– Applications from non-target schools will not make it to top 4 consulting and other top enterprises. Utterly false. I was interviewed by BCG without a target undergrad/grad degree. The graduating class after me landed interviews (most of which are offers) from GE, BCG, KPMG, Bain. I have a few posts related to creating a “tiered system” in regard to your job search. I would recommend an honest evaluation of where top firms would fit into your tiered approach (do you have a target undergrad, or years of experience) as opposed to firing at will. (Quick recap of tiers: think of a pyramid. Stretch goals at top, less so at the bottom. Put in a commensurate amount of effort to obtain your top goals and reduce as you reach the bottom, where less attractive/ increasingly realistic goals are. Life is short – aim high).

– “Those certification tests are easy.” This one is a quick facepalm – the average passing rate for most valued standardized tests is approachable at about 65-70%… but did I mention (PMP, Six Sigma) have you sit for 4+ hours and require 4+ months of study? There is nothing objectively “easy” about having a premeditated plan and putting in countless hours studying while deferring most social obligations to ensure you pass. I remember failing my Green Belt examination the first time around because I underestimated its challenge- imagine my surprise. (Bonus: I have even found utility in an interview setting to say you are studying for the certification exam. Despite you not having a pdf and letters after your last name, you still will most likely be familiar with vernacular, ways of thinking, and conceptual applications)

– You just need the degree. Yes and no. This one is a hot take. A degree, particularly a niche degree, can open doors. I still hold that it is possible to at once obtain a degree and to fail as a student (particularly a graduate student). Without a strong alumnus network, and other accelerants to advance your career, you may be leaving much value on the table that will require a herculean effort (often at personal cost) to obtain later.

I think we need to reframe how we get advice and from which sources. I have come to the conclusion that when others give advice, it may be inextricably tied to what said person would do in your situation. It is hard for an advice-give to present evidence that has not proven true in their circumstance and it is often hard for those seeking knowledge to know which well has the most pure water (i.e. do not defer your critical thinking because someone seems to be knowledgeable/ convincing).

My overall suggestion is to find a peer-level mentor, an alum 2 years out, and an alum 5-10 years out. I also suggest honestly evaluating whether you are better at finding or maintaining your connections and rectifying the delta.

What would YOU add?