Need you to help me, urgent!
I don't know if anyone has faced this in their early 20s ( hope I'm not alone) but I cannot sleep at night thinking whether I'm wasting my life. I'm in a stable job, that pays really bad, but is stable. I'm constantly overlooked, I feel like I can do more with my life. I want to change the bad name that gen-zs have in the work world. I've always growing up wanted to be a consultant. By growing up I mean in the last 2 years. Have that consulting life - work 12-14 hours a day, travel around the world, solve problems and make a boat load of money. I come for a very middle class family with both my siblings depending on me for their education, so i believe wanting to earn money and working hard should come naturally to me. It does. I work in fashion retail and i come from a mathematics & comp science background and still got an exceeds expectations on my performance review. I feel I can do more. I know I can work like a dog, I know I can learn a lot more, I know I can help solve problems, I know I can make a difference. Please if anyone works in the big 3 consulting firms- McKinsey, BCG & Bain , kindly help a younger brother out. Just hear me out for 5 mins, trust me I'll make it worth your time, I'll get you coffee from your favourite place cause that's all I can afford now, but surely a good meal and a prayer everyday to God for your well-being, if you just take a chance on me.
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Reframe Your Current Role Highlight problem-solving, analytics (math/CS), and leadership wins (e.g., “Boosted sales by X% via data strategy”). Lead a high-impact project (inventory/CRM optimization).
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Network Relentlessly Cold-message McKinsey/BCG/Bain consultants on LinkedIn (alumni first). Offer virtual coffee chats; emphasize your tech-savvy Gen-Z edge.
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Resume Fix Quantify achievements (metrics > duties). Add skills: Excel, Python, Agile.
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Grind Case Interviews Practice daily (free cases on CaseInterview.com). Master frameworks but stay flexible.
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Target Tech Consulting With your CS background, apply to McKinsey Digital, BCG Gamma, or Bain Vector—they blend tech + business.
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Entry Routes Apply as an experienced hire (2–3 years’ work) or aim for smaller firms (LEK, Kearney) as a stepping stone.
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Counter Stereotypes In interviews: “I thrive under pressure—my retail role required balancing urgent tasks and long-term goals, just like consulting.”
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Free Certs Add Google Analytics/Coursera courses (e.g., Wharton’s Business Foundations) to stand out.
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Stay Persistent Expect rejections; refine with feedback. One “yes” is enough.
Payoff: Use your first consulting paycheck to mentor the next Gen-Zer. You’ve got this. 👊
Honestly this means the world to me. But assuming not having an MBA is not a big deal?
Calm down, Sleep early in the nights, you'll not be filled with these thoughts. I would also suggest you to have a plan and work for it. Dont stress yourself so much just working every hour without a plan. Also in these cases put your YOE and skill sets for anyone to respond with open positions. Use linkedIn, reach out to people with proper pitch. This post will just go down in a few days and nobody cares after that. So, use other sources i would say.
+1
Sure thanks, appreciate the help. Was having a really bad day last night
