Consulting Careers

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What do consultants do?

If you like working on projects, you may like being a consultant!

Propose solutions to problems: "Management consulting is a career in which generalist problem solvers help companies solve their business problems," according to this article from Science Careers.

Design and complete projects: "Management consultants help businesses improve their performance and grow by solving problems and finding new and better ways of doing things. It's not just in the private sector either – many firms work with public sector organizations to help develop their services and, where necessary, reduce costs and make savings." For more detail, we recommend this article about what it is like to be a management consultant.  If you like working on a project, you may like being a consultant.


Consulting - The Fundamentals
Get a quick overview of consulting careers from UCSF alums working in the field
 


Introduction to Consulting for Science PhDs:

A primer for those who wonder, "What is consulting?"
by Matthew Cook, PhD

Recorded as part of the Every Month Series in March 2020.


Consulting Alumni Career Paths Panel featuring UCSF alums Aaron Dolor, PhD, JD Mclaurin, PhD, and Deb Dauber, PhD, as well as Etosha McGee, CPC.


Get hands on exposure to consulting with an

InterSECT Job Simulation


How can I learn more about consulting?
Is consulting a good fit with my values, interests and skills? 

Good question! Find out by completing an assessment.

  • If you're in basic or biomedical sciences, use AAAS's My Individual Development Plan Assessment Tool, which OCPD co-created. Answer three assessments and it will calculate and compare your skills/interests/values responses to key factors for 60 different career paths within 20 different career categories that are options for you as a scientist.
  • If you're in social or population sciences, use the ImaginePhD Skills, Interest, and Values Assessments. Make an account for free and then click the Assessments tab at the top. They will match your skills, interests, and values to families of jobs and provide resources for learning more about the jobs in the families that are best suited to you.

Come to our event to hear PhDs in consulting careers talk about how their values played into their career decisions and help them find satisfaction in their current roles. You'll reflect on your own values and then can ask follow-up questions to determine whether work this field aligns with your values.

Or do informational interviews with people in the careers you are considering! This is a great way to get a personal take on your fit for the job at the same time as building your professional network.

What are some consulting firms who hire PhDs?
Which consulting firms have hired UCSF alums?
How can I get started applying for consulting positions?
Slides from the Resume workshop
 
Cover Letter and Resume Samples: 

Interview Questions 

  • There are two types of questions in the hiring process for jobs in consulting: the case interview questions and behavioral interview questions. UCSF students and postdocs most often find case interview question practice partners; find yours through the UCSF Consulting Club, which also offers opportunities for practice and even for Case Competitions with UC Berkeley. To get ready for behavioral interview questions, make an appointment with OCPD to practice.
  • Attend one of the case study workshops that happens each March
How can I connect with other professionals in consulting?

Upcoming Events

Writing an Industry-focused Resume in the AI Age: Balancing Prompts and Personalization

Date:
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT

Application Materials Day for Graduate Students and Postdocs

Date:
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PT

OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date:
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.

OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date:
Time: 12 - 1 p.m. PT