Consulting Tips & Tricks

Before a coffee chat

• Prepare an introduction suited to the setting, plus your reasons for consulting and an MBA. It is fine to be exploring industries or functions.
• Bring questions that go beyond the firm’s website. Use the conversation to understand the work and test your interests.
• Check the location, time zone, camera and attire. Respect the allotted time; the peer suggestion is to wrap a 30-minute chat around minute 25–28 when the discussion is complete.
• Send a short thank-you with one specific takeaway. If you cannot attend an RSVP’d session, notify the host in advance when possible; otherwise send a concise apology.
• If the other person misses the call, politely offer to reschedule and include your availability.

What should I wear?

The document recommends business casual for MCG and firm events, with more formal attire for interviews. Its examples include a button-down and trousers for meetings, and a navy suit for interviews. These are peer examples; the actual invitation’s dress code takes precedence.

• The notes describe October firm events mainly on Monday–Thursday evenings, sometimes starting around 4:45 p.m. Later events may be less predictable. Consider this when choosing evening classes.
• MCG programming is described as Wednesday lunch at Harper, with some early-year Friday sessions, often at Gleacher. Check the current event listing before committing to a schedule.
• A Wednesday with morning class, MCG lunch, afternoon class and a firm event can be exhausting. Leave realistic travel, preparation and recovery time.
• Use bidding alternates and choose classes you actually want. Consider group-work commitments; recruiting is not a reason to leave teammates carrying your share.

Outreach and résumé preparation

The group’s guidance is to wait for MCG’s outreach instructions rather than cold-contacting consulting employees on LinkedIn ahead of the process. Take multiple résumé-review passes through MCG and Career Services; use VMock as a supplement rather than the only review.

Courses, concentrations and timing

Choose concentrations you want to study and be ready to explain why. The document mentions Competitive Strategy as potentially useful, while cautioning against spending substantial bid points solely for recruiting. Interview and offer timing varies by firm; the notes describe January interviews but do not establish your individual schedule.