From Advanced Degree Programs To Management Consulting

Updated January 30, 2025 | Argopoint Consulting

Advanced Degrees: Standing out

Earning an advanced degree opens numerous doors in the professional world. These programs are often industry-specific, guiding graduates toward careers aligned with their specialized training and significant financial investment. However, a growing number of advanced degree holders are choosing to pivot from their specialized fields to pursue careers in the competitive world of management consulting. 

Breaking into management consulting is no easy feat due to the industry's increasingly selective nature. Yet, the unique qualities and skills developed through advanced degree programs provide candidates with a distinct advantage. The critical thinking, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills honed during these programs help advanced degree holders stand out to potential employers, offering them a competitive edge in the consulting landscape. 

Breaking In: A Unique Perspective

The knowledge-driven management consulting industry places a high value on intellectual capability, quantitative skills, and problem-solving abilities. These are precisely the skills that advanced degree holders possess and refine throughout their academic journeys. Those who can look beyond their specialized training and recognize the broader value of their transferable skills not only break into consulting—they thrive. 

Advanced degree holders, whether JD, MD, PhD, or MBA, bring unique perspectives that have enriched consulting firms and created a strong demand for top talent from diverse academic backgrounds. Firms that embrace this approach understand that while business acumen can be taught, raw intellectual capability is innate and invaluable. 

Completing an advanced degree reassures consulting firms of a candidate's strong analytical abilities. Unlike some undergraduate programs that may emphasize rote memorization, advanced degree programs—especially in the sciences—demand rigorous quantitative skills and the ability to frame, dissect, and solve complex problems with actionable strategies. This depth of training equips advanced degree holders to excel in the dynamic world of consulting. 

Additionally, employers recognize that candidates with advanced degrees have demonstrated the resilience needed to handle the demanding hours and intellectual rigor that consulting requires. The ability to push through challenges and deliver tangible, high-impact results is a significant asset for consulting firms. The mental demands of consulting often mirror those encountered during the advanced degree process. Interviewers frequently note that the most successful candidates are those who can clearly draw connections between their academic experiences and the expectations of consultants within the industry. 

While advanced degree holders bring invaluable skills to consulting, breaking into the field can still be challenging. However, these barriers are not insurmountable. Remember, you already possess unique, hard-to-acquire skills that set you apart from other candidates. Keep in mind that potential employers believe business knowledge can be taught, but brilliance in problem-solving is a rare and irreplaceable quality. With the right approach, you can turn these strengths into a competitive advantage and carve out a successful consulting career. 

Overcoming Hurdles: Playing to Your Strengths

Overcoming the hurdles that stand between you and a consulting career depends on your ability to play to your strengths. One common challenge for advanced degree holders, especially those in the sciences, is effectively communicating personal achievements. While isolating a rare piece of DNA and publishing a groundbreaking paper is an incredible accomplishment, recruiters may not fully grasp the significance if it's not presented in relatable terms. Explaining your achievements clearly and concisely in layman's terms not only highlights your accomplishments but also demonstrates your ability to convey complex ideas simply—a critical skill in consulting. 

When it comes to gaining business knowledge, employers understand that you may not be a business expert—after all, you’ve been deeply immersed in your academic pursuits. However, they do expect a working knowledge of key business concepts. How can you build this knowledge? Engage with people who have strong business acumen. Participate in conversations with friends or colleagues who discuss business topics, allowing you to pick up on practical, real-world concepts beyond textbook theories. Additionally, dedicating time each day to credible business news sources like The Wall Street Journal or The Economist will keep you informed about major developments and trends that may come up in interviews. 

You’ll also need to convey a genuine passion for the consulting industry. While your advanced degree proves your ability to manage rigorous workloads, employers know that you pursued your degree in a field you were passionate about. It’s essential to articulate why you’re drawn to consulting and how you see it as a long-term career path. Consulting firms invest significant resources in training new hires, and they seek candidates who are committed to growing within the industry, not just exploring it as a temporary option. 

Finally, strong communication skills are paramount. While many PhD candidates excel in their areas of expertise, consulting requires the ability to engage effectively with clients and team members. Consulting is inherently collaborative, relying heavily on teamwork and clear communication. Demonstrating that you are personable, articulate, and quick-thinking during interviews will reassure employers that you can confidently represent the firm in client-facing roles and work seamlessly within diverse teams.