I’m 16 and from Serbia, finishing up high school right now. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what comes next and I really want to get into Bocconi University in Italy.
Consulting keeps coming up as something I might want to do. From what I’ve heard, it’s pretty demanding and super competitive, but the money and mental challenge seem worth it. I really like solving problems, thinking about strategy, and being in fast-paced situations.
Since I’m just starting to figure this stuff out, I really want to hear from people who actually do this work or used to do it.
Why did you pick consulting in the first place?
Is it actually good as a long-term thing?
What do people get wrong about it?
Any tips for someone my age who wants to eventually break into this field?
I’d really appreciate anyone taking the time to respond. Each answer helps me understand better what I should be working toward and how to get ready for it.
consulting wrecks ur work-life balance, trust me. did 3 yrs at McKinsey then jumped to tech. u’ll learn a lot but burnout is serious - most peeps leave after 2-3 yrs. bocconi’s solid choice tho, they do recruit there. just forget a social life for the first few years.
Consulting’s a perfect match for you! You’ll get tons of problem-solving and strategy work. Bocconi’s got incredible connections too. Work on your mental math and keep up with business news - you’re way ahead of the game at 16!
I’ve done both consulting and industry work, so here’s my take. Consulting is an amazing way to fast-track your career, especially in your early twenties. You’ll see tons of different business problems across industries in months instead of years. The analytical and communication skills you build are incredibly valuable down the road.
Here’s the thing though - consulting works better as a stepping stone than a forever job. The constant travel, demanding clients, and project lifestyle gets old fast after a few years. But the exit opportunities are fantastic. Most ex-consultants land senior roles in corporate strategy, private equity, or executive positions.
Since you’re still in school, focus hard on quantitative skills - especially stats and financial modeling. Get good at quickly breaking down complex info and presenting it clearly. Once you hit university, definitely do case competitions. They’re basically identical to consulting interviews and the actual work.
I stumbled into consulting after my MBA and stuck around for 6 years. The biggest surprise wasn’t the brutal hours - everyone tells you about those. It’s how you become this jack-of-all-trades problem-solver instead of getting deep expertise in anything. Double-edged sword there - keeps work interesting but you never really master a domain. Travel looks cool until you’re choking down airport food three times a week. The upside? You’ll work with some crazy smart people and pick up problem-solving skills that work everywhere. Just kiss your hobbies goodbye for a few years.