I have recently finished studying law. However, the more I research management consultancy, particularly strategy, the more appealing a profession I find it. How restricted are graduate programmes to students with degrees in business, maths, economics etc? What are the best ways to improve my chances?

You seem to be doing research on the profession. I think you should do a little more and then come back with concrete questions not open ended ones. No point being lazy mate.

anon - I think he asked a concrete question unless i'm mistaken - How restricted are graduate programmes to students with degrees in business, maths, economics etc?Essentially I think he's asking what are his chances of getting into consulting at grad level with a background in Law? Anon is this correct?I'm also interested to know how many consulatants out there didn't study business, maths, economics. Does anyone have any rough %'s or anything. Mr Restell?

I thought it was pretty concrete, after all, by finding out what employers are looking for and how important background is, the better I will know my position and thereby be able to focus my research. I am happy to do the research I just want to know the direction I should be headed.

I have been working in strat consulting for 3 years, and background really varies. Many many of them have MBA and PhD in engineering, economics, physics, and mathematics. Few others have J.D., and very few of them have no graduate degrees (but significant years of experience coming from industry). Law background is very highly looked upon, because law school teaches case studies (what most strat firms do) hard-core.The biggest challenge for you would be to throw in your resume to get interviews. If you get to that point, you are all set.

Look if you had looked up any of the consultancy websites and their careers sections - it clearly states that you do not need a numerate degree to get into consultancy. Moreover most of the firms have profiles of their employers with their university and degree. Many books such as target that are meant for graduates again have profiles and an extensive analysis of the profession. Had you looked up on this and done research you would have realized that law is a perfectably acceptable degree. Similarly as you are a law student you do understand that those coming from a non law background can do a conversion course and get into the profession.Now you state that you have finished studying law. I'd be extremely reluctant to hire someone who after finishing his degree does not have an a little idea of what types of professions are out there and whats required to get in. Its a part of doing your research whilst at univ. Most of the candidates who are hired and indeed get far have done a thorough research and understand different fields such as accountancy, law , banking in addition to their own (consulting). Instead of taking this in an offensive way - just get pro active.

anon, you seem stressed. are you german?