Dear Consultants,I would love to earn an MBA from a top university and to work in Strategy Consulting in the future.However, my current studies don't have much to do with strategy consulting.¿? (I am studying electrical engineering)I see that some of my friends are doing internships at top investment banks but just one of them (who is very smart and fun) has passed the MC interviews.I think I can get an Internship at a top IB or try to get in a "not top 10" MC. I guess if I end up working in M&A or something strategic ... would that help me to get the money and skills to get into a top MBA and then move to MC.My personal interest is to end my days as a MC.What would you do?Any advice is appreciated. Thanks a lot for your time.

I have a PhD in Physics and got a MC position. Which studies really have something to do with strat consulting? I mean, which undergrad school will teach you things about the real life?Good luck!

Thanks jj,I think you are right...Thank you very much.

There's a great bit on one of the websites which says something along the lines of, "we accept less than 1% of applicants - but if you're the kind of person we're looking for, you'll take that as a challenge".I just went through the interviews, and found that to be a helpful approach.Another thing I found on the websites, which I think you'll like, is that there are a lot of engineers working for strategy consultancies. I'm an arts/philosophy student myself, and was still lucky enough to receive an offer.I reckon you should go for it!

surly a mediocre IB is better than a top MC firm...

@: WHY?

@: Moreover, why "surely"???

Surly @ works for a mediocre IB...

No, I work in PE. Even those at the very top are allowed the odd typo. Don't get over-excited now.....

Some investment bankers consider their profession to be more prestigious than management consultancy. Four factors crop up regularly. Investment banks:(i) pay more than management consultancies, especially in a good year when bonus payments can more than double base salaries. (ii) have more power than management consultancies, controlling large sums of money and initiating deals.(iii) enjoy more press exposure (management consultancies keep a low profile on their deals); and (iv) work longer hours (80 - 100 rather than 60 - 80).They consider themselves therefore to be "real businessmen". Despite the foregoing, management consultancies had a slight edge over investment banks in the 2006 Universum survey of "ideal employers" for MBA graduates:1. McKinsey & Co...3. Goldman Sachs4. Bain & Co5. Boston Consulting6. Citigroup...10. Morgan Stanley<A HREF=http://www.universumusa.com/mba.html>See link</A>.In terms of building an impressive resume to one day make an entry into top-tier management consultancy, I really can&apos;t say whether a top IB would be better than a mid-level MC. Tony or another Top-Consultant staffer (or a recruiter) would be better qualified.Author&apos;s note: neither of these professions features strongly in the Fiveyearold survey of "what I want to be when I grow up".

Author&apos;s followup note: You know what does? Being a fireman. My best mate is becoming a fireman. His life is the best.

Thanks a lot for the encouragement and the insights!