Hi, I was wondering how social science PhD's are viewed by Management Consultancies. Does this guarantee an automatic rejection because of the lack of hard core quant skills? Also, is age an issue? (I will be 31 when I complete my PhD). Thanks in advance for your advice.

If you're applying to a quant role, then it'd be an issue. Consultancies look for more of a balance of quantitative and soft skills though - social sciences (economics, management sciences, etc.) have a pretty close match to the consulting skillset. If you're applying to a general grad role then it wouldn't be a problem most places - after all, English BA's are welcome and there's more statistical analysis in social sciences. Age shouldn't be an issue, and there are plenty of places that will appreciate having someone with a bit of "grey hair" to give at least superficial credibility in front of clients. Best to stress your willingness to start at the bottom, learn quickly, and prove your ability on the job, to quell any concerns about your age.

Economist, thanks. That is food for thought. A follow-up question - does anyone recall older PhD candidates being recruited to a graduate program? If yes, was age an issue during recruitment or thereafter while working with younger graduates?Another related question, if asked to define a consultant's skill-set, what would be your top 3 nominations? I guess it would be easy to say something like problem-solving, leadership and teamwork. If we think hard enough, each of us can at least come up with some examples of these three qualities. But what really distinguishes CV's at the initial screening at a leading strat house? Thanks again, and sorry for the rather long post.