The Networking Playbook: How to Build Connections That Launch Consulting Careers
The relationship-building strategies that helped thousands of candidates break into McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top consulting firms.
Here's a truth most candidates don't want to hear: networking determines consulting recruiting success more than your GPA, test scores, or even case interview performance.
Consider this: the average consulting candidate applies to 5-10 firms. The average successful candidate has personal connections at 3-4 of those firms before they even apply.
Networking isn't about "knowing someone." It's about building relationships that create opportunities, provide insider insights, and generate referrals that move your application to the top of the pile.
The candidates who get offers aren't necessarily the smartest—they're the ones who understood that consulting is a relationship business from day one.
The Networking Psychology That Works
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Wrong approach: "I need to network to get a job" Right approach: "I want to learn from people doing work that excites me"
Wrong approach: "What can this person do for me?" Right approach: "How can I add value to this person's day?"
Wrong approach: "I need to collect as many contacts as possible" Right approach: "I want to build meaningful relationships with people I genuinely respect"
This isn't just about being nice—it's about effectiveness. People help people they like and trust. And people like and trust those who are genuinely interested in them and their work.
The Long-term Relationship Strategy
The best networkers think in years, not months. They build relationships because they're interested in the industry, not just because they need a job.
This approach works because:
- It's authentic and sustainable
- It creates mutual value over time
- It builds trust and credibility
- It generates unsolicited opportunities
- It survives job changes and career transitions
The Strategic Networking Framework
The Target Audience Hierarchy
Tier 1: Your Best Bets
- Recent alumni from your school (2-5 years out)
- Current consultants at your target level + 1-2 levels
- Professionals in your desired practice area or industry focus
Tier 2: Secondary Targets
- Alumni in related fields (private equity, corporate strategy)
- Industry professionals who work with consultants
- Professors with consulting backgrounds
Tier 3: Reach Targets
- Senior partners and principals
- Recruiting coordinators and HR professionals
- Consultants at different firms for market intelligence
Key insight: Start with Tier 1. These people are most likely to respond, relate to your situation, and have actionable advice.
The Research Process That Gets Responses
Before reaching out, spend 10-15 minutes researching:
- Their background and career path
- Current role and recent projects (check their LinkedIn posts)
- Common connections or shared experiences
- Recent firm news or industry developments they might be involved in
The goal: Find genuine connection points and demonstrate that you've done your homework.
The Multi-Channel Outreach Strategy
LinkedIn: Your primary channel (70% of outreach) Email: If you have their address (20% of outreach) Alumni networks: Through school databases (10% of outreach) Professional events: In-person opportunities (ongoing) Referrals: Through mutual connections (most effective when available)
Effective Outreach Messages
LinkedIn Message Template
Subject: Seeking insights from your consulting experience
Hi [Name],
I hope you're doing well! I'm a [year] [degree] student at [school] interested in pursuing a career in consulting, particularly in [specific area]. I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience at [firm], especially your work in [specific project or area].
I'd love to learn more about your journey into consulting and gain insights into the [specific team/practice]. Would you be open to a brief 15-20 minute call in the coming weeks? I'm happy to work around your schedule.
I understand you're likely quite busy, so I truly appreciate any time you can spare.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Email Follow-up Template
Subject: Following up on LinkedIn - [Your name], [School] student
Hi [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I reached out on LinkedIn last week regarding your experience at [firm]. I understand you receive many requests like this, so I wanted to follow up with a bit more context about why I'm specifically interested in speaking with you.
[Include 1-2 specific reasons why you want to speak with them specifically]
I'd be grateful for just 15-20 minutes of your time for a brief call. I'm happy to work around your schedule and can provide questions in advance if helpful.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
[Your name]
[Your contact information]
Networking Channels
1. LinkedIn
Best practices:
- Send connection requests with personalized messages
- Engage with their content before reaching out
- Use mutual connections for warm introductions
- Keep messages concise and specific
2. Alumni Networks
Leverage school connections:
- Use alumni database to find consultants
- Mention shared school experiences
- Attend alumni events and networking sessions
- Ask career services for introductions
3. Professional Events
Types of events to attend:
- Consulting club events
- Industry conferences
- Career fairs
- Networking mixers
- Firm-sponsored events
4. Informational Interviews
Structure for success:
- Prepare 8-10 thoughtful questions
- Keep it to 20-30 minutes
- Focus on learning, not selling
- Always follow up with a thank you
Sample Informational Interview Questions
Career Journey
- "What initially drew you to consulting?"
- "How did you navigate the recruiting process?"
- "What surprised you most about the job?"
Day-to-Day Work
- "What does a typical week look like for you?"
- "What types of projects do you find most rewarding?"
- "How do you balance multiple client demands?"
Advice and Insights
- "What skills are most important for success in consulting?"
- "How has the industry changed since you started?"
- "What would you do differently if you were starting over?"
- "What advice would you give to someone in my position?"
Building Your Network
Tracking System
Create a spreadsheet to track:
- Contact information
- Firm and role
- Date of last interaction
- Key insights shared
- Follow-up actions needed
Relationship Maintenance
- Send periodic updates on your progress
- Share relevant articles or insights
- Congratulate them on promotions or achievements
- Offer help when opportunities arise
Converting Networking to Opportunities
Referral Process
When you're ready to apply:
- Inform your contacts about your application timeline
- Request referrals from your strongest connections
- Provide materials (resume, cover letter) for their reference
- Follow up appropriately without being pushy
Referral Request Template
Subject: Referral request for [Position] at [Firm]
Hi [Name],
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to update you on my consulting recruiting journey. Thanks to our conversation about [specific topic], I've been focusing on [specific area/skill development].
I'm planning to apply for [specific position] at [firm] for the [recruiting cycle]. Given your insights about the firm and role, I was wondering if you'd be comfortable providing a referral or connecting me with someone on the recruiting team?
I've attached my resume for your reference, and I'm happy to provide any additional information that might be helpful.
Thank you again for all your guidance throughout this process.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Networking Don'ts
Avoid These Mistakes
- Generic mass messages - Always personalize
- Immediate job requests - Build relationships first
- Poor follow-up - Always send thank you notes
- Oversharing - Keep initial conversations professional
- Neglecting your network - Maintain relationships over time
Networking for Different Backgrounds
For MBA Students
- Leverage career services resources
- Attend school-sponsored consulting events
- Connect with second-year students
- Use alumni networks extensively
For Undergraduates
- Start early (sophomore/junior year)
- Focus on recent graduates
- Attend career fairs and info sessions
- Join consulting clubs and case competitions
For Experienced Professionals
- Highlight relevant industry experience
- Focus on lateral entry opportunities
- Emphasize client relationship skills
- Network with industry-specific consultants
Measuring Networking Success
Key Metrics
- Response rate to outreach messages
- Number of meaningful conversations per month
- Quality of insights gained
- Referrals received during application process
- Interview conversion rate
Continuous Improvement
- Track what messaging works best
- Refine your approach based on feedback
- Expand your network systematically
- Maintain relationships over time
Remember: Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Start early, be authentic, and focus on building genuine relationships. The best networkers are those who approach it with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn from others.
Once you've built your network, you'll need to excel in the interview process. Our behavioral interview guide will help you tell compelling stories that showcase your leadership potential, and our firm comparison guide will help you understand the cultural differences between top firms.
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