In this blog, we share an insightful podcast interview with Shakti, an alumnus of our Management Consulting program at Jobaaj. Shakti, who transitioned into consulting through our training, talks about her educational background, experience with our learning platform, and how it helped her land a role in the competitive world of consulting. Listen to her journey and get a firsthand account of the support and guidance provided by our placement team.

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Podcaster:

Hi, my name is Harshit Gupta. I lead the marketing and operations team here at Jobaaj Group. First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to join us today.

Shakti, to begin, could you brief us about your educational background? Where did you study, what did you study, and what kind of degree and college were you associated with?

Shakti:
So, hi, I'm Shakti. My education trajectory started with a bachelor's degree in psychology. I then pursued a post-graduate degree in Business Psychology from Edinburgh, UK. After that, I returned to India due to the UK job market and worked briefly for about eight months as a corporate trainer in a small firm. There, I worked across three key verticals: marketing, human resources, and even collaborated with the managing director.

Afterward, I realized I wanted to get into strategy consulting. To make the transition, I am currently pursuing a post-graduate diploma in management (PGDM) from Great Lakes Institute of Management via an online program. I have completed one year, and I have one more year left. Alongside, I began taking project management and product management internships and certifications, which eventually led me to Jobaaj's Management Consulting nano degree program. This program helped me break into the consulting field despite not having an MBA background. So that's a bit about my educational journey.

Podcaster:
That's interesting! Now, regarding consulting, many believe that having an MBA from a business school is essential for entering the field. Do you think this is true? Is it compulsory to come from a business school to land a job in consulting? Can someone with no MBA still pursue a career in consulting if they have the right aspirations and preparation?

Shakti:
You're asking if a business school or an MBA is mandatory for consulting, right? I don't think so. Consulting is a broad field, and there are various levels—entry-level positions and experienced consultants. It’s not absolutely necessary to come from a top business school or have an MBA to get into consulting. With the right experience, guidance, and preparation, anyone can break into some of the top consulting firms. So, no, an MBA isn’t a must.

Podcaster:
That’s a great perspective! Moving on to your learning experience, could you share your thoughts on the Jobaaj Management Consulting program? What did you think of the training materials, live sessions, mentors, assignments, and overall structure?

Shakti:
Honestly, all the materials were fantastic, and the live sessions were the highlight for me. The mentors on the platform did an excellent job. I particularly remember Mr. Munsi and Ms. Anna Mitra Munsi. They always started their sessions by sharing essential resources that consulting candidates could use in their preparation. Another mentor, Mr. Mahindra Dark, also delivered sessions that I looked forward to. The live sessions were very engaging, and the mentors were always there to answer our questions and guide us.

The LMS portal was quite useful, though I wouldn’t say it was very user-friendly. However, the content and resources available were top-notch. And I also really enjoyed the Discord server where we could interact directly with the mentors and peers.

Podcaster:
That's great to hear! We’ve actually made a lot of improvements to the portal recently. It’s now more advanced and user-friendly. I think you’d like it if you check it out.

Shakti:
That sounds amazing! I’ll definitely check it out.

Podcaster:
Awesome! So, Shakti, if someone is considering a career in management consulting but doesn’t have an MBA or a formal business background, would you recommend Jobaaj’s learning program to them?

Shakti:
Absolutely! One of the things I loved about Jobaaj is the access we had to mentors. It wasn’t just about watching recorded sessions; we had real-time interactions with industry professionals. Mentors like Mr. Munsi, Ms. Nandini, and others were always available on the Discord server for direct conversations, which is a huge advantage. I also attended a product management session with Mr. Bajaj, which was extremely insightful. The fact that the mentors shared their LinkedIn details at the end of the sessions, inviting students to connect, made a significant impact. They were open to offering guidance whenever possible, despite their busy schedules.

So, yes, I highly recommend this program for anyone serious about breaking into consulting, regardless of their background. It offers real exposure to real-life consultants and prepares you for the industry in a very practical way.

Podcaster:
I’m glad to hear that! Lastly, could you share your experience with the placement team? How was the support you received during your job search?

Shakti:
The placement team was very realistic and supportive. They were open to feedback and made sure to guide me based on my career aspirations. They didn’t sugarcoat anything and were clear about what to expect. I had some specific directions regarding my job search, and they were very receptive to those. I had some detailed conversations with Vishakha, who was extremely helpful in understanding my goals and providing useful advice. Overall, the experience was great, and I felt well-supported throughout the process.

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Don’t miss the full conversation—watch the podcast now and get inspired by Shakti’s journey!

 

General interview questions answered by Shakti during her selection process

How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects with tight deadlines?

Sample Answer: I always start by assessing the urgency and impact of each task. I break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and prioritize based on deadlines and client needs. I also ensure regular communication with my team and clients to manage expectations. If necessary, I am not hesitant to delegate tasks to ensure the timely completion of projects.

Can you provide an example of a time when you worked in a team to overcome a significant challenge?

Sample Answer: During my internship as a corporate trainer, I worked with a diverse team to improve internal communication within a small firm. The challenge was a lack of coordination between different departments, which affected overall productivity. I helped facilitate regular meetings and open communication channels, resulting in a more collaborative work environment and improved team performance.

What do you think is the most important trait for a successful consultant?

Sample Answer: The most important trait for a successful consultant is adaptability. Consulting requires quick thinking and the ability to adjust strategies as situations evolve. Consultants must also be strong communicators, able to manage client relationships effectively while providing actionable recommendations. Additionally, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are key to identifying innovative solutions for clients.

How did you find the Jobaaj Management Consulting program? What were the most valuable aspects of it?

Sample Answer: The Jobaaj Management Consulting program was extremely valuable. The live sessions with industry experts were particularly beneficial, as they allowed for direct interaction and real-time problem-solving. The practical approach to learning, including case studies and real-world scenarios, was crucial in preparing me for a consulting role. The access to mentors was also an invaluable resource, offering guidance and feedback throughout the program.

How do you approach client problems when you don't have all the information or data?

Sample Answer: When I don't have all the data, I rely on a structured approach. First, I clarify the problem by asking targeted questions to gather as much relevant information as possible. Then, I apply my knowledge and experience to develop hypotheses and test them with available data. If necessary, I also collaborate with the client to gather additional information or conduct further research to ensure the solution is based on the best possible insights.