Emmyshegs:


I understand what you’re saying. I think I just didn’t prepare well enough. I will probably apply again.
What other options are viable in business career aside consulting?

Banking, you need to have advance excel skills, then you can apply for a business analyst position, you can also work in business performance monitoring dept in large conglomerates...

Emmyshegs:
Hello Marxxx. I’m a graduate with a 2.1 that just finished my nysc. I’m looking at a career in consulting. I’ve applied to BCG, Bain, McKinsey, Kpmg, Pwc and Deloitte but I’ve been unsuccessful in all my applications at some point. I really want a wonderful career in business because I believe so much in my potentials and abilities. I don’t plan to give up on this. What other options do I have presently?
I don’t want to have to wait another year before I apply again.
How best can I go about it?

Everyone believes...but you have to prove you are better than the next guy. If you can't get into the accounting firms you listed there then consulting *might not be your thing. First class graduates from Harvard, Princeton, Yale bang the PST. It is not just about believe or wish you just have to be super intelligent. If at first you do not make it, join the Industry, you can give it another shot later.

jashar:



Good for you!!! Be safe out there...

Hi...I trust you had a great day. I am indoors most of the time. Ensure you are safe too. Thank you

I have painstakingly gone through all the comments and I will love to say " do not get caught up on where you would rather be and forget to make the best of your present moments ".
Enjoy every moment of your life whether poor or rich. My best memories are still those horrible days the boys and I ran around the mission playing football barefooted.

Yes you need to work hard and you need God. We all do. Stop self pity and learn a skill.

Finally when you get more money than you have ever imagined, you will then realize that money is not enough.

Hmmmmm....July 1990, my parents and siblings finally agreed, I will drop out of school to learn how to sell beef because they couldn't cope. It was a central public school. Development levy was N10 or so but we couldnt afford it (I chop cane real good). I was quite disboident and rascally my master had to chase me away. I couldn't go back home (rumours were already spreading that I would be hanged if found at home). I had to go to the central mission ....That was how bad things were. (Mission school was for orphans) and we had a decent meal only on the feast of st johnbosco.
If I had done well at the mission, I would have become a priest. My older brother was an electrian and he could afford to provide garri while I attended high school. At the university things changed I got grants from IITA, and internship opportunities in Ibadan. I joined a consulting firm after NYSC, had a brief stint in the industry (FMCG tobacco) where i was senior manager and back to consulting and retired.

Education paid off big time, when I showed my sister my first offer letter she couldn't speak for 2days.

If you are passing through trials and it seems your world is caving in...it will pass away.

jashar:


It's good you're ok.
Is the cancer gone? What's the status update?
Don't be a stranger...

I am giving it a good fight, there are worse periods and there are worst moments in between I am adapting.

Focusmind:


Good. I have been in the corporate world for close to 14 years. From telecom to banking and to energy.

I felt I have had enough and decided to go solo in 2017. So far, God has been kind.

I told myself that I would have my own business at 40 years and that is what I did exactly irrespective of the uncertainty surrounding starting one's business in Nigeria. Luckily, I don't sell tangible goods or have a brick and mortar shop, I offer intangible services and neither do I have a shop.

14 years is solid. Starting a new business that is scalable in Nigeria is tough. I trust you are married and you have kids too? Do have a wonderful day.

Scholar94:
Hello,

@Marxxx and others, I have been scheduled for BCG online case(bcg potential test). A practice question was attached to the invitation (med line case) but I feel I still need more materials for better preparation. I checked online, all practice questions available are for a fee and to be honest, I can't afford them.

I'm informing us so in case anyone has (or you knpw anyone that has material) to share with me. Pls kindly do share them. I will welcome tips and advice from anyone who has pass through the process too before.
Thanks

I trust the test was good. Success

LeoThaGreat:
Hello Marxxx

I've got a question for ya.

I read recently about a person getting noisily chased out from a KPMG interview (or assessment or something of that sort) because he tendered a certificate from a university in Cotonou with the lady saying "We don't rate those universities here". I am a graduate from Houdegbe North American University in Cotonou with a flair for offering operation/strategy advice, first to a friend which has been working out great, then to a manager in an organisation which I will assess in a few months time. I intend to practise consulting full-time after my service year but I'd like to know if it's true that students from Houdegbe (Cotonou generally) aren't rated in the consulting field.

Thanks

Truth be told consulting firms loves top rated universities. This is the idea, for you to be admitted into a top ranking school, you must have competed well. I will advise you chase your dreams cos I don't know KPMG standard on the choice of institution attended (university).

jashar:


Lolzzz!!! If i catch you ehn!!! . I'm still single and minding my own business o...

Hope you've gotten your niece a beautiful Christmas present? do you still uave hair she can plait?

Focusmind:


You are right but it is good to join at a graduate level and grow through the ranks.

Nevertheless, I am on my own now running my own consultancy. It is not easy as you are not sure and certain of getting money unlike when I was still a full time corporate employee.

However, I am very hopeful and optimistic of my success as a solo consultant.

starting a consultancy outfit is good but it is better when you have worked with one in the past. It gives you credibility. You are equipped with how to research clients. I once advised a chap who was creating modules and equipping people on how to ace job tests, case interviews etc I told him you can't break even on this track, you need to re-brand, research and fine tune what you deliver. Today he teaches employability and has a master class. He is a consultant! So as you go solo...come up with some extraordinary cos we are waiting to celebrate you

Focusmind:
This type of thread will never get to front page. Some youths will run away from it because it is not what interests them.

People of intellect and those with passion for knowledge and learning will always be interested.

Kudos to you guys. Consulting was an area I was so interested in joining in my early 20s but the competition was so intense. I did countless assessments with companies in UK like Oliver Wyman, Messer, BCG.

Consulting gives you the leverage to negotiate big time if you decide to join other industries or to move to a client firm.

People that worked for less than 2 years in consulting would be offered managerial positions in other industries with mouth watering offers.

If you can and still within the age, please pursue your dream in the consulting, but if you have exceeded the age, move to another thing.

Consulting firms like catching people young.

...you know you can still find your way as an experience hire, that is if you are still interested.

jashar:



Yoooouuuuu....how are you doing? How's the treatment? How's your sis and niece? Trust you're keeping your head up

I am good and you? My head is big...it will always be up

jashar:


Good to hear from you again. Lucky guy where please?

Lucky guy... ..the guy beside you

Fountainofyouth:
Marxxx are you female or male, if you don't mind me asking?

ahnie answered

frozen70:


You need to evaluate your brain

OK...

Scholar94:
Ohh. I have been offline some days now for some reasons. Thank you so much for this...really appreciate. That part that the girl could not open excel file cracked me up tho ...Yea. I really understand that you won't have time on your side but considering the fact the you hardly come here these days, how about just getting ur contact (email or phone) so I can reach when I have pressing question to ask?...

You seem persistent and determined, I like that. Truth is, you have to sit for the PST first...just 26 qstns for an hour (that was the standard then) if you do well, Mck will contact you and acquaint you with case interviews before the actual interview day. If you scale through let me know, I may* give you my contact.

jashar:



Yoooouuuuu....how are you doing? How's the treatment? How's your sis and niece? Trust you're keeping your head up

I am OK and everyone is awesome! How are you? how is work? Who is the lucky guy?

AntiMCU:

Same principle my parents got married on.

Till today, both still broke.

Me still taking up their responsibilites.

Me still questioning why they had to give birth to me.

Stop forcing this marriage thing down our necks.

There is nothing wrong in being broke! In 2008 GoldmanSachs collected bailout funds, and others filed bankruptcy... You know why? They were broke! So if an investment bank and an Insurance giant can go broke, then an individual shouldn't be crucified for being broke. If you have a penny hurry and raise your little family. Some will complain money in the end, no money, no family, no kids....that is depressing.

djoe21:


You must be married now. 3 years on

I have answered this question...someone asked earlier

Scholar94:
Yes o. Thank you.

A short background of myself

I am a recent graduate with cool academic background and seriously eyeing consulting, McKinsey specifically. I finished my NYSC a month ago. while I was still serving I applied for McKinsey ylp got to PST stage but due to poor preparation and inexperience, I was dinged after the test. Sometime around July, I emailed the hr about my eligibility to apply for business analyst role, and was told that I'm very much eligible and should send my application early next year as the role I'm intending to apply for has been fully subscribed to this year.

Why am I looking for you actually?

1. Right now, I have read Case in point, case interview secret (with Loms) and up to 2 business school case books. However reading case book and having live cases are two different things. So I need your help in this regards

2. Apart from my ability to solve case, pass PST what are other things that matter in getting an offer at McKinsey?

3. I'm a nerd and somewhat introverted. Would this count against me if I eventually get in?

4. My background as a graduate was not too impressive and most time when I go on LinkedIn to check the calibre of people working at Mck, I got scared. Pls say something on this

5. And lastly, Can you pls mentor me?

let me say you are doing good. To be quite frank, problem solving comes natural. The main hurdle in case interview are " mental arithmetic " and ability to understand the case. Q1: you have read a lot on case interviews, now you should know your strengths and weaknesses. Q2: Ability to answer interview questions with convincing scenarios especially how you managed a difficult situation and people above you at your previous workplace or community or school projects (McKinsey loves this basic interview qstn) Q3: Not at all you will do just fine. Q4: There are incredibly smart people at Mck, trust me but you will do just fine if you believe you can. Let me tell you, there was a BA (though she was new) who couldn't open an Xcel file then. but she did just fine before leaving for the industry. I hope you can open Xcel files ? Q5: I am sorry I may not be able to, I am often unavailable. You can try other industries like investment banking, Finance or Advisory firms and join Mck later as an experience hire. Good luck!....

AwkaetitiBabe:
Your taste is high

Really? Tell me about his taste I love this part I am eager to read something different other than money...Acidosis pls state your taste before the council.

djoe21:


It's not just about having the lump sum (2m) as you stated but more about having a steady and reasonable source of income. The lump sum caters for the wedding while the steady income caters for the marriage.

perhaps you are looking at a job or starting a business either is good. Cashflow is important... goodluck!

AntiMCU:

What updates?

Some of us are thinking of how to leave this shithole not marriage.

What's the future of our kids in this contraption.

I will say because you are not where you want to be doesn't mean you shouldnt live your present moment to the fullest. Your kids are gonna grow and sort themselves...

0neal:



Mr Marxxx

I guess by now you should be happily married with a child, if not children.

It's been three years since you created this thread

I have a girlfriend and we are working on adoption... Thanks.

Scholar94:
Hello Mr Maxx. Long time. I have been looking for you since like tomorrow no dey. I just realized now say na u even quote me now . I need your help ni sir

hello scholar94 I trust you are good? sorry for not being around much. I hope I can provide satisfactory answers to your challenge...

Acidosis:


Chai, it's been 3 years and I'm still not married. Wahala dey oo

you shouldn't be hard on yourself, perhaps you are not just interested yet

generationz:


Hey dear Marxx.

I didn't see any of your topics again and thought you had gone to

How's your health?

wow! you astonish me, what an incredible comment, you thought I had gone where? ...OMG, not yet, not soon probably not now...I am OK. Thank you.

pcguru1:


That was 3 years ago, in a relationship now hopefully by next year, all things go well.

congratulations! Invite me when it's official. I am already looking forward to it...congrats once more!

pcguru1:
I am not married because i don't fit the criteria girls are looking for, "Millionaire"

that is not true, I have read and observed on this forum where ppl don't seem to care much about money. So it is no longer about the money. Tell me something else...

vinmayo:
It is well-appreciated and very educative.

I'm still in school. 200l.

Lucky me, I have this information at hand.

I have been opportune to do a 3 months internership in one of the Big 4 accounting firm and my CGP is 3.9, in total I have like 3 years experience already and I am still pushing myself to greatness.

Now that I have this blueprint I will keep striving to achieve more. Because, of my course of study I get exemptions for professional certification and I believe it is best to get certified after I am through in the University.

Others in the list will done before the completion of the Bsc although I finance myself and I know getting it all done will be tough, but, it will be done!

I'm grateful Marxxx

You are welcome. I trust you are keeping up good.

ericanex:

so in terms of mechanical and chemical engineering which is preferable?

I trust you had made your choice already. I would have advised Mech eng