Is there a specific major that MC firms are after?

[Tom Spencer]

I recently received this message from a keen student:

I'm so glad to have found your blog!

I'm an undergraduate combined Law/Commerce student who's really interested in management consulting. Just wondering is there a specific major MC firms are after? Many of my peers have suggested to major in Finance, however I'm thinking of majoring in Marketing. Is this gonna be considered unfavourably compared to Finance? i.e. do MC firms generaly take more finance graduates than marketing?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my query!

[Tom Spencer]

Dear keen student,

Thanks for your email. You sound very diligent.

What kind of person do MC firms look for?

1. High marks
2. Numerical ability (hence people who have done engineering, economics and finance are often suited to consulting)
3. Ability to solve business case problems (i.e. think analytically and on your feet)
4. Ability to work with people
5. Presentation skills
6. Curiosity and love of learning
7. Being a self-starter (i.e. not needing direction from your manager)

What kind of major should you study?

• MC firms hire from a broad range of backgrounds (arts, science, commerce, engineering).
• Getting a job in a firm is about being able to tell the story about yourself that firms want to hear
• Studying finance will help tell a story about point 2 above (if you do well in it)
• Studying marketing may not help you with point 2, but if you do well it will help you tell a story about points 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7
• Being a high performing marketing student is better than being an average finance student

What should you be doing

• Do what you are passionate about (if you want to do marketing, do it)
• Don't second guess what people may want from you (your life is a story, and only you know the best way to tell it)
• Find something you love (whether that be marketing or finance) and become awesome at it

Hope that help.

Cheers,
Tom