, or CIO. You'd be surprised how many similarities these diverse projects have.
What are Consulting Firms Looking For?
Consulting is a great career path. Many people want to compete for these rare consulting job offers. So, it's important to "reverse-engineer" what the consulting firms are looking for in new recruits.
Consultants help make clients successful. Firms are looking for candidate who are smart, curious, good communicators, and know how to effectively network.
How to Prepare for Interviews
Consulting interviews typically come in two flavors. 1) Behavioral interviews are the ones we are accustomed to; interviews ask about our resume, motivations, and try to understand our "fit" with the organization. 2) Case interviews are a collaborative problem-solving exercise to see how you think + communicate + smile at the same time.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a clear structure for understanding consulting firms and their operations, which can aid in networking with recruiters
Covers essential skills and competencies for consulting professionals at various career stages
Focuses on case interviews, a crucial element in the consulting recruitment process
Instructor John Kim's expertise in management consulting provides valuable insights
Content includes practical guidance on managing consulting projects and client relationships
May require additional self-study to prepare effectively for consulting interviews
Save this course
Save Getting a Consulting Job to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Getting a Consulting Job with these
activities:
Volunteer at a non-profit organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in problem-solving and communication by volunteering your skills.
Browse courses on
Community Involvement
Show steps
-
Identify non-profit organizations that align with your interests.
-
Reach out to organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Commit to a specific project or role within the organization.
Attend Industry Events
Show steps
Expand your network and learn about the consulting industry by attending industry events.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Research industry events in your area.
-
Attend industry events and network with professionals.
-
Follow up with the people you meet at industry events.
Compile a list of consulting resources
Show steps
Build a valuable repository of information and resources for your consulting journey.
Browse courses on
Research
Show steps
-
Search for articles, books, and online resources on consulting.
-
Organize and categorize the resources based on topic or relevance.
-
Share your compilation with peers or mentors for feedback.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Review essential communication skills
Show steps
Reinforce your ability to communicate effectively, a crucial skill for consulting.
Browse courses on
Communication Skills
Show steps
-
Read articles and books on communication techniques.
-
Practice active listening and empathy in conversations.
Practice case interviews
Show steps
Practice case interviews to improve your problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, which are essential for success in consulting.
Browse courses on
Case Interviews
Show steps
-
Identify case interview questions and practice solving them
-
Record yourself solving cases and review your performance
-
Seek feedback from a mentor or career counselor
Review Excel
Show steps
Use Excel to analyze data and create presentations, which are frequent tasks in management consulting.
Browse courses on
Excel
Show steps
-
Review basic Excel functions and formulas.
-
Practice using Excel to create charts and graphs.
-
Complete an online Excel tutorial or course.
Practice Case Interview Questions
Show steps
Prepare for case interviews by practicing common questions and developing your problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on
Case Interviews
Show steps
-
Review common case interview questions.
-
Practice answering case interview questions out loud.
-
Get feedback on your case interview answers from a mock interviewer.
Watch tutorials on consulting frameworks
Show steps
Gain insights into industry-standard frameworks to improve your analytical approach.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
Search for online tutorials or webinars on consulting frameworks.
-
Watch videos and take notes on key concepts and applications.
-
Practice applying frameworks to mock case studies.
Practice case interview questions
Show steps
Enhance your analytical and problem-solving abilities through dedicated practice.
Browse courses on
Case Interviews
Show steps
-
Access online platforms or books for case study questions.
-
Solve cases independently, focusing on structure and clarity.
-
Seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve your approach.
Create a Case Study Presentation
Show steps
Develop critical thinking and presentation skills by working through a case study and presenting your findings.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
-
Choose a case study that is relevant to management consulting.
-
Analyze the case study and identify the key issues.
-
Develop a solution to the case study.
-
Create a PowerPoint presentation that outlines your solution.
-
Practice presenting your solution to a mock audience.
Develop a project plan for a consulting engagement
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of project planning by creating a comprehensive plan.
Browse courses on
Project Management
Show steps
-
Identify the project scope, objectives, and timeline.
-
Define deliverables, milestones, and responsibilities.
-
Develop a communication and risk management plan.
Write a blog post on a consulting topic
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding and contribute to the consulting community by sharing your insights.
Browse courses on
Thought Leadership
Show steps
-
Choose a relevant topic and conduct research.
-
Develop an outline and write a draft.
-
Get feedback from peers or mentors on your writing.
Volunteer at a non-profit organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in problem-solving and communication by volunteering your skills.
Browse courses on
Community Involvement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify non-profit organizations that align with your interests.
- Reach out to organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Commit to a specific project or role within the organization.
Attend Industry Events
Show steps
Expand your network and learn about the consulting industry by attending industry events.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research industry events in your area.
- Attend industry events and network with professionals.
- Follow up with the people you meet at industry events.
Compile a list of consulting resources
Show steps
Build a valuable repository of information and resources for your consulting journey.
Browse courses on
Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for articles, books, and online resources on consulting.
- Organize and categorize the resources based on topic or relevance.
- Share your compilation with peers or mentors for feedback.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Review essential communication skills
Show steps
Reinforce your ability to communicate effectively, a crucial skill for consulting.
Browse courses on
Communication Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles and books on communication techniques.
- Practice active listening and empathy in conversations.
Practice case interviews
Show steps
Practice case interviews to improve your problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, which are essential for success in consulting.
Browse courses on
Case Interviews
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify case interview questions and practice solving them
- Record yourself solving cases and review your performance
- Seek feedback from a mentor or career counselor
Review Excel
Show steps
Use Excel to analyze data and create presentations, which are frequent tasks in management consulting.
Browse courses on
Excel
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic Excel functions and formulas.
- Practice using Excel to create charts and graphs.
- Complete an online Excel tutorial or course.
Practice Case Interview Questions
Show steps
Prepare for case interviews by practicing common questions and developing your problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on
Case Interviews
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review common case interview questions.
- Practice answering case interview questions out loud.
- Get feedback on your case interview answers from a mock interviewer.
Watch tutorials on consulting frameworks
Show steps
Gain insights into industry-standard frameworks to improve your analytical approach.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online tutorials or webinars on consulting frameworks.
- Watch videos and take notes on key concepts and applications.
- Practice applying frameworks to mock case studies.
Practice case interview questions
Show steps
Enhance your analytical and problem-solving abilities through dedicated practice.
Browse courses on
Case Interviews
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access online platforms or books for case study questions.
- Solve cases independently, focusing on structure and clarity.
- Seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve your approach.
Create a Case Study Presentation
Show steps
Develop critical thinking and presentation skills by working through a case study and presenting your findings.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a case study that is relevant to management consulting.
- Analyze the case study and identify the key issues.
- Develop a solution to the case study.
- Create a PowerPoint presentation that outlines your solution.
- Practice presenting your solution to a mock audience.
Develop a project plan for a consulting engagement
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of project planning by creating a comprehensive plan.
Browse courses on
Project Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the project scope, objectives, and timeline.
- Define deliverables, milestones, and responsibilities.
- Develop a communication and risk management plan.
Write a blog post on a consulting topic
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding and contribute to the consulting community by sharing your insights.
Browse courses on
Thought Leadership
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a relevant topic and conduct research.
- Develop an outline and write a draft.
- Get feedback from peers or mentors on your writing.
Career center
Learners who complete Getting a Consulting Job will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management consultants help businesses improve their performance by providing expert advice and guidance. This course can be useful for aspiring management consultants, as it provides a solid understanding of the consulting industry and the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Operations Consultant
Operations Consultant
Operations consultants help businesses improve their operations and efficiency. This course can be beneficial for those who want to pursue a career in operations consulting, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field and the skills needed to succeed.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants are in high demand among firms of all sizes. This course may be useful to someone aiming to enter the consulting field, as it teaches the essential principles of how consulting firms operate, what a consultant does, and how to ace the consulting interview. This course covers the fundamentals of the consulting profession and provides a strong foundation for success in this field.
Strategy Consultant
Strategy Consultant
Strategy consultants help businesses develop and execute their strategies. This course can be beneficial for those who want to pursue a career in strategy consulting, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field and the skills needed to succeed.
Technology Consultant
Technology Consultant
Technology consultants help businesses implement and manage technology solutions. This course can be useful for aspiring technology consultants, as it provides a solid understanding of the technology consulting industry and the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement. This course can be beneficial for those who want to pursue a career in business analysis, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field and the skills needed to succeed.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts play a crucial role in helping businesses understand their customers and make informed decisions. This course can be useful for aspiring market research analysts as it provides a solid understanding of how to gather and analyze data, which is essential for success in this field.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data analysts are in high demand in today's data-driven business environment. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in data analysis, as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis techniques and tools.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course can be beneficial for those who want to pursue a career in project management, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field and the skills needed to succeed.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations to businesses. This course can be useful for aspiring financial analysts, as it provides a strong foundation in financial analysis techniques and tools.
Venture Capital Analyst
Venture Capital Analyst
Venture capital analysts help venture capital firms evaluate and invest in startups. This course can be useful for aspiring venture capital analysts, as it provides a solid understanding of the venture capital industry and the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Private Equity Analyst
Private Equity Analyst
Private equity analysts help private equity firms evaluate and invest in companies. This course can be useful for aspiring private equity analysts, as it provides a solid understanding of the private equity industry and the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
Investment bankers help businesses raise capital and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. This course can be useful for aspiring investment bankers, as it provides a solid understanding of the investment banking industry and the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products or features. This course can be useful for aspiring product managers, as it provides a solid understanding of the product management process and the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course can be useful for aspiring marketing managers, as it provides a solid understanding of the marketing process and the skills needed to succeed in this field.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ilzvt/getting
Reading list
We've selected 15 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Getting a Consulting Job.
Is focused on the case interviews common in consulting and provides a framework for answering the major types of questions asked during these interviews.
General guide to management consulting that covers topics such as problem-solving, communication, and team management. It offers insights into the culture and values of consulting firms and may be useful as background reading.
Save
Offers a comprehensive overview of consulting skills, including problem-solving, communication, and relationship management. It provides practical advice on how to succeed in the consulting profession and would be useful for further developing the skills introduced in the course.
Save
Comprehensive guide to the consulting profession, covering topics such as business development, project management, and client management. It provides a roadmap for success in consulting and would be a valuable resource for those looking to develop their careers in the field.
Emphasizes the importance of trust in consulting and provides insights into how to build and maintain trust with clients. It would be particularly relevant for those interested in developing their interpersonal skills and building strong client relationships.
Introduces a framework for structuring clear and persuasive communications. It focuses on organizing ideas in a logical and hierarchical manner, which is particularly relevant for consultants who need to present complex information effectively.
Explores the challenges faced by established companies in responding to disruptive innovations and provides insights into how to manage innovation more effectively. It can be a valuable read for consultants who want to understand the dynamics of innovation and how to help clients adapt to changing markets.
Save
Provides a framework for evaluating the quality of strategies and offers insights into how to develop effective strategies. It can be useful for consultants who want to improve their strategic thinking and help clients make better decisions.
Introduces a methodology for building and testing new products and services with a focus on iterative development and customer feedback. It is particularly relevant for consultants who work with startups or businesses that are seeking to innovate.
Provides an overview of the design thinking process and its applications in innovation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and creating solutions that are both effective and desirable.
This classic book provides a step-by-step approach to problem-solving and offers valuable insights into the thought processes involved in solving complex problems. It can be a helpful resource for consultants who want to improve their problem-solving skills.
Save
Explores the two systems of thinking: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slower, deliberate, and rational. It provides insights into how our minds work and can be useful for consultants who want to understand and influence human behavior
This classic book on persuasion provides insights into the psychological principles that influence human behavior. It valuable resource for consultants who want to improve their communication and persuasion skills.
Save
Explores the science of habit formation and provides practical tips on how to change habits. It can be useful for consultants who want to understand how habits influence behavior and how to help clients change their behavior.
Provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of principles, integrity, and self-improvement. It can be a valuable resource for consultants who want to develop their own personal and professional skills.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ilzvt/getting
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Emory University
Instructor
John Kim
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Management Consulting. It's comprised of five courses:
- Consulting Presentations and Storytelling
- Introduction to Management Consulting
- Getting a Consulting Job (viewing)
- Consulting Approach to Problem Solving
- Consulting Tools and Tips
Good to know
Provides a clear structure for understanding consulting firms and their operations, which can aid in networking with recruiters
Covers essential skills and competencies for consulting professionals at various career stages
Focuses on case interviews, a crucial element in the consulting recruitment process
Instructor John Kim's expertise in management consulting provides valuable insights
Content includes practical guidance on managing consulting projects and client relationships
May require additional self-study to prepare effectively for consulting interviews
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