Savanna Hoffman
Consulting is a challenging and well-paid job that can open many doors for students in the business world and beyond. For graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the career path usually leads to industry or research. However, some students are already studying STEM with the idea of entering consulting later on, or they decide to do so during their studies. Consulting firms may seek to employ students under the STEM OPT program, but only if they will be the entity that provides the practical training experience to the student and they have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work opportunities for international students | Staffing and temporary agencies, as well as consulting firms, may employ international students under the STEM OPT program. |
| Student visa requirements | To be eligible for the STEM OPT program, students must have an F-1 visa status and a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. institution. |
| Employment conditions | Students must work at least 20 hours per week in a paid position that provides formal training and learning objectives related to their STEM degree. |
| Training plan | Students and employers must complete Form I-983, which outlines the training plan and objectives. |
| Application process | Students must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, up to 90 days before their current OPT employment ends and within 60 days of receiving the STEM OPT extension recommendation. |
| Work authorization | Students receive an automatic 6-month extension of their work authorization while their 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending. |
| Consulting as a career path for STEM graduates | Consulting is a challenging and well-paid career option for STEM graduates, offering opportunities in strategy, management, and international firms. |
| Internships and networking | Internships and networking are recommended to gain experience and determine if consulting is the right career path. |
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What You'll Learn
Consulting internships
International students with STEM degrees can explore consulting internships as a viable option to gain practical experience and enhance their career prospects. Consulting firms may employ international students under the STEM OPT program, allowing them to remain in the country and gain valuable work experience. During their internships, individuals will collaborate with diverse teams to solve client problems, conduct research and analysis, and develop strategic plans. These internships can last between 2 to 3 months but may vary depending on the role and location.
Various companies offer consulting internships, such as the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which provides core consulting internships and country-specific internships in risk management, marketing, finance, and human resources. BCG also offers digital and tech internships in fields like data science, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Their internships are open to students pursuing undergraduate, advanced degrees, and MBAs.
Bain & Company is another prominent company offering consulting internships, including the Associate Consultant Internship and the Summer Associate role. They also have programs like SkillBridge at Bain, BainConnect, and Lead to Inspire Masterclass, which provide a firsthand look at various consulting roles.
Additionally, The Interngroup offers international consulting internships, both online and in-person, that focus on sharpening analytical skills and providing hands-on experience in strategizing, operations, project management, and HR. Their virtual internship program includes remote consulting internships, career advancement training, and access to exclusive keynote career talks from global business leaders.
These consulting internships provide a unique opportunity for international students to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, build professional networks, and gain practical experience in the consulting industry.
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Consulting as a career for STEM graduates
Consulting can be a viable career option for STEM graduates, offering a range of benefits and opportunities. For graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the traditional career path often leads to industry or research. However, consulting is emerging as an attractive alternative, offering professionally challenging and well-paid jobs that can open doors to various business opportunities.
International strategy consulting firms, such as McKinsey, Bain, and BCG (MBB), actively seek STEM graduates due to their expertise in analytical and quantitative fields. These firms work on large projects with well-known clients, providing a significant career boost and industry connections. Additionally, in-house consulting options, like Volkswagen Consulting or TKMC, offer a better work-life balance with comparable salaries, especially for consultants with scientific backgrounds.
To transition into consulting, STEM graduates can consider the following steps:
- Internships: Gain practical experience through internships with smaller consulting firms or leading companies in your area. This will help you determine if consulting is the right career path for you and improve your resume.
- Networking: Build connections with people in the consulting industry to gain insights into the work, relevant firms, and your potential fit in the role. Networking can also help you obtain referrals, increasing your chances of securing interviews and job offers.
- Academic Excellence: Maintain a strong academic track record, showcasing high GPA and academic excellence across your professional life. This demonstrates your ability to handle complex problems and communicate effectively, which are crucial skills for consultants.
- Develop Transferable Skills: Highlight skills such as problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and effective communication in your resume and cover letter. These skills are highly valued in consulting and can set you apart from other candidates.
- Customized Applications: When applying for consulting roles, ensure your cover letter is tailored to the specific firm. Avoid generic applications, as consulting companies look for candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in their unique offerings.
In conclusion, consulting is a viable and rewarding career path for STEM graduates. By leveraging their analytical skills, academic excellence, and strategic networking, STEM graduates can secure positions in prestigious consulting firms, opening doors to diverse business opportunities and a challenging yet fulfilling career.
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Consulting firm requirements for STEM OPT
Consulting firms may seek to employ students under the STEM OPT program, but only if they will be the entity that provides the practical training experience to the student and they have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student. STEM OPT participants may engage in a training experience that takes place at a site other than the employer’s principal place of business as long as all of the training obligations are met, including that the employer has and maintains a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.
Certain types of arrangements, including multiple employer arrangements, sole proprietorships, employment through 'temp' agencies, employment through consulting firm arrangements that provide labour for hire, and other similar relationships may not be able to demonstrate a bona fide employer-employee relationship and, therefore, may not meet the requirements of the STEM OPT extension.
If you are an employer who wants to provide a practical training opportunity to a STEM OPT student during their extension, you must:
- Be enrolled in E-Verify, as evidenced by either a valid E-Verify company identification number or, if the employer is using an employer agent to create its E-Verify cases, a valid E-Verify client company identification number.
- Remain a participant in good standing with E-Verify, as determined by USCIS.
- Have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS for tax purposes.
- Report material changes of the STEM OPT student’s employment by submitting a modified Form I-983 to the DSO at the earliest available opportunity.
- Report the STEM OPT student’s termination of employment or departure to the DSO within 5 business days.
- Implement a formal training program to build on the student’s academic learning through practical experience.
If you believe your STEM OPT employer is not complying with the terms and conditions of the 24-month STEM OPT extension regulations, the Form I-983 instructions, and the completed Form I-983 on file with ISS, you may contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by following the instructions found on ICE.gov.
Please note that photos submitted to USCIS must be unmounted and unretouched. Unretouched means the photos must not be edited or digitally enhanced. The submission of any mounted or retouched images will delay the processing of your application and may prompt USCIS to require that you appear at an Applicant Support Center to verify your identity.
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STEM OPT extension application
Consulting can be a STEM job for international students, but there are certain conditions that must be met. Staffing and temporary agencies, as well as consulting firms, can employ students under the STEM OPT program, but they must be the entity providing the practical training experience to the student and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship. This means that certain types of arrangements, such as multiple employer arrangements, employment through temp agencies, and consulting firm arrangements that provide labor for hire, may not meet the requirements of the STEM OPT extension.
Now, for the STEM OPT extension application, here is a detailed guide:
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, you must:
- Have an F-1 visa status and be currently working in a period of post-completion OPT.
- Have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a school that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Have a paid job offer that meets certain requirements, including:
- The employer is enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program.
- The job offers at least 20 hours of work per week.
- The job will provide formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.
Timing:
The timing of your STEM OPT extension application is crucial. You can request your STEM OPT Extension I-20 from ISS as early as 90 days before your current 12-month OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card expiration date. However, USCIS must receive your application before your current OPT EAD Card expiration date. Additionally, you must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires and within 60 days of the date your designated school official (DSO) enters the recommendation for OPT.
Required Documents:
As part of your STEM OPT Extension application, you will need to provide USCIS with several documents, including:
- Copy of your most recent electronic I-94 record or your current paper I-94 card.
- Copy of your passport identification page and any renewal pages.
- Letters from all of your OPT employers confirming your employment details, or pay receipts and offer letters if letters are unavailable.
- Evidence of your STEM degree, such as an unofficial transcript, official transcript, or a copy of your diploma.
- Form I-983, Training Plan, completed with your employer.
- Your employer's E-Verify Company Identification Number or valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number.
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, endorsed by your DSO within the last 60 days.
Application Submission:
You can apply for the STEM OPT extension by mail or online through the USCIS website. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and submit all the required documents to avoid delays or rejection of your application. Remember to submit unmounted and unretouched photos, as mounted or retouched images may delay processing and require you to appear at an Applicant Support Center.
Automatic Extension:
If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time, you will automatically receive a 6-month extension as soon as USCIS receives your application. Additionally, your employment authorization will be automatically extended for up to 180 days while your 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending.
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Networking for consulting jobs
Consulting firms may seek to employ international students under the STEM OPT program, but only if they will be the entity that provides the practical training experience to the student and they have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.
Networking is an important aspect of landing a consulting job. Here are some tips for networking effectively to increase your chances of securing a consulting role:
- Start early: Begin networking at the very beginning of your job search process, before you start applying to firms. This will allow you to learn valuable information that can improve your applications and help you tailor your cover letters for each firm.
- Understand the importance of referrals: Referrals are crucial in the digital age, where electronic applications have increased the number of applicants for jobs. A referral from someone within the company or with connections to the firm can vouch for you and indicate that the firm should take a closer look at your application.
- Build genuine connections: Focus on building genuine, long-lasting connections with people in the industry. Be passionate about consulting and show genuine interest in learning about their experiences, projects, and challenges. Avoid solely exploiting relationships for referrals.
- Utilize your inner circle: Start by reaching out to your inner circle, including family and friends who may be consultants or have connections to the industry. Consultants tend to know other consultants, so they may be able to refer you or provide valuable insights.
- Stand out with a unique background: If you have an unusual background for the consulting industry, networking can be especially beneficial. It can help you connect with consultants who can advocate for your unique perspective and skills within their firms.
- Prepare your resume and cover letter: Ensure your resume and cover letter are well-prepared and highlight your skills and experiences relevant to consulting. A strong resume, coupled with referrals, can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
- Explore alternative networking channels: While networking events at target schools can be beneficial, they tend to attract many candidates. Consider alternative channels, such as crafting an interesting LinkedIn profile and sending professional messages to consultants, which can lead to one-on-one meetings and make you more memorable.
- Be proactive and persistent: Networking is a long-term game. Don't expect immediate results from a single interaction. Be proactive in reaching out to consultants and prioritize building relationships over time.
By following these tips and staying dedicated to the process, you can effectively network your way towards landing a consulting job.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, consulting firms may seek to employ international students with STEM degrees under the STEM OPT program. However, the firm must be the entity that provides the practical training experience to the student and maintains a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.
Networking with people who work in consulting can help you understand the work, the relevant firms, and whether consulting is a good fit for you. You can also gain experience through internships, student-led consulting groups, and career events. When applying, it is important to highlight your ability to analyze complex problems, communicate effectively, and work well in teams.
International strategy consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain, and BCG (MBB) are known for hiring STEM graduates. In-house consulting firms, such as Volkswagen Consulting or TKMC, may also be a good fit for consultants with a scientific background.
Consulting can be a professionally challenging and well-paid job that opens many doors in business. However, it is important to consider the high proportion of travel and demanding projects that may be involved.
