For many STEM students, consulting can feel like foreign territory. Consulting case studies, client meetings, and PowerPoint decks are totally different to the science labs they are used to. But the truth is, consulting firms actively seek STEM talent. The analytical mindset, problem solving skills, and data-driven thinking that STEM students have is exactly what consulting firms are looking for.
If you are a STEM student interested in consulting, keep reading. This article will help you to use your degree to your advantage. By securing a consulting internship, you have the opportunity to gain experience that broadens your perspective, open doors to a wide range of careers beyond science, and understand how organizations make decisions, manage change, and turn data into strategy.
Focusing on Your Transferable Skills
As a STEM student, recognise that you have transferable skills. The kind that consulting firms are looking for. Lab work and research projects draw on your analytical thinking skills. Debugging code requires attention to detail and logical problem solving. Experiments involve resilience and strong data analysis. Group assignments teach collaboration, and scientific presentations require you to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to an audience who might be unfamiliar with the topic. These are all qualities required in consulting.
Instead of thinking that your technical background puts you at a disadvantage, view it as your superpower. When you describe your relevant experiences in an interview, focus on your transferable skills and the outcomes generated, rather than your technical knowledge. For example, instead of saying ‘biomedical lab project using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing’, you could instead say ‘led a team of 6 to complete a 9-month research project, analysing data in Excel and R, and presenting findings to audience of 10’. The shift from what you know to what skills you used and what you accomplished will help recruiters to more easily see your potential.
Gaining Experience
Once you have identified your transferable skills, the next step is gaining relevant consulting experience. You don’t need to be studying business to get exposure to consulting. There are many ways to get experience on campus.
1. Join a consulting club
Many universities have student groups that work on real projects for small businesses, charities, or startups. These projects can help you learn how to approach business problems, work in teams, structure recommendations, and communicate with clients.
2. Enter case competitions
Case competitions simulate real consulting issues, and ask teams to break down problems, develop strategies, and present solutions to a panel. They are a great way to build hands-on experience and develop your consulting skills. Additionally, ranking highly in a case competition is a great way to strengthen your CV!
3. Leverage STEM Projects
Research, coding, and engineering design projects are invaluable ways to build transferable skills. When applying for internships, highlight elements from these projects such as problem solving, teamwork, leadership, data analysis, and analytical thinking. Additionally, emphasise the results that you achieved. For example, you can mention how you troubleshooted problems, optimised systems, improved efficiency, used data, made recommendations, and communicated effectively with a range of stakeholders – all of which are done in consulting.
Prepping for Interviews
The consulting recruitment process can feel unfamiliar at first, but your experience within STEM will give you a strong foundation. The process usually involves CV screening, a behavioural interview, and a case interview.
For your CV and cover letter, tailor your application to the skills required in consulting and by the particular firm you’re applying to. For instance, you will typically want to highlight your problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills. Focus also on measurable outcomes and quantifiable results, such as ‘achieved first-class in lab report’ or ‘led team of 3 to deliver results under tight deadlines’.
Behavioural interviews follow the same logic. Tailor your experiences to showcase skills required for the role, and show commercial awareness so the recruiter understands you have a keen interest in solving business challenges.
For the case interview, you’ll be asked to address a business problem on the spot. This will involve structuring your inquiry, completing calculations, and offering a final recommendation. Treat it like a scientific investigation. Break the problem down, test hypotheses, and structure your thinking clearly. Practice using logic and creativity rather than memorising rigid frameworks. There are many resources, mock interview sessions, and practice cases available online and through consulting clubs and career services. Practicing out loud or with a friend will help you to develop confidence and clarity.
Networking
Beyond applications, networking can significantly increase your chances of securing an internship. Attend consulting firm presentations, career fairs, and alumni events to learn about firms and build connections.
LinkedIn is also a powerful tool. Reach out to alumni or consulting professionals with a short, genuine message expressing your interest. Ask for a short coffee chat or advice about breaking into the field. Reach out to professionals with a STEM background to give you a point of shared interest.
If possible find a mentor who can help guide you through the process. This could be an older student who has completed the application process or a professional who has transitioned from STEM to consulting. They can help you prepare for interviews, prep cases, and share insights about the recruitment process.
Final Thoughts
A consulting internship can be an eye-opening experience for STEM students. It can teach you how to apply analytical skills to solve real business problems, communicate insights to clients, and work in a variety of different industries. Even if you don’t pursue consulting long term, the problem-solving mindset and communication skills are invaluable in any career.
Remember, your STEM background is not a limitation, it’s a differentiator. Consulting firms value people who can think clearly, analyse data, and approach problems in a logical way. So start early, seek out opportunities to build your experience, and don’t be afraid to network!
Rucha Potdukhe is a student at Imperial College London studying Medical Biosciences with Management. She has a strong passion for strategy consulting, investment banking, business, and entrepreneurship.
Image: DALL-E
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