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Career paths outside...

1 min read Nov 14, 2016

Career paths outside academia is a frequent topic of conversation within the PhD community. One option that not a lot of people talk about is consulting - the term sounds too vague to spike curiosity and PhDs don’t necessarily know what this means as a job. Surprisingly, there are roles in consulting firms taken by science PhDs. I am trying to organise an event at campus in my university about consulting for PhD students and would like to have an idea of numbers in the general community to know who to target. I would like to get your help to get a rough number of PhD students (preferentially in science backgrounds) in here that know what a consulting job is, and if you are considering a career in consulting at all. Thanks!

7 Comments

Panagiota (Naya) Giannakopoulou

Nov 14, 2016

Thank you for your input! I am actually looking into Technology consulting and I am very interested in this career!

I would be happy to help you with that; however I am based in Cardiff. In terms of numbers, I do not know anyone else in my close proximity as a PhD student who is interested in this career.

An interesting question of consulting is if the PhD students should start from graduate schemes or junior roles.

All the best,

Naya

Daniela P. Lobo

Nov 21, 2016

Dear Naya,

Thank you for your reply. Indeed, it seems the sphere of interest is quite small - I did a small "survey" within my own circle of lab colleagues, scientists friends and PhD students from several backgrounds. The job seems to please MBAs and students with economics/business degrees.

Regarding your question - I met some consultants working with firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG and Accenture, and asked that question. It seems in most cases PhDs would enter as "advanced hires" rather than by a graduate scheme (which is mainly aimed at UG and finishing Master graduates). But that varies from firm to firm, and the kind of training they provide and also the job you will take. The titles vary as well, and there are several levels in between, like junior associate and senior associate. The best way to know is by contacting HR directly.

Regards,

Daniela.

Brian Cahill

Nov 14, 2016

Hi Daniela,

very interesting topic. I know that MCAA is approaching consulting firms with regard to raising sponsorship and that they are quite interested in our members with their internationally-mobile research background. Keep me informed of your progress!

Warm regards

Brian

Daniela P. Lobo

Nov 21, 2016

Hi Brian,

That is good to know! I guess the trick comes from knowing how to let the skills associated with that mobility shine (independence, versatility, international networking,...).

Daniela

Natalia Balcazar Navarro

Nov 17, 2016

Dear Daniela, let me know if I can help you somehow. I have my own consulting company since 11 years in the area of Sustainability / Environment. Best regards. Natalia

Daniela P. Lobo

Nov 21, 2016

Dear Natalia,

Thank you for your reply and thank you for offering to help. That must have been extremeky interesting (and challenging) to decide to set up your own company! Which step in your career helped you decide to do that?

I read a bit about ENVIROpro, and it seems you are focused on cutting energy and water costs associated with running a business. Could you give me an idea of numbers, as in from the total number of employees at your company, what percentage holds a PhD degree, and what percentage holds a PhD from a science bcakground?

Thanks,

Daniela.

Natalia Balcazar Navarro

Nov 17, 2016

Dear Daniela, let me know if I can help you somehow. I have my own consulting company since 11 years in the area of Sustainability / Environment. Best regards. Natalia