Several members of our European community express interest in working a consulting business with the U.S. offices each year. And for good reason: the San Francisco Bay Area is the global hub for technology, and the majority of Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters here in the United States (besides, is there anything quite like a hearty American breakfast?). But how should European business school graduates apply for U.S. consultancy jobs?
For those of you who are coming from European business schools, there are some significant obstacles to overcome. Nowadays, getting a work visa or citizenship requires a little more preparation than it did in the early 20th century; you can’t just hop on a boat and stand in line on Ellis Island. You probably don’t have work permission and aren’t able to lawfully work in the US unless your dad plays golf with a friend at the US Department of State.
You can take a few actions right away to set yourself up for a consulting position in the United States.
- Internships over the summer and abroad
Getting US work experience before or during business school is the first choice. Really, this is a must. Without any employment or education experience in the United States, it will demonstrate your resourcefulness and creativity, and no one will give your résumé a second look. It is possible to add “USA” to your resume in a few different methods. A study abroad program offered by your institution or MBA school is one strategy. While less ideal than other possibilities, it would still be a wonderful chance to network with people who could provide you an advantage later on.
Another approach to obtain job experience in the United States is to enroll in a summer internship program at any reputable U.S. business that will sponsor you. International interns are rarely accepted by consulting firms’ U.S. operations, but other businesses aren’t always so picky. This is better than an exchange or study abroad program in terms of experience if you are persistent (read: network). Also, this will guarantee that you have some sort of link to the American city where you wish to live and work in the long run.
- Make Connections
The second choice is to make connections with program alumni. As we assist alumni from your school every year, we can assure you that they have succeeded in the seemingly insurmountable goal of landing a job in a U.S. office. These people are your best source, so get to know them and ask them for official recommendations and guidance. Almost all consultants share a common trait: someone assisted them in achieving their current position. Because of this, consultants tend to be very “pay it forward” individuals who are eager to assist those who will come after them. Also, many businesses reward current consultants who make a successful hiring recommendation with bonuses.
Don’t wait to start networking with alumni, is one piece of advice. Contact them as soon as you decide to try to land a job in the United States. Waiting until recruitment season will put you past the point of no return. It would be advantageous to have have established a rapport with them because, as you probably already know, they will be really busy and it might take a few weeks just to hear back from them. Advice: Look them up on LinkedIn but don’t contact them there! You should email them directly and make it clear from the start that you are a solid prospect. That indicates that your first email should be positive. Make sure your resume and cover letter are prepared to send out at a moment’s notice if necessary because you want to demonstrate to them why you are superior to candidates headquartered in the United States.
- Develop Your Skills!
The third option is to be an expert in a skill. Something that distinguishes you from the other applicants in the crowd. Developing your skills in coding, supply chains, STEM-related industries, or business analytics is a terrific idea. But, if you’re just starting off, this is the option that will be the hardest for you to choose from. The easiest way to get into a U.S. office, though, is if you are already the Godfather of a particular expertise. Really, there isn’t much more to say about this one than the fact that specialists stand out. Malcom Gladwell said that all you have to do is discover something you enjoy doing and practice it for 10,000 hours. Well, it’s that simple—that it’s simple.
- Lastly, Be Cunning:
Make an offer in a European office, then go to the United States. This choice is the safest, but it is also the longest-term. Be prepared to wait years for your transfer, and even then, the company will only allow it if they believe you are a great performer who will be valuable in another office.
No matter how you look at it, getting an offer as a European B-School grad at a U.S. office will require a lot of effort and long-term preparation due to the abundance of talented U.S. applicants. The rewards, however, can be enormous for those of you who are prepared to go through the procedure.
FAQ
- Which nation is the ideal one for consultants?
The U.K., France, and Germany are the nations you should work in if you want to.
These nations consistently have had the most fascinating and difficult consulting projects because they are Europe’s economic powerhouses.
- Is consulting lucrative?
According to the latest recent information for 2023, consultants make an average of $7,091 each month.
This works out to $85,092 each year.
According to the same research, consultants can earn up to $16,417 each month, or roughly $197,000 per year.
- Can I work as a consultant abroad?
Depending on the business and industry, specific credentials for positions as an international management consultant will change. Yet, the majority of employers are likely to demand at least a bachelor’s degree. Some businesses might be looking for applicants with advanced degrees, including an MBA with a focus on international business.
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