HOW TO PREPARE FOR

YOUR CONSULTING CAREER

Start building your career

before your first day at work!

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Benjamin Franklin

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Or have you just landed a job in consulting?

Are you seeking a job in a prominent consulting firm?

Then let’s set a few things straight unless you want to run the

risk of having a false start.

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All industries have their myths. Consulting is no different.

If you were to ask experienced consultants, you would understand reality is a little different from what is commonly said.

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Let’s demystify the whole thing! (based on those who have been there).

Are consulting firms really the professional elite they try to convey?

After all, they hire “only the “best / brightest / smartest” (enter any other superlative).

Myth #1: Consultants are an elitist circle

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Like anywhere else, you will meet people from all walks of life. It’s truly a random

sample of society with different motivations and ambitions, and various educational and

professional backgrounds.

But reality is different.

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Don’t expect everything to be perfect in consulting firms. Of course it is not. Just like

anywhere else (including their clients).

Myth #2: Perfection

Whether it is technology,…

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…or internal processes:

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The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.

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If you are just starting out in consulting, it helps to keep that in mind.

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That is not only a good thing to do, but it is expected from you by your new

consulting colleagues.

Having realistic expectations, however, is not enough. You should prepare yourself.

In the end, it’s all about Day 1 readiness.

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Here are some simple steps to take

before  you start your job.

Step #1: Prepare yourself

Think looks. You have to look the part without overdoing it.

Your appearance.

Think image.

Your personal online profile.

Think likeability, and memorability.

Your personal introduction pitch.

Step #2: Research Others

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Think connection. How can you relate? What people are they likely to be?

Background of new colleagues.

Think being on time. Make sure you know how to get there and allow for some extra

time to be on the safe side. At all costs, avoid arriving late on Day 1.

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Logistics.

Think marketing and sales. Get a crystal clear understanding of your firm’s offering.

This will make settling in infinitely easier.

Firm propositions and expertise.

The Aspiring Advisor Strategies and Tools for a Successful Consulting Career

YES,  I  WANT  THIS  BOOK!  

Click it! Click it!

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There are no second “first impressions”.

The foundation for a successful career is laid before you start to work. Preparing for the first day on the job is critical in this day and age.

If you want to become a successful consultant, you should take precautionary measures,

namely…

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Adopting the right mindset with realistic expectations

Taking time to achieve your own Day 1 readiness

The Aspiring Advisor Strategies and Tools for a Successful Consulting Career

YES,  I  WANT  THIS  BOOK!  

Click it! Click it!

CONSULTANT & AUTHOR

MORITZ DRESSEL

Moritz Dressel is the author of The Aspiring Advisor - Strategies and Tools for a Successful Consulting Career.

He can be reached via Twitter @MoritzDressel  or at his blog www.MoritzDressel.com

He is also a management consultant specializing in post-merger integration, joint ventures and strategic alliances.

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