Career Journeys - Consulting

Are you drawn to solving complex problems in new and innovative ways? You’ll apply intellectual curiosity and superior research skills, and introduce cutting-edge business ideas to address your clients’ biggest challenges. Variety is also the name of this game. No two problems will be exactly the same.

Whether it’s framing the problem, developing hypotheses, planning and conducting analyses, or communicating your recommendations to the client, structure and linear logic in your work are essential for effectively addressing the problem and communicating your solutions with clarity.

Successful results are defined by your ability to drive impactful and lasting change to the organizations you serve. Defining the right strategy is imperative at the start of a project, but linking the overall strategy with tactical and effective execution is the key to driving lasting outcomes for the clients you serve.

Successful results are defined by your ability to drive impactful and lasting change to the organizations you serve. Defining the right strategy is imperative at the start of a project, but linking the overall strategy with tactical and effective execution is the key to driving lasting outcomes for the clients you serve.

While “hard skills” such as problem-solving and analysis are critical, it’s equally important that you are able to effectively present your recommendations in a way that is clear, compelling and truly resonates with your client. Adapting your communication style and message to a variety of audiences, and leveraging powers of persuasion are key skills to develop for a consulting career.

Problems are complex and often require innovation and extensive collaboration, both with colleagues and clients in order to determine the optimal solution. The “people” side of consulting offers an excellent opportunity to build relationships, network and partner with a variety of individuals to achieve a shared vision and breakthrough results.

Strategy Consulting

This concentration is intended to immerse students in the consulting process and to help them identify and deepen the skill sets necessary for success in that role.

Faculty contact: Mike Lenox

Concentration Requirements

A student will be recognized as having this concentration when they have completed 9.0 credit hours from the courses listed below.

Note: Not all courses may be offered in a given year.

Global Consulting Projects

Global Consulting Projects are MBA electives that give small teams of students the opportunity to provide consulting services to an international company or organization while working closely with a Darden faculty member.

Consulting Darden Business Projects

Consulting Darden Business Projects are for-credit projects that provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world consulting experience.

Through Darden’s Career Center and Alumni Career Services, you’ll gain career guidance from the moment you enroll and for wherever your career takes you after graduation. Here’s what you can expect:

• Pre-matriculation, First Year and Second Year career education
• One-on-one, industry-specific coaching
• Darden-facilitated opportunities for networking, meeting alumni and industry leaders, and interviewing
• Resume and cover letter reviews
• Access to advanced analytics and data to craft recruiting marketing materials such as resume, LinkedIn, and more
• Industry- and employer-specific database for interview prep and salary research
• Case interview prep
• Mock interviews
• Employer case competitions
• Negotiation skill-building
• Executives-in-Residence Program

Darden Consulting Clubs

Darden’s Full-Time MBA Consulting Club and Executive MBA Consulting Club are student-run organizations that help students gain and share vital insights as they develop invaluable relationships.

Community Consultants of Darden

The Community Consultants of Darden is a not-for-profit organization that provides marketing, operational and strategic evaluation and planning services to visionary nonprofits and small businesses in the Charlottesville community.

Consulting Conference

The Consulting Club coordinates the Consulting Conference each fall, which serves as a prime networking opportunity during peak recruiting season. Conference activities typically include a networking dinner, keynote speakers and breakout sessions with top consulting firms.