Introduction
Experiential Academy (XPA) connects management students/recent grads with real businesses for mentored, 1:1 consulting projects. Our goal is to integrate talented students and graduates into the professional market.
Recently, we hosted a webinar with Balaji, one of the XPA graduates who successfully transitioned into consulting after completing multiple projects through Experiential Academy. His journey offers powerful lessons for anyone aspiring to enter the professional job market and management consulting.
Here are some practical insights and the “consulting checklist” based on his journey and our experience that you can use in your next consulting project.
Management Consulting
Consultants thrive by diagnosing problems, co-creating solutions, and implementing change. If you enjoy problem-solving and learning across industries, consulting offers a career where no two days are the same. Management consulting is not just about applying frameworks; it’s about solving problems and managing change. As Balaji mentioned, in today’s dynamic business environment, traditional frameworks often fail unless they’re contextualised for the client’s unique situation.
In our mentorship sessions, we help you choose the right frameworks for the client and apply their specific situation. Additionally, the “Knowledge in Action” series enables you to understand how certain academic frameworks can be implemented in a real-world SME challenge and provide practical recommendations for the client.
The Success Framework for Consulting Projects
Before Client Engagement
- Research deeply: Understand the company, its leadership, and competitors.
- Master the art of asking questions: Needs analysis is the foundation of every successful project. Prepare questions that you want to ask in your first meeting(s). Asking the right questions builds trust and helps scope the project accurately.
We mentor you on scoping and client engagement— join our next project to practice these skills.
During the Project
- Co-create solutions: Work with the client: draft, iterate, and validate with them rather than handing over a “final” document without buy-in. Co-creation helps with change management and positions you as a professional. (Yes! That’s the secret for referrals.)
- Stay adaptable: Learn new tools and frameworks as needed. Balaji shared how he learned Zoho CRM mid-project to deliver beyond expectations.
- Under-promise, over-deliver: Delight your client and open doors for future opportunities.
Our mentors guide you through real projects so you can exceed expectations confidently.
Networking and Employment
- Network with a value deposit
As Balaji mentioned, in any networking opportunity, make sure you are adding value before asking for support or ending the interaction. In the XPA manifesto, Value Creation is one of the main pillars. We aim to provide value in any interaction; students add value to the business client, and our business partners add value to the student journey. Because we’ve seen the impact of adding value to our businesses and students’ success.
- Build a professional portfolio:
A portfolio is proof of your experience and expertise. If you’ve been referred for a role, which you will just like Balaji, it changes interviews completely. Balaji’s portfolio made interviewers throw out their prepared questions and focus on his work.
- Consider the timeline
There is a misconception that if I’m connected with someone on LinkedIn or have met them once, they can offer me a job. The reality is that building a meaningful professional relationship takes time, it requires effort and on top of that, value creation. So, the earlier you start, the shorter the time you need to spend post-graduation.
Final Thoughts
Consulting is about mindset: problem-solving, adaptability, and value creation. Start today and gain hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and nurture your network. These steps will set you apart in a competitive market.
Watch the Webinar Recording