- this is posted on another international forum, so you might see it twice -
Hi all
Firstly, I’m not sure if this section is the right place to post this thread, but looks most ideal.
My goal is to get into management consulting with a leading strategy firm in Australia. I’m posting with the hope to get some thoughts, tips, ideas, potential contacts, etc. to help me on my way.
So, I guess some background info may be a good start. I’m 25 this year. I graduated in early 2007 from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences, Public Relations) and a Certificate in Conflict Resolution (a little bonus after some engineering of my electives). The university isn’t ranked, but my grades would put me at 90%, A, High Distinction, etc. From mid-2006 to early this year I was Assistant Trade Commissioner for a foreign government in Auckland. The role was varied but involved a lot of research, analysis, promotion and networking. I left that in February to travel and live in the UK for a couple of years – basically taking a year out or a gap year. While I’m here in London, my focus is not going to be career (I’m looking at PA/EA work in finance, currently head-hunting in finance) but more travel and enjoying life. In 2012 I’ll head back to Australia and will start my post-graduate studies in 2013.
The course I’ve decided on is through the University of Sydney (top 100 ranked) and is a double Master of International Business and Master of Commerce. I’ve decided for the MCOM my major will be Finance. Obviously degree structure can change, but if I was to start next year, the modules I’d select are below. Would be interested on some thoughts on this. The Academic and Professional Communication paper is compulsory, but it is possible to get out of it if you pass a proficiency test. If I can do this, I’m going to do a double major with Strategy and Innovation.
ECOF5010 Academic and Professional Communication
ACCT5001 Accounting Principles
FINC5001 Capital Markets and Corporate Finance
FINC6001 Intermediate Corporate Finance
FINC6015 Global Trading
FINC6017 Mergers and Acquisitions
FINC6021 Corporate Valuation
FINC6007 Financial Strategy
FINC6016 Financial Instruments and Markets
WORK6119 The Innovative Firm
IBUS6001 International Business Strategy
IBUS6002 Cross-Cultural Management
IBUS6003 Managing International Risk
IBUS6004 International Business Alliances
FINC6013 International Business Finance
IBUS6012 Business Growth and Innovation
I should be looking to graduate in 2015 and will be hoping to enter a strat firm at that time - via a graduate program. I’ve got a longlist (well it is pretty short, only 15 or so firms) that I’d like to target and hopefully develop a minimum of one contact in each prior to applying for any program. I’ll be 29 at this time (turning 30 that year).
I’m really after some thoughts around this. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas for me I’d really appreciate it. Some of the key simple things I need to do are: extra curricular activities at university (consulting groups, business groups, etc.); internships; and, network, network, network. But, I’m wondering if people have some further ideas and thoughts to help facilitate successfully achieving my goals. I know one would be cut my ‘time out’ short, but that’s not going to happen as the other half is loving it here in London and will support me for two years while I study!
My drivers for looking at this role are my interest in finance (specifically the strategic and business performance areas); my desire for a fast-paced, dynamic environment; my desire for an intellectually challenging and stimulating role; the diversity offered by consulting and the view of the market it will give me; and, the career opportunities both in consulting and should I exit.
Feel free to PM me if you prefer. Really interested to hear from people in the industry or who have been in a similar position to myself at some stage.
Many thanks!
Hi all
Firstly, I’m not sure if this section is the right place to post this thread, but looks most ideal.
My goal is to get into management consulting with a leading strategy firm in Australia. I’m posting with the hope to get some thoughts, tips, ideas, potential contacts, etc. to help me on my way.
So, I guess some background info may be a good start. I’m 25 this year. I graduated in early 2007 from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences, Public Relations) and a Certificate in Conflict Resolution (a little bonus after some engineering of my electives). The university isn’t ranked, but my grades would put me at 90%, A, High Distinction, etc. From mid-2006 to early this year I was Assistant Trade Commissioner for a foreign government in Auckland. The role was varied but involved a lot of research, analysis, promotion and networking. I left that in February to travel and live in the UK for a couple of years – basically taking a year out or a gap year. While I’m here in London, my focus is not going to be career (I’m looking at PA/EA work in finance, currently head-hunting in finance) but more travel and enjoying life. In 2012 I’ll head back to Australia and will start my post-graduate studies in 2013.
The course I’ve decided on is through the University of Sydney (top 100 ranked) and is a double Master of International Business and Master of Commerce. I’ve decided for the MCOM my major will be Finance. Obviously degree structure can change, but if I was to start next year, the modules I’d select are below. Would be interested on some thoughts on this. The Academic and Professional Communication paper is compulsory, but it is possible to get out of it if you pass a proficiency test. If I can do this, I’m going to do a double major with Strategy and Innovation.
ECOF5010 Academic and Professional Communication
ACCT5001 Accounting Principles
FINC5001 Capital Markets and Corporate Finance
FINC6001 Intermediate Corporate Finance
FINC6015 Global Trading
FINC6017 Mergers and Acquisitions
FINC6021 Corporate Valuation
FINC6007 Financial Strategy
FINC6016 Financial Instruments and Markets
WORK6119 The Innovative Firm
IBUS6001 International Business Strategy
IBUS6002 Cross-Cultural Management
IBUS6003 Managing International Risk
IBUS6004 International Business Alliances
FINC6013 International Business Finance
IBUS6012 Business Growth and Innovation
I should be looking to graduate in 2015 and will be hoping to enter a strat firm at that time - via a graduate program. I’ve got a longlist (well it is pretty short, only 15 or so firms) that I’d like to target and hopefully develop a minimum of one contact in each prior to applying for any program. I’ll be 29 at this time (turning 30 that year).
I’m really after some thoughts around this. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas for me I’d really appreciate it. Some of the key simple things I need to do are: extra curricular activities at university (consulting groups, business groups, etc.); internships; and, network, network, network. But, I’m wondering if people have some further ideas and thoughts to help facilitate successfully achieving my goals. I know one would be cut my ‘time out’ short, but that’s not going to happen as the other half is loving it here in London and will support me for two years while I study!
My drivers for looking at this role are my interest in finance (specifically the strategic and business performance areas); my desire for a fast-paced, dynamic environment; my desire for an intellectually challenging and stimulating role; the diversity offered by consulting and the view of the market it will give me; and, the career opportunities both in consulting and should I exit.
Feel free to PM me if you prefer. Really interested to hear from people in the industry or who have been in a similar position to myself at some stage.
Many thanks!
