What I Do

I recently finished my MBA and returned to the consulting firm I worked for as an intern during the summer between my first and second years of business school. The company is a strategy-focused management consulting firm with clients in all types of industries. We work in teams to help companies make decisions and solve problems.

As a consultant, I typically work on a project team with anywhere from three to ten other consultants of varying experience and seniority. We work very closely with client teams to ensure a final product that has real value and impact in the client’s business. The vast majority of my work experience prior to this job was in the military, and I have found my new work environment similarly stimulating. It is more collaborative, but still has a familiar undercurrent of hierarchy.

What I Enjoy Most

In the Navy, I chose my specialty (Navy diver) based on the people in that field—to learn, bond, and grow with people who challenged me. This is also what drew me to my current job and it is the aspect I enjoy the most. I am in an environment where I can learn continuously, surrounded by intellectually stimulating people who simultaneously challenge and support me. In this environment and with these people, I can grow professionally as we help firms make tough decisions.

What I Enjoy Least

The travel component is a two-edged sword; I love exploring new places and connecting with different companies, but I also love seeing my wife every night after work. Granted, I'm no longer leaving for six-month deployments overseas with the Navy, so this is certainly an improvement, but the amount of travel is still a part of the lifestyle to consider carefully before choosing this path.

Why I Chose This Career

I enjoy the constantly changing setting (on average, cases last approximately three months) and consulting provides me the opportunity to quickly gain exposure and experience in a variety of industries and functions. I had limited exposure to different industries while in the military, so this aspect was especially appealing to me. I continue to explore many industries and functions and try to identify those which suit me particularly well. In this manner, the job is almost an extension of my MBA experience.

During the MBA experience, I was very attracted to the opportunity to continually learn by interacting with a diverse set of people, examining the intriguing problems and issues relevant to specific industries, and looking at case studies of companies I have grown up reading about in the news.

Desirable Traits to Be Successful in This Career

Consulting requires analytical problem-solving skills and teamwork. Creativity is a big plus; combined with analytical skills it can lead to innovative results. You need to be self-driven, as you will not have someone constantly over your shoulder. Additionally, effective communication is incredibly important and often overlooked. Not only will you be presenting your ideas internally to your peers and managers, but the recommendations and results of your teamwork must also be communicated to your client. If your client cannot understand the value of your work then the effort has not been worthwhile—effective communication is vital. Transitioning from the Navy, I think I had an advantage with some of these skills. From my experience, military personnel tend to be professionals with a well-developed sense of discipline and work ethic.

Words of Advice If You Are Considering This Career Path

Think about what you are really looking for in a job. The characteristics of management consulting work—stressful and exciting environments, changing projects and schedules, type-A personalities, continuous learning, presenting work in front of critical audiences—are not appealing to everyone. I have found it to be a logical extension of my roles in the military and a rewarding career path, but make sure the work is a good fit for you and will be something you enjoy.

What I Did Before This (Including Pre-MBA and Post-MBA Jobs)

I spent four years as a naval officer between college and business school. I was primarily a Navy diver and Combat officer onboard a minesweeper, but like most military jobs, my responsibilities went well beyond those roles. Following this job, I taught naval mine warfare strategy courses to officers and military leaders around the United States.

While in college I worked for an entrepreneurial start-up company in San Francisco and loved the work. As I neared the end of my military commitment with the Navy, I knew I wanted to return to business, but I was not sure in what capacity. I had gained leadership and management skills in the military that would be valuable in the corporate world, but I did not have business-specific knowledge, credibility, or terminology to complement this experience. Business school provided these skills and helped me transition to the corporate career I sought.

Educational Background (Undergraduate, MBA, Other)

MBA, Walter A. Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, 2006
Bachelor of Science, Stanford University, Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, 2000

In MBA Programs, I'd Suggest You Look For...

For military applicants, I recommend checking out schools to see if they have a military club or network of military alumni. These resources can be invaluable as you adjust to a new career and seek advice from people with similar experiences. Visit campuses if possible and choose a program where you feel comfortable—this can make all the difference. If you're considering a career in consulting, look for schools with strong reputations for this career choice. This way you will be able to better prepare for the recruiting season with like-minded classmates and have more exposure to the firms that may interest you.