Consulting Careers: Stem Pathways For International Students

Consulting can be a viable career path for international students with a STEM background. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students on an F1 OPT visa to gain practical training with a US employer, which can include consulting firms. However, there are risks associated with consulting body shopping companies, such as unstable contractual jobs and the potential for being blacklisted by leading companies. Nevertheless, many strategy consulting firms value diverse backgrounds and are seeking STEM graduates for their analytical and quantitative expertise. Students can gain insights into the consulting industry through internships, career events, and student-led consulting groups, helping them determine if consulting is the right career path for them.

Consulting as a career path for STEM graduates

Consulting can be a viable career path for STEM graduates, offering professionally challenging and well-paid jobs that open many doors in business and beyond. International strategy consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG (MBB) actively seek STEM graduates for their analytical and quantitative skills, which are increasingly in demand for their large projects with well-known clients.

Pursuing consulting as a career path offers several benefits to STEM graduates. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to work on diverse and stimulating projects, allowing graduates to apply their STEM knowledge and skills to solve complex business problems. Secondly, consulting firms often offer attractive salary packages and benefits, which can be a significant draw for recent graduates. Additionally, the nature of consulting work enables graduates to build a broad network of professional connections, which can be advantageous for their long-term career prospects.

However, there are also challenges to consider when pursuing a career in consulting as a STEM graduate. The job typically involves a high proportion of travel and long working hours, which may not suit everyone. Furthermore, consulting work demands strong communication and interpersonal skills, and STEM graduates may need to develop these competencies to excel in client-facing roles.

For international students considering consulting, it is important to be cautious when exploring employment options. While staffing and temporary agencies, as well as consulting firms, may employ students under the STEM OPT program, it is crucial to ensure that the arrangement complies with visa requirements. International students should also be aware of potential pitfalls associated with consulting companies, such as unstable contractual jobs and the risk of losing immigration status. Seeking reliable information and carefully evaluating employment opportunities are essential steps to mitigate these risks.

Overall, consulting can be a rewarding career path for STEM graduates, offering diverse opportunities, strong career prospects, and the chance to work on challenging projects with prominent clients. By carefully navigating the job market and visa requirements, international students can leverage their STEM expertise to succeed in the consulting industry.

International strategy consulting firms

Consulting can be a STEM job for international students, and there are several international strategy consulting firms that offer such opportunities.

Other notable international consulting firms include:

• Roland Berger: This European-based firm has a strong international presence with 50 offices worldwide. It has a reputation for its marketing and strategy expertise, and its identity is closely tied to the concept of a global community.
• A.T. Kearney: With a global network of offices, Kearney offers a balance between collaboration and independence. The firm has deep industry expertise in sectors like financial services, energy, healthcare, and consumer goods.
• Oliver Wyman: Known for its quantitative and analytical focus, Oliver Wyman attracts individuals with backgrounds in mathematics, engineering, and finance. It advises leading financial institutions and has a strong reputation for its expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation.
• Strategy&: Founded in 1914, Strategy& was the first to use the term "management consultant." It focuses on practical strategy, or "strategy-with-execution."

STEM OPT Program

It's worth noting that international students in the United States on an F-1 visa may be eligible for the STEM OPT program, which allows them to work for consulting firms providing they maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student and offer practical training experience. This can be a pathway for international students to pursue consulting roles in the US.

IT-consulting

Consulting is a challenging and well-paid job that can open many doors for students in the business world and beyond. It is a demanding job that requires a high proportion of travel and a wide range of clients and projects.

International students with a STEM background are in high demand at top consulting firms. Students with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics may have an advantage when applying for jobs at management consultancies. This is because management consultancies are keen to attract young professionals who can bridge the gap between technical and business knowledge.

To get a job in IT-consulting as an international student, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances:

• Tailor your CV to the specific consulting industry and role you are applying for.
• Build your network and try to get a referral from current employees of the target companies.
• Work on your communication skills, as consulting requires effective communication with clients and colleagues.
• Prepare for your case interview by practicing common interview questions and consulting-specific scenarios.
• Consider getting an internship in consulting to gain experience and determine if consulting is the right career path for you.

It is important to note that while your STEM specialization may not directly align with consulting, demonstrating academic excellence and the ability to analyze complex problems, communicate effectively, and work well in teams will be key to showing your fit for a consulting role.

Internships in consulting

Consulting internships are a great way to gain experience and find out if consulting is the right career path for you. They offer hands-on experience in the field, allowing you to meet professional consultants and determine if you enjoy the work and are well-suited to it.

There are several types of consulting internships available, including management consulting internships, IT consulting internships, and international strategy consulting internships.

Management consulting internships are a popular choice for undergraduates and MBA students looking to break into the field. These internships typically offer the opportunity to work directly with consultants on real client projects, gaining exposure to the consulting industry and developing valuable skills.

IT consulting firms, such as Accenture or IBM Business Consulting, offer internships that focus on IT solutions. These internships can be an attractive option for those with an IT background, as they provide a combination of classic consulting services and IT-specific work.

International strategy consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG (MBB) are also seeking STEM graduates for their analytical and quantitative expertise. These firms offer the opportunity to work on large projects with well-known clients, which can be a great career boost.

When applying for consulting internships, it is important to consider the specific skills required for each role. Digital and technology internships, for example, may require specific skills in fields like data science, software engineering, or cybersecurity. Additionally, some internships are designed for specific groups, such as women or underrepresented minorities, to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Overall, consulting internships provide valuable experience and insights into the consulting industry. They can help you build a network of contacts, develop essential skills, and determine if consulting is the right career path for you.

OPT visa and consulting companies

Consulting companies can be a viable option for international students on an OPT visa seeking employment in the United States. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students with F-1 visas and STEM degrees to gain practical work experience in their field of study. Students with STEM degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT, known as the STEM OPT extension. This extension provides an opportunity for students to enhance their employability and build on their academic learning through practical experience.

However, when considering consulting companies, it is essential for OPT students to exercise caution. Some consulting firms, particularly those engaged in "body shopping," may present risks and drawbacks. These companies might encourage unethical practices, such as proxy interviews and the addition of false years of experience on resumes, which can lead to candidates being blacklisted by reputable companies and damaging their career prospects. Additionally, the nature of contractual jobs in consulting can make it challenging for OPT students to maintain their immigration status if they lose their job.

To avoid these pitfalls, OPT students should carefully evaluate consulting companies and prioritize legitimate and well-known firms. It is crucial to ensure that the consulting company will provide the practical training experience required under the STEM OPT program and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship. Reputable consulting firms, such as McKinsey, Bain, BCG (MBB), and Volkswagen Consulting, often seek STEM graduates for their analytical and quantitative expertise. These firms offer opportunities to work on large projects with prominent clients, which can be a career boost.

When considering consulting companies, OPT students should also be mindful of the potential for unstable contractual jobs and the impact on their immigration status. The nature of consulting work may involve working for multiple vendors, which can blur the employer-employee relationship. Additionally, consulting roles often require a high level of travel and long working hours, which may be important considerations for individuals seeking a better work-life balance.

In conclusion, while consulting companies can provide valuable opportunities for OPT students, it is essential to thoroughly research and carefully select reputable firms that comply with the STEM OPT program requirements and offer meaningful training experiences.

Frequently asked questions