I am currently serving as a U.S. Marine Captain (Combat Engineer) after 8 years of service. I have recently started the transition process, and hope to gain employment in a reputable Business Consulting firm within the next nine months. I have a ton of leadership / operations / project management experience, but lack the formal undergraduate education (B.S. Emergency Management) that the typical Business Consultant applicant possesses. My current plan is to achieve an entry level position within a reputable Business Consulting firm, and enroll in a part time M.B.A program to fill the gap in applicable education (currently applying to Ohio State). I am looking for advice in this endeavor. Specifically: 1) Is it realistic to attain a consultant position with my current level of experience / education? 2) Full time M.B.A vs. part time M.B.A vs. not immediately attending school? 3) What firms are military friendly 4) Thoughts on military JMO recruiting firm? Any assistance provided is appreciated.
- Mark
Answers
Mark
Good afternoon. My name is Richard Buck, a Marine Corp vet. I work for a Management Consulting Firm, Capco. We have two program for people starting in Consulting
Associate Talent Program (ATP)
Our ATP is an intensive two-week developmental training program for entry-level management consultants and technology consultants who typically have 0-3 years of experience, and a strong desire to work in the consulting industry, focusing exclusively on financial services. The program is designed to provide our Associates with a thorough foundation of consulting methodology and client strategy on which to build a future career with Capco.
Consultant Accelerator Program (CAP)
Our CAP is an intensive two-week developmental training program for professionals who have 3-5 years financial services industry experience that are seeking a career in management consulting. The program is designed to provide our Consultants with a thorough foundation of consulting best practices, methodologies, customer relations and problem solving. We provide a structured approach that helps prepare you to become a financial services consultant. .
Below is my contact information. If interested please contact me.
Richard Buck
76warrior85@gmail.com
914 391 3375
Mark,
Your challenge is to find your passion. If it's business consulting, then you're on the right track. Next is to be able to translate your military experience into terms a civilian employer will see of value. Take that translation and build your LinkedIn profile then build your network.
Morgan's advice is right on target. If you can complete an MBA full time, then do it. If not, Morgan is also right that there is no good time to go back to school. However, see it as a requirement and not an option. You may want to explore Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. As an engineer officer, I'm sure you've managed many projects and can translate the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) into the Project Management Institute's (PMI) framework.
The JMO advise is great too. These are Fortune 500 companies who are also rated as Top Military Friendly employers. If you have plans to stay in Northern Virginia then focus your efforts on Deloitte, CSC, as well as Booz, Allen, Hamilton. Use your network and veterans status to reach out and start talking to managers in these firms to develop relationships.
Let me know if you need more help.
John
Hey Mark,
I recommend a full time MBA. I say this for a few reasons. 1) Assuming by your time in service, you have full Post 9/11, you can offset the majority of the cost of living and courses. 2) Most consulting jobs are going to be mobile so doing a part-time MBA at the same time could be difficult. 3) Looking at if from the perspective of an employer, I would want someone who has completely finished their education that will be with the company long-term. Getting your MBA says I'm done with school and ready for a career. 4) Finally, there is never a good time to go back to school but right after transitioning may be the best opportunity because it helps assimilate you back into "civilian" life, builds your "civilian" network, and is a great way to add business acumen to your leadership talents.
If that is not the route you take, I always recommend Cameron Brooks. They recruit JMO's for business development positions to companies willing to hire JMO's for their leadership capabilities and train them in the ways of business. They help with resumes, interviews, professional reading, and conduct hiring fairs (as opposed to "job fairs" where you hand out your resume, get a business card, and never find a job).
If you are not into JMO recruiting: http://www.managingamericans.com/Transitioned-Military-Officer/Success/Companies-that-Hire-Military-Officers-347.htm
If you have any questions about the Post 9/11, Getting an MBA, working with a JMO recruiter, etc, message me privately.
Morgan
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