Hi, I have PhD in physics and currently finishing my 3-year postdoc term at major US national lab. I have experience in statistical analysis, data mining, multivariate techniques, pattern recognition etc.. I'm not very excited about academic career and am very interested in business consulting. However it's not clear to me how to proceed . Shall I simply fill out online application at Mckinsey, BCG etc..? I heard that in this case chances of getting an interview are pretty slim. On the other hand, its not obvious to me how/where to find a recruiter... What is be the best way to act for people with background as mine? How to increase chance of getting an interview? Also, if applying online, what position should I apply for? Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

PhD plus 3-year postdoc and NOW you realise you are not excited about academic career!!!

Yep.. PhD and 3-year postdoc, just got tired of slow-pace academic environment. Btw, I'm not that old, turning 30 - most MBA graduates are not that much younger.

You shouldn't have too much trouble finding the telephone number of their local office online and calling the recruitment department. They are there to answer your questions.Otherwise look atwww.wallstreetoasis.comwww.managementconsulted.comwww.consultingjunkie.comthe search in this forumAnd many other sites online which explain what they want to hear and expect. Their websites bring you a long way as well.

Yep.. PhD and 3-year postdoc, just got tired of slow-pace academic environment. Btw, I'm not that old, turning 30 - most MBA graduates are not that much younger.

Somehow my previous message got posted twice. Thanks for the links. Will check them out.

So you finally realised that academia has become a lottery, where there are far too many PhDs chasing too few postdocs, chasing virtually nonexistent dead men's shoes professorships. Good for you!Physicists can make good management consultants, provided that you've got the social skills to go with the analytics. Either that or get a job at McKinsey. Practically, you'll need to rewrite your CV in a useful format, do plenty of interview and case study practice, and come up with a convincing story as to why you want to work in consulting.Alternatively, have you considered a career in quant finance?Good luck!EC

Professorships are not that impossible.. had tenure-track offers from 2 state schools in US - declined both, low salary + mainly was not ready to move from Chicago to rural college town. Have several friends in quant finance. Considered it but consulting seems to involve more communication with people - which I like even in academia. So finance is an option, but right now looks like option #2. I heard money is better in finance than in consulting, but $$ is not everything.