CrysPhys said:
@ateixeira . To help you kickstart your effort, the American Physical Society (APS) has some material discussing career options for physicists as consultants. See, e.g.,
https://www.aps.org/careers/physicists/consultant.cfm. I also recall an article in APS News written by a physicist working at Boston Consulting. Maybe also a video on the APS careers website.
I earned a degree called Licenciatura in Physics from Portugal; it's an old program that's not offered anymore. After that, I spent some time teaching, then took a leap into strategic consulting, did a bit in finance, circled back to consulting, and now I'm trying to dive back into physics. It's been quite a rollercoaster!
Now, here's why I believe strategic consulting could be a great fit for physics enthusiasts who love theoretical and mathematical physics, as opposed to heading into data or quant jobs.
In strategic consulting, our job is to help companies tackle tough questions like how to grow, what products to make, or where to invest. It's a lot like physics in the sense that we take complex problems, break them down, and find the best solutions.
At the top of the consulting hierarchy are MBB – McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. These are dream jobs for many. They don't just create impressive presentations; they get hands-on with data analysis, even working on projects involving AI. For instance, McKinsey might help a tech company develop a new product strategy, or Bain might assist a retail business in expanding its market.
There are other consulting firms, too, like Oliver Wyman, Strategy&, and Roland Berger. These are smaller than MBB but still excel in specific areas. For example, Oliver Wyman might focus on transportation and logistics strategy, helping companies optimize their supply chains.
Now, let's talk about the Big Four – Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. These companies are mainly known for auditing, which involves checking a company's financial books. Auditing ensures accuracy and compliance. However, they also delve into consulting. While it might not be as prestigious as MBB, it's still significant. For instance, PwC might help a healthcare company with its overall business strategy.
Auditing, in a nutshell, is about verifying financial information, making sure everything adds up and follows regulations. It's different from strategic consulting, which is about guiding a company's overall direction and decision-making.
Moving on to the similarities between theoretical physics and strategic consulting, there are quite a few. Both fields rely on conceptual frameworks, a top-down approach, and being hypothesis-driven. In physics, you might build a theoretical framework to explain a phenomenon; in consulting, you construct frameworks to analyze business problems. The top-down approach involves starting with the big picture and then breaking it down into manageable parts, much like how physicists approach complex theories.
Now, the hiring process. Getting into these consulting firms isn't easy, but it's doable. Books like "Case in Point" and "The McKinsey Way" can help you prepare for case interviews. Networking is crucial – attend events, connect with professionals, and join online forums. Extra-curricular activities, especially those showcasing measurable impact, stand out. Think about leading a project or initiative that makes a tangible difference.
In summary, if you're a physics grad considering a path beyond labs and research, strategic consulting offers challenges and excitement. It's a place where your analytical skills can shine, and you might discover a passion you didn't expect.