Hult alumni at the world’s 4 biggest consulting firms QA Hult Blog

Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), ErnstYoung (EY), and KPMG hold the biggest share of global consultancy income, with a combined 40% of the market and have maintained consistent growth in the face of the global economic crises. For many students wanting to forge a global career in management consulting, getting a job at one of the â€Å"Big 4† consulting firms is a top priority. We spoke to 4 alumni who are now working in each of the Big 4 firms to find out how they landed their current job, and what Hult did to help. Introducing our Big 4 alumni: Michael Poy is a Canadian national and Master of International Business alum who now works in London, U.K., as a Consultant at EY and is on a two-year graduate program there. Class of 2015. Michele Bianchi is an Italian Master of Finance graduate currently working in Milan, Italy, as an Analyst for Deloitte. Class of 2015. Wen-Jie Cheok, a Master of International Business grad, now works in Frankfurt, Germany, as an Associate in Financial Services at KPMG. Class of 2015.   Marc Seipp is currently a Management Consultant with a focus on Financial Services at PwC in Munich, Germany, having graduated from Hult’s Master of International Business program. Class of 2013. Did you come to Hult with aspirations to join one of the Big 4 consulting firms? Michael, EY: I knew my end goal was to go into consulting but as I didn’t have any experience in that field and had a background in finance, I thought I would have to go the finance route. While I was at Hult, being a part of extra curricular clubs and networking with people in the industry helped persuade me to apply for consulting. Wen-Jie, KPMG: It was one option of a few. Hult’s Career Development team were really instrumental in helping me narrow my focus and choose consulting as the best fit for me. How did Hult’s Career Services support you in finding your current position? Michele, Deloitte: I wanted a school that would prioritize helping me get a job. Hult taught me how to effectively job-hunt, and how to interview successfully to seal the deal. These skills helped me get my current job at Deloitte and will stand me in good stead for any future job-search. Hult didn’t give me a job, they gave me the knowledge and the skills to go and find my own. Not just upon graduation, but for the rest of my life. It’s like that saying: â€Å"Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, teach a man how to fish and he’ll never go hungry again.† Wen-Jie, KPMG: Hult’s Career Open House really stood out as a key date in the Career Development event calendar. I met with people from one of the Big 4 there, talked to people in the financial sector, got to know the companies. It was really interesting to get a peak into the life and culture of the companies and get a broad overview of the market. Michael, EY: Graduate programs start recruiting in September so I needed to be focused and have everything in place to start applying. I did the Career Fast Track program to solidify my career plan and work on my resume before I arrived on campus, and I had an appointment with my personal careers advisor in my first week. My careers advisor was very supportive. I could bounce ideas off her any time and check I was on track with my job applications. Hults Career Development  team helped with making sure my resume and cover letter were of a certain professional standard and there were some useful classes networking and the hidden job market. Marc, PwC: They did a great job with the networking events and bringing speakers onto campus. The 1-on-1 tutoring, soft skills workshops, resume screening, and career plan – it was all really helpful. What would your advice be to students looking to enter your industry? Michael, EY: My number one piece of advice would be: have a clear idea of the career path you want to pursue. Then, get to know the industry and learn the lingo, network as much as you possibly can, and build your confidence so that you’re comfortable speaking to anyone. In terms of the business, the Big 4 are all pretty similar – they all provide similar services. The difference is in culture. So see which one you are the best fit for and target your efforts on that one. Wen-Jie, KPMG: Be a yes person – take every opportunity to network and be proactive, get to know the industry. What were the strengths of the Hult program? Michael, EY: The soft skills element, the career focus, the clubs, and the internal network. I went to as many events as possible and I met a lot of students on other programs, including MBA and EMBA students, many of whom were knowledgeable, experienced, and well connected in an industry I wasn’t familiar with. Marc, PwC: There is a huge network being established that we can all leverage and build. Its not just about receiving; its about contributing and creating a community of like-minded professionals. A business school is not just about education, its also about the network and the opportunity. Michele, Deloitte: The student diversity at Hult is outstanding. Being in a classroom and on a campus with people so diverse is one of Hult’s most unique features. It’s like you’re travelling the world without leaving the classroom. I could gain the perspective of someone from the United Kingdom, Canada, Angola, China, and Columbia – all in the same day. Wen-Jie, KPMG: Hult really care about individual development. They taught me what I was capable of. Self-motivation is really important at Hult. There are many young talented people who want to work in the industry who have experience  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the confidence I gained at Hult helped me standout in a crowded market. How does what you learnt in class help you in your day-to-day role? Michael, EY: The things I learned in my Project Management elective are directly applicable to what I’m doing right now. Our Scenario Planning project simulated the sort of high-pressure environment I face as a consultant – we had four days to analyze and propose a solution to a complex business issue, working in a diverse team with members from different programs and many nationalities. The skill set I gained at Hult – working towards a common goal in cross-functional and culturally diverse teams at Hult on projects with a fast turn-around time – was excellent practice for my role as a consultant in one of the Big 4 firms. Wen-Jie, KPMG: Its really rare to find an institution that actually teaches you to utilize your theory. Hult tried to provide the most realistic working environment. I learnt how to access and utilize my existing knowledge, deliver pitches, and the case-study method we used in class has many parallels with consulting. Michele, Deloitte: I participated in the Hult Prize. It was one of the most interesting and compelling experiences of my life. The idea of creating something sustainable and socially impactful at the same time is so important. For me, it was an opportunity to better understand what I like doing, and what I am capable of, both as an individual and in a team. At the same time it was a true entrepreneurial experience. Marc, PwC: The Business Challenge project is where youre linked with a company and work on something in the industry. We devised a market entry strategy for a U.S. company into Europe. It was an exciting, hands-on experience, and an invaluable lesson in teamwork. Working in culturally diverse teams in a high-pressure environment prepares you for a global business career Wed like to thank Michael, Michele, Marc, and Wen-Jie for taking time out of their extremely busy schedules to share their insights with us and for representing Hult alumni in the global  consulting world. Hult is ranked   Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021 Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021"> During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . Happy New Year, Hultians! . Happy New Year, Hultians! .