Hello all,I am wondering what the chances are for a 5-year professional Bachelor of Architecture graduate in the consulting realm, or more likely, what my preparation process should be to shape me up to becoming a solid candidate in NYC. I am currently in my last, 5th year in a prestige program (Pratt Institute: extremely design heavy) and have made up my mind to becoming a consultant after some years of contemplation. However, being an architecture student, I have not tailored my resume or gpa for the standards of consulting firms or any other job that would not bother looking at my portfolio. I have zero experience or insight into any business related professions, though I feel that the thinking process of an architecture student is of pretty strong and solid value, taking into account that many B.Arch holders do successfully get into the business world (or so I've heard). I understand and am well aware of the conceptual spectra of what qualifies a potential consultant, but I am here asking for some real world perception on bachelors that are very unique and specific. I appreciate your help,many thanks in advance!

[i]"I have not tailored my gpa for the standards of consulting firms"[/i]Is that double-speak for saying you didn't get good grades?

No experienceNo relevant academic qualsNo stellar gradesNo insight into business rolesPlus you're finishing off a prestige degree that you're willing to throw away.Er... People with all four if these will easily fill the availble job openings at mc firms. The people with only three if them will struggle to get mc jobs, those with two won't get interviews, those with only one will be discouraged from applying at careers fairs, etc. then there will be you at the end of the line.Invent a time machine, go back five years, do a bus admin degree, join a bunch of bus societies, get an internship with relevant experience, come top of the class.It's marginally more likely to happen...Sorry.

Funny, isn't it, how people think you need not a jot of relevant experience or background in order to "get into" consultancy.I wonder what would be the reaction if one of us went on an architects' forum and posted a message saying "Dear All, I am shortly to graduate with a 2:2 in Modern Languages (Russian) and, although I'm rubbish at drawing, I believe I am ideally suited to becoming an architect and this is what I will do. I have what it takes to become a highly sought-after architect and have heard that language skills are highly valued in this sector. Please share advise [i]{for some reason they always spell it that way}[/i]. Many thanks!"

BEP, I think it would be fine as long as you make it clear that this is a decision taken after a long period of "contemplation" and that your five years of zero activity towards your preferred career should therefore not be taken to suggest that this is some sort of spur of the moment, I'd-like-to-be-an-astronaut-folly.

Indeed. It would also be important to emphasise that you would intend only to apply to "esteemed" firms - the sort where, if you have an MBA from Stanford (or whatever the architectural equivalent of that is), they might just consider you depending on how many Harvard applicants they've had that year.

I am (not) architect job. Please advises.

For shame!Seven responses crucifying the bloke - not cool.He could target niche firms that focus on that sort of consulting. E.g Mott macdonald, Atkins.Mars is usually solid with the advice, but failed to deliver this time. Tut tut; you're slipping.

Nonetheless, I'd still be interested to know how he's going to go about "tailoring" his GPA for consultancy firms. Might he mean "tailoring" in the same way that Bart Simpson would "tailor" a D into a B?

He got 7 responses crucifying him because it was deserved. He isn't implying he wants to go to the likes of Atkins, MM etc - he is implying that, after much mediation on the issue, he wants to move into Management Consulting, and does not make the grade on any point. After some contemplation the best advice is no advice. Mr Cool and BEP nailed this one to the floor. Better that than the Zen-like sounds of one handed applauding.

I should make it clear that I am not taking this matter as lightly as you assume, and I know this whole process will be exponentially harder for the specs that I have. I wish I could speak to you all in person, maybe then you won't be so hard-fact harsh on what my queries are addressing. If I had a friend who wanted to go into an architecture firm without an architecture degree I could give him loads of information and advices so he could better mold himself to being a candidate, granted it will be very less likely. But everybody can start somewhere, right? At the time of extreme multidisciplinary and diverse work opportunities surely I would like to think that this is still possible. Are you all telling me, that if I wanted to go into management consulting, the only option I have is to get a Bachelor's in the business majors? MBA's accept people of various backgrounds with various bachelors, but yes, those people with no business education have business work experience. However, according to what you're telling me, I probably will not likely get into an MBA program because I don't have work experience in any business related fields and I probably will not likely get into a consulting firm because I don't have a bachelor's in business.I am willing to do whatever it takes so I can take a shot at what made me excited and happy. I am a very good design student in the current program, taking into account gpa means nothing for architecture students. (mine is at 3.0) I am not making this transition because I suck at what I already know how to do, I am willing to make a change because I want to learn a whole new language that I think will make me a stronger and happier person in the long run. oh and thank you for reading, I appreciate all the comments posted here. I've read them all over and over.

[quote]Are you all telling me, that if I wanted to go into management consulting, the only option I have is to get a Bachelor's in the business majors? MBA's accept people of various backgrounds with various bachelors, but yes, those people with no business education have business work experience. However, according to what you're telling me, I probably will not likely get into an MBA program because I don't have work experience in any business related fields and I probably will not likely get into a consulting firm because I don't have a bachelor's in business.[/quote]Pretty much. Like the others have said, you don't meet the criteria to come in as a grad and you don't have the work experience to come in as an experienced hire.Also, not trying to rub salt to the wounds but your grammar and spelling would take you out of the running as well. Mold = Mould, advice not advices...

[quote]Are you all telling me, that if I wanted to go into management consulting, the only option I have is to get a Bachelor's in the business majors? MBA's accept people of various backgrounds with various bachelors, but yes, those people with no business education have business work experience. However, according to what you're telling me, I probably will not likely get into an MBA program because I don't have work experience in any business related fields and I probably will not likely get into a consulting firm because I don't have a bachelor's in business. [/quote]It's not about which major you took - people enter consulting from all sorts of backgrounds, and frankly studying business in undergrad is one of the most boring ways to do it. It's about the fact that your GPA is low. Good luck trying to convince HR that GPAs in architecture are optional. Same goes for admissions to any good MBA program.

Bravehearted, we're not crucifying the bloke. There's just no point in dressing up the fact thatA) he's going to be right at the end if the line when cvs are being evaluatedB) some if the language used is going to alienate hard nosed recruiters. If you say in an interview that you've been contemplating doing something for some time, but have absolutely no practical activities to back that up, then you risk giving the impression of being a bit of a dreamer.If I gave this guy false hope it would diminish the credibility of my advice to other genuinely qualified candidates. This is not kindergarten; we don't all come joint first in the egg and spoon race...