Hi all,I am a PhD engineering graduate interviewing soon at two leading management consulting firms. I was wondering whether my old transcript would needed for the interview since my doctoral degree didn't have a course component (and thus no transcript). Wouldn't I be assessed based on my most recent qualification? Does this mean I have to bring along my undergrad transcript (which is not my greatest accomplishment, having graduated in second class first division).Many thanks in advance!

I have a PhD and just changed jobs from one consulting firm to another. During the process I provided my undergraduate and masters transcripts and brought in my PhD degree certificate as proof of qualification. In my rather limited experience you probably won't be asked for these materials before you accept an offer. However, things are very likely different across firms. During the interview process all that was discussed (and this was only in a limited fashion) was my PhD. Good luck!

Thanks for the heads up JMR!I think I should get my GCSE & A-level transcripts (MUCH better results), so if the interviewer does ask for my undergrad transcript, I can explain that it was a transitional phase and I slipped a into 2nd class first division. I did well in my PhD (granted a patent) so I hope the interviewer would buy my excuse! :)Sorry for being too incquisitive, but do you have any recommendations for the interviews? I read somewhere that PhDs get brainteasers alot, is that the case? I am focusing on simple business cases, market sizing questions and (most importantly) reasons for my career change..Thanks again JMR

Hi Doctoral graduate,I really don't think you'll need to dig out your GCSE and A-level results (in my case I only produced transcripts as proof of qualification after I accepted my most recent role). As a rule your most recent qualification is what matters. Let's face it, you wouldn't have ended up in a doctoral programme if you were a dunce. In many ways an advanced degree washes away previous sins (not that a II:i is in any ways a sin, remember this is the meaty part of the curve in the UK).As far as interviews go, I didn't experience anything that was out of the ordinary. The main focus was on the projects I had done both in consulting and when I was still lecturing. My feeling was that my holding a PhD was only one part of the package and perhaps even secondary to what kinds of work with which I had been involved. Outside of the academy, the PhD is treated in a different way all together as it's not a required credential as it would be for lecturing and research posts. If pressed, I always explained how the life of the mind taught me how to think, solve-problems and of course the substantive knowledge I gained which is directly applicable to the type of consulting work with which I'm involved.Hope this help.Good luck!

Thanks JMR!That really helps a lot.. I won't dwell on the transcript issue and will focus on practising my cases instead!