Hi All, I want to enter the world of Management Consultancy. However my academic credentials are not strong; a GNVQ in Business Studies at Distinction level, 2.1 in Business and Management with a 1st in my dissertation from Brunel University. A lot of recruiters are asking for A'levels and a certain no. of points. I was thinking of going back to college part time to do A levels. Will this help? I'm not a straight A grade student but I am very passionate about the business world and have a strong desire to learn and invest in myself further. I am now coming to the end of a MSc in Entrepreneurship from University of Bristol. Do you think this will help? Also would a CMCE from the IMC help? All advice will be much appreciated. Thank you. PR

Nothing will change the fact you went to a school I've never heard of, that you have lousy grades, and don't have any meaningful work experience. Your "passion about the business world" sounds extremely hollow to me. And what the hell is a CMCE from IMC? C'mon chap...if this is the best you can do, I'm going to personally lobby all the consulting firms not to let you into the industry as you'll probably destroy it.Sorry for the harsh words...but there are no shortcuts in life. Demonstrate true passion for business by getting real, meaningful, and significant work experience. After 4 years and one (preferably two) promotions later, then you can talk about your "passion for the business world". And maybe you can even get into a top tier b-school and actually get hired by a management consultancy.

Hi PR, I'm having exactly the same problems. I had my heart set on getting a graduate position in management consultancy, but because of my UCAS points, I haven't applied to any of them, because I'm pretty sure my application will go straight in the bin! I've also done a year in industry during my degree, and that won't help in the application process either!What I'm trying to do now is gain a management trainee position, to enable me to get management experience that in future I hope I can use to get into management consultancy. I'm very passionate about the business world too, but there is absolutely no easy way into the industry, it's highly competitive and you don't get those high salaries just for being passionate. I think recruiters need concrete proof that you can do the job. And even a 2:1 and a masters doesn't really prove that! I don't think Beng's comments are very helpful (why is everyone so b*tchy on here?!), I know how frustrating it can be to really want a job in something but not be able to get in because of exams you took when you were 17/18!!

Hi Beng and HA,Thank you Beng for all your comments. I'm not looking for short cuts, just some constructive advice. I think your being melodramatic. I'm trying to find the best path in becoming a managment consultant with my current credentials.HA, thanks for your response too. I don't think you should give up on management consultancy so quickly. Just go out and get the skills that they are looking for. Also the skills that you gained in your industrial placement maybe transferable so re-visit them and highlight the key ones on your c.v. Let me know how job hunting is going. PR

You shouldn't give up on your aspirations but you need to be realistic in your expectations. Your qualifications right now are rather unlikely to get you into any consultancy getting into.Instead you can get a perfectly fine job in industry where qualifications matter much less and one year into your tenure nobody knows what degrees you have anyway. Target a few blue chip companies with large workforces that will give you the flexibility to move around and get a wealth of experiences.Then work your way into the areas you are interested and build up a track record. After 4-5 years of this you can apply for a consulting job (not a graduate or analyst post) and find the role that suits you. IT works for a lot of people, as long as you are patient and stay on target.

Consulting as an analyst straight out of Uni is good in someways but when I meet experienced hires (I joined Deloitte Consulting straight from Uni) The experience that they have really is a boost to their career in consulting, by this i mean that although some are not the most academic their industrial experience is what makes them hugely valuable.Go for the grad job with a firm that has some good rotations acorss the business areas get involved be prepared to prove yourself in these environments and with you having the right attitude the Consulting firms will welcome you with Open Arms.

I agree with Beng and James.Firstly, I dont believe people get 'passionate about business'. you're probably just passionate about the money. I get passionate about seeing people enjoy/value things ive made. When I was in industry it was tangible products, at home its my cooking or the fruits of my DIY (!!) and in consulting its about helpling people run thier firms better. Now I had great A-levels but only got a 2:2 in my first degree. Didnt bother me at the time 'cos I went to work in FMCG manufacturing - loved seeing my work on the shelves at tescos. got good experience - managed budgets, people, projects etc.. then went off to a top UK b-school and am soon to join a top strat firm.Dont wory about A levels, don't do the IMC course. Consultants dont want someone with a qualificatin in consulting (imho) - they will teach that to you. what they do want is someone with skills and experiences that they can sell to a client.If your capable, can empathise with your clients problems, intelligent and pleasant to meet - you can get a job top job in consulting. You dont get these through courses. you get these from real experiences. Go with James - get a grad job in industry, work hard, go to B-school. then go into consulting - or you might find you love industry and want to stay there.Cheers,A

Hi,I didn't have great academic qualifications and not a lot of industry experience. My route was to get a job in one of the support functions, gain a real understanding of what they do, and prove your capability and delivering results in the area that you work. Once you have a good reputation within the company look to transfering across to the consultancy. As I said, I followed this route and, although it takes longer, I have got there and after 7 years from joining I am enjoying my role as a project manager for a large consultancy.