Hello,I will soon graduate from college and I would like to start my career in the consulting industry. I have already sent out applications to roughly 20 companies. At the moment I wonder about two things though:1. How long does it usually take for the companies to reply? Do they reply at all even if you are not what they are looking for?2. What can I do if none of these companies want to hire me? How can I still become a consultant?Thanks!

Rick - it can take them a long time to reply but, if they are half decent, they will let you know you have not been successful at the sifting stage. If you don't get taken on directly as a consultant a good way of doing it is to try the industry route - get some experience under your belt and then reapply. You may even get the chance to do some internal consulting if you are keen/good enough.

Well, if you have sent off 20 applications I would wonder how tailored they are to each firm - generic applications won't get you very far I am afraid. As for replies, completely depends I'm afraid and no, not all firms do reply.If it doesn't go to plan there are plenty of industry graduate schemes you can consider-Shell etc. Maybe consider one of those?