Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team
This article is a part-of ‘MBA Careers’ Series
Best MBA programs for a Career in Consulting
Consulting is a highly sought-after career path for MBA graduates, with many top consulting firms recruiting heavily from business schools. Consulting involves helping organizations solve complex business problems and improve their performance by providing expert advice and solutions. If you’re interested in a career in consulting, an MBA can be an excellent way to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field.
However, not all MBA programs are created equal when it comes to preparing students for a career in consulting. Some programs have a strong focus on consulting, with specialized courses, experiential learning opportunities, and robust alumni networks that can help you land a job with a top consulting firm.
When evaluating MBA programs for a career in consulting, consider the following factors:
- Curriculum: Look for programs that offer courses in strategy, operations, and management consulting, as well as specialized electives in areas like healthcare consulting or sustainability consulting.
- Experiential learning: Seek out programs that offer opportunities to work on consulting projects with real clients, participate in case competitions, and engage in other experiential learning activities.
- Faculty: Look for programs with experienced faculty members who have worked in consulting or have deep expertise in the areas of consulting you’re interested in.
- Alumni network: Consider programs with strong alumni networks in consulting, as these can be valuable resources for networking, job opportunities, and mentorship.
Some of the best MBA programs for a career in consulting include Harvard Business School, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. These programs have a strong reputation for producing successful consultants and offer a range of resources and opportunities for students interested in this field.
Other top MBA programs for consulting include the Stanford Graduate School of Business, the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. These programs have a rigorous curriculum, excellent faculty, and a strong alumni network that can help you launch a successful career in consulting.
Ultimately, the best MBA program for a career in consulting will depend on your individual goals, interests, and background. Be sure to do your research, talk to current students and alumni, and attend recruiting events to find the program that’s right for you. With the right preparation and a strong network, an MBA can be an excellent stepping stone to a successful career in consulting.
Table: Top 35 Business Schools for Consulting
| Business School | % of Students Going into Consulting | # of Students Going into Consulting |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | 31.9% | 252 |
| The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | 29.2% | 216 |
| Columbia Business School | 32.5% | 202 |
| Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern Univ. | 37.7% | 177 |
| Booth School of Business, University of Chicago | 32.6% | 174 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 32.4% | 168 |
| Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College | 37.2% | 148 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 24.4% | 146 |
| Ross School of Business, University of Michigan | 34.2% | 144 |
| Yale School of Management | 33.9% | 141 |
| Fuqua School of Business, Duke University | 30.7% | 138 |
| Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley | 32.5% | 132 |
| Darden School of Business, University of Virginia | 31.1% | 129 |
| Anderson School of Management, UCLA | 26.8% | 121 |
| Stern School of Business, NYU | 29.2% | 118 |
| Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell | 25.4% | 114 |
| McCombs School of Business, University of Texas | 24.6% | 111 |
| Kelley School of Business, Indiana University | 27.3% | 107 |
| Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC Chapel Hill | 32.5% | 105 |
| McDonough School of Business, Georgetown Univ. | 30.4% | 104 |
| Olin Business School, Washington University | 24.2% | 95 |
| USC Marshall School of Business | 22.6% | 93 |
| Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon Univ. | 27.3% | 90 |
| Goizueta Business School, Emory University | 24.8% | 87 |
| Kelley School of Business, University of Indiana | 24.7% | 86 |
| Mendoza College of Business, Notre Dame | 23.1% | 85 |
| S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell | 28.2% | 83 |
| Questrom School of Business, Boston University | 22.1% | 83 |
| McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin | 24.4% | 82 |
| Eller College of Management, University of Arizona | 27.5% | 77 |
| Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University | 23.5% | 76 |
| Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota | 22.2% | 76 |
