Consulting Foundations
After an 11 year career as a management consultant, half of which were spent as a Partner, & additional years hiring consultants as an executive, I developed a course to introduce those interested to the skills and career!
Learn how consultants actually think and work, by doing it. This program is built on the Introduction to Management Consulting course I created, adapted for one-on-one coaching. The intention here is to build the foundational skills of a strategy consultant. Structured problem solving, client and communication skills, change management adeptness. Over the time we work together, ideally 20 weeks meeting twice a month, I’ll introduce you to the toolkit and disguised case examples and you’ll run a real strategy engagement on a company you choose: diagnose the business, size the opportunity, build a transformation plan, and present a Board-level strategic recommendation. You’ll leave with the core consulting toolkit, a portfolio project you can talk about in interviews, and a clear view of whether consulting is right for you. Deliverables: New consultant bootcamp tool-kit A complete strategy project on a real company: company brief, hypothesis tree, financial model, diagnostic deck, initiative roadmap, and final board strategy recommendation Two live board presentations with partner-level feedback Written feedback on every assignment A final skills assessment, with strengths, gaps, and recommended next steps Format: 10 one-hour sessions, every other week for 20 weeks, with assignments and messaging in between Best for: career changers, professionals from non-traditional backgrounds, and anyone moving into strategy roles. The baseline course was the highest rated elective course at the Paul Merage School of Business, UC Irvine, for four years in a row. A diverse group of students took this course each year; and I guided them each step-by-step through the work of management consulting. Many of those students have gone on to pursue successful careers at Bain and other top consulting firms. This course works best when we personalize and tailor it for you! If you'd like to learn more, book an intro call and let's chat about where you are and where you want to go. And I'll give you my perspective on what that journey could look like and how I might support!
What's included
- The core management consulting tool-kit for strategic problem solving & client impact
- Applied to the company of your choice for a practical-hands-on application of the tools
- A Bain-caliber Board level strategy presentation and a set of transformation initiatives - built by you!
- A full understanding of what role the consulting skill-set can play in the pursuit of your broader career aspirations
Meet your expert
Chris B.
Fmr Bain Sr Partner & Head of Recruiting, 100s Offers, Fmr Salesforce Exec+
For years I ran recruiting at Bain as a Senior Partner. I’ve interviewed and made offer decisions for more than 1,000 MBAs, undergrad, and industry hire candidates. I know what we look for at every stage, and I love helping people get there! Here’s what I've experienced interviewing candidates over a decade: Most everybody comes into the room knowing frameworks, having practiced cases with friends or maybe a coach, walking in with their prepared answer for why consulting, why Bain, why LA or Boston, etc. However, from this pool of candidates, those who receive offers stand out, and by a wide margin. They’ve just differentially gotten very comfortable navigating the specific criteria we assess, they show up with real presence, they show up in conversation, and very effectively. There's a parallel here to an actor's audition. There are many, many incredibly talented actors in the world, but many don’t work because they haven’t mastered the audition. The case interview is the audition for an MBB offer. I coach with the eye I brought to interviews when I ran the process at Bain. I'll create as close to a real experience for you as possible and we'll have a chance to debrief and deconstruct the conversation. I'll conclude every session with my specific advice on how to bolster your offer-readiness. I'll tell you why I might pass you on to second round, why I'd be enthusiastically recommending you for hire, or why you might be waitlisted, or just not yet there. I'll tell you exactly what would change the outcome and I'll give you the drills and examples and coaching you need to close the gap wherever it is: case-cracking skills, your impact stories, presence, listening, confidence under pressure. I enjoy working with candidates with all sorts of backgrounds and experience levels. I created and taught a university level busines class “Introduction to Management Consulting” to help candidates outside the usual pipeline break in. I draw on that work to help you creatively and proactively get into the mix and teed up for success, regardless of where you're coming from. I'd love to help you pursue MBB or other strategy career opportunities. If I might support you in any way, please do reach out! It's quite easy to book a free intro call. It's simply exploratory. I'd love to hear your goals, offer my perspective, and support you further if we both feel that would make the right kind of difference for you!
More offerings from Chris
Consulting Resume Build - Recruiting Partner Perspective
Build a compelling, MBB-geared and evidence-based resume (and cover letter) that will maximize your chances of getting an invitation to interview.
$1,499
Master the MBB Case Interview Intensive with a Recruiting Partner
I'll help you understand & master the Bain|MBB interviewing process. How & why we use cases to evaluate your compatibility & likelihood of success as a strategy consultant. In a structured, progressive way, we'll build the skills & confidence you need to bring your best self into that room!
Starting at
$1,995
Mock Case w a Senior Partner Interviewer
I've interviewed over 1,000 MBA, undegrad & industry candidates and oversaw hiring decisions for years at Bain. I'll give you a real case and written feedback post on each element we evaluate and a realistic perspective on how close you are to offer & what you can do to show up more competitively!
$399