Hi all,I am just coming to the end of my 3 year ACA qualification and am very interested in moving into strategy consultancy. I would really like some advice on whether my ACA experience is likely to be valued by strategy firms and what my chances of getting a job are. I have strong academic grades, 2:1 degree and 1st time passes in all ACA exams.I have been looking at McKinsey, Bain, OC&C, BCG etc etc....Thank you!

Strategy Consulting is, I would suggest, heavily reliant on a good understanding of business, organisations and markets as well as finance. Not being picky but I don't believe an ACA gives you this overall appreciation. Why the urge to go "strategy" (it is always every new consultants first punt)as MC has lots of space where you could fit and do good work - think about other fields.

You will probably need an MBA

Thank you for your replies.Is MC not highly IT based? This is really not a field that I am intested in. Could you be a bit more specific about what sort of areas ACA would be valued in?In terms of doing an MBA, are most people not funded through this by a company? I do not have the money to fund myself!Thank you!

Thank you for your replies.Is MC not highly IT based? This is really not a field that I am intested in. Could you be a bit more specific about what sort of areas ACA would be valued in?In terms of doing an MBA, are most people not funded through this by a company? I do not have the money to fund myself!Thank you!

Can anyone give me any advice. Would be hugely appreciated....!(Didn't say before that I'm based in London).

To LAB:You said that strategy is 'heavily reliant on a good understanding of business, organisations and markets as well as finance.' Why then do companies such as McK seem to recruit non-business graduates, such as those from maths/physics who clearly know nothing about business or finance. Am I missing something? Surely the ACA provides a better finance background that some science graduate/PhD?

OK. What I was saying was that finance is only part of the package. An MBA is good (yes, Ive got one)particualrly if you haven't got much practical experience of how industry and business works (from real life - i.e. being in it at senior level for a number of years). Strategy can mean many things to many people e.g. IT strategy, marketing strategy, etc etc. Not trying to put you off - just saying there are other MC areas where your finance quals might be used productively and you might gain experience.

Can you shed some light on what these areas are?!

There really are lots. Typically, what about SOX (Sarbanes Oxley) work - encompasses finance, mnmgt accounting, business and IT aspects.

If you find you cannote get into strategy directly, consider going to a commercial role in industry, (not a finance role, which will keep you locked in). Examples are contracts and bid management, or supplier management. Then move into more strategic areas in the company. You may be able to go directly into corporate strategy roles as an analyst in industry. Clock up 3 years experience, and get your employer to pay for an MBA (you should discuss this when joining). After your MBA you can start looking for consultancy jobs. You may need to get another couple of years in your company to 'pay back' the MBA and learn to use it.You can then apply to consultancies for a consultant/senior consultant position depending on you experience. I know 2 people who have done this, so it can work.