Madhur Agarwal’s Post

IS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FOR YOU? WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS? Although I love my job at Nova Talent and entrepreneurship is clearly my thing, I don’t think I could have had a better school than Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Management Consulting to be able to launch Nova. So, if like I did when I was finishing uni, you are wondering whether or not you should apply to #ManagementConsulting, here are my thoughts on the pros and cons. 👍 What are the #advantages? 1️⃣ You learn a lot. For real. MC firms have no other asset than talented people they sell (at a very expensive rate) to their clients. Thus, they are among the ones which invest more in your development. 2️⃣ You surround yourself by great people. This is probably one of the most important things. You will be surrounded by excellent peers and bosses from whom you can learn and who typically similar in age and interests, so you will also make a lot of friends. BCGers occupied 2 tables in my wedding. 3️⃣ You won’t get bored. The fast pace and project-based structure lets you learn from different industries and functions, and change teams often. 4️⃣ You will get a good salary and a clear career path. Salaries are relatively high and grow fast as you progress in your career. 5️⃣ You will get a lot of opportunities. Every career choice reduces what you can do next, but Consulting is clearly one of the paths which offers more potential “next steps”: entrepreneurship, strategy roles at corporates, PE / VC (harder though than if you do IB), leadership roles in startups … 👎 What are the #downsides? 1️⃣ You do need to work hard. Although flexibility and work-life balance are improving, you need to be ready to work hard (all those learnings come from this hard work) 2️⃣ You will typically be far from implementation. Consultants work hard on making recommendations, but they rarely get the opportunity to fully implement and iterate projects and initiatives, own a P&L, etc. 💥 If you want to join MC, you should invest in preparing for interviews and apply early in the school year, ideally in SEPTEMBER. Unfortunately, MC processes do not only measure your “raw talent”, but expect you to be able to abide to a certain methodology where practice makes perfect. 🌟 Thus, if you are planning apply to MC to join in 2025 (internship or full-time), you should be joining Nebula’s #BreakIntoManagmentConsulting Program 7th edition starting in March. ⚖ I know there are other providers. If you are comparing against other initiatives, ask them how many people have they actually placed at MBB (and check the price - this preparation does not need to cost thousands of 💶). Our numbers speak for themselves: 75% of students applying get a MC job within months, and +50% of those in MBB. 👉 Our next batch will close applications on Friday - apply before we run out of spots!

"My current job is shitty, but I can't leave it without another offer in hand!" Recently, I met an associate partner-level MBB consultant who was extremely hesitant to leave his high-paying consulting job, take a break, and figure out his next move, despite having savings worth a couple of decades’ worth of expenses. He was feeling miserable in his current job and was settling for something far below his potential due to this fear. On the other hand, throughout my 10 years in the startup ecosystem, I have seen exceptional individuals who were able to quit their full-time jobs, join as interns for a role switch, or transition from services to a product company. Some went on to become Head of Product from being interns in just 3 years, while others built startups generating over $10 million in annual revenue. Most of them had only 2-3 months’ worth of survival savings and did not come from MBBs or Stanfords of the world. This clearly shows that taking risks is a matter of mindset and skill set, and it is highly underrated. No degree of pedigree, fancy job, or millions of dollars in savings can automatically enable someone to take calculated risks. Embracing the ability to take calculated risks can open doors you may have never even considered before. Do you know anyone who went from being an underdog to being the main character of their life? Tag them and remind them how amazing they are! #calculatedrisks #riskandreward #mindsetmatters

🎓 Choosing Your Path: Big vs. Small Companies After Graduation 🎓 As you embark on your post-graduation journey, one of the key decisions you'll face is whether to target big corporations or small companies for your first job. Both options offer unique opportunities and considerations: Big Companies: 1. Brand Recognition: Big companies often have established brands and reputations, which can provide a strong foundation for your career and enhance your professional credibility. 2. Structured Programs: Many large corporations offer structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development paths, providing a structured framework for growth and advancement. 3. Resources and Benefits: Big companies typically have ample resources, including robust benefits packages, access to advanced technologies, and opportunities for travel or international assignments. 4. Networking Opportunities: Working in a big company exposes you to a diverse network of professionals, industry leaders, and potential mentors, expanding your professional network and learning opportunities. Small Companies: 1. Entrepreneurial Experience: Small companies offer a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment, allowing you to wear multiple hats, take on diverse responsibilities, and make a tangible impact on the organization's growth. 2. Learning Agility: In small companies, you may have more opportunities to learn quickly, adapt to changing environments, and gain hands-on experience across various areas of the business. 3. Visibility and Recognition: Your contributions in a small company are often more visible, leading to faster recognition, opportunities for leadership roles, and a deeper understanding of business operations. 4. Innovative Culture: Small companies are often more agile and innovative, encouraging creativity, initiative, and the exploration of new ideas and strategies. Ultimately, the choice between big and small companies depends on your career goals, personal preferences, and desired work environment. Consider factors such as company culture, growth opportunities, learning experiences, and alignment with your values and aspirations. Whether you choose to start your career in a big corporation or a small company, each path offers valuable lessons, growth potential, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to your chosen industry. . . . #CareerPath #BigCompanies #SmallBusiness #ProfessionalDevelopment #EntrepreneurialSpirit #LearningOpportunities #CareerGrowth #CompanyCulture #CareerAdvice #CareerDecisions #GraduateJobs #CorporateCulture #ProfessionalExperience #CareerPathways #JobOpportunities #EmploymentChoices #WorkEnvironment #JobSearchTips #CorporateGrowth #SmallBusinessCulture #CareerGoals #LearningCurve #EntrepreneurialMindset #JobMarketInsights #CareerDevelopment #IndustryInsights

🌟 The Real Responsibility in Entrepreneurship & Employment 🌟 Entrepreneurship is a journey of highs, lows, and unexpected turns. Recently, I learned a valuable lesson about responsibility, both for leaders and for team members, that I want to share with everyone, especially those early in their careers. Here's what happened: we brought on a new, talented intern with a lot of potential. Excited by their enthusiasm, we gave them freedom and space to showcase their skills. But we soon learned that, without the right checks in place, it’s easy to miss critical deliverables. A missed deadline cost us nearly 5 lakh rupees. While it's tempting to place blame, this experience showed me something far more important: as management, we must ensure every team member demonstrates consistent results before relying solely on their effort or enthusiasm. For Employees: If you're a new joiner or intern, understand that any "toxic" environment is not necessarily one that holds you accountable—it's often one that doesn’t. Mistakes impact everyone, from the owners to your colleagues, to their families. Your job is part of an economic ecosystem that affects many lives, including school fees, daily expenses, and other real commitments. Effort is valuable, but business requires results. To Employees Facing Difficulties in Your Role: Communicate - If you find issues or face challenges, speak up. Address concerns with your employer directly. You have a right to express discomfort or misalignment in your role. Take Accountability - Whatever the work is, if you choose to stay, take it seriously. You are contributing to a larger mission. Respect the Collective Effort - Understand that this job sustains many lives beyond your own. If not for the employer, consider the wellbeing of your coworkers. For Management & Leadership: This experience reminded me that as leaders, we need to balance optimism with responsibility. A new team member may show great promise, but that should never replace oversight or accountability. Every role has an impact, and it’s our duty to create a work culture where responsibility is embraced by everyone. Every job, every project, every deadline we meet is about more than just numbers; it’s about supporting each other, our families, and our shared futures. If you choose to work, do it with purpose and responsibility. This isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to something larger. Persperence Envision Infosys Microsoft Google #entrepreneurship

Diary of a failure - 1. Took 2 attempts to get into my dream MBA college 2. Took 2 attempts to get into KPMG India 3. Took 2 days to get placed in summer placements 4. Took 9 months to stabilise my startup revenues 5. Still not able to find a stable corporate career Many would have done all this in their first attempt. Everyone has a unique journey. Focus on yours. Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. Failing is ok but quitting the journey isn't. Hope you find your successful corporate job at Jetup #failure #success #motivation #startup

Today marks a year since I was laid off from McKinsey. Seems like a lifetime ago. I was fortunate to have a severance that gave me time to reflect on what I wanted to do next rather than jumping into the next job. I considered many opportunities – going back to higher ed or consulting being chief among them. I had intriguing conversations with folks across diverse industries – private equity, sustainability, healthcare, manufacturing. But none really moved me beyond the possibility of another job. For my next career chapter, I wanted something more than a recognizable brand, a big paycheck or a senior title. I wanted to do something that would be challenging, meaningful and enable me to create harmony in my work and life. Striking out on my own wasn’t initially on my radar. That seemed more challenging than finding another job. It took a lot of deep reflection, getting over my fears, and just doing it. It felt like jumping off a cliff into deep waters, not knowing how to swim and hoping that I’ll come back up. Now I’m swimming! Later this week I’ll share what I’ve learned from 6 months of starting my own gig. But today, I want to focus on how to discover what meaningful work might look like for you: 🔹 Reflect on Moments of Flow: Think about when you’ve felt most alive at work. What were you doing? These moments are clues about what you’re passionate about. 🔹 Define Your Core Values: What matters most to you? (be honest with yourself; skip the “shoulds”). Working in alignment with these values is key to fulfillment. 🔹 Imagine Your Ideal Role: Look beyond job titles. Picture a day where you feel productive, happy, and fulfilled. What does that look like? Who are you impacting? This vision can guide your career decisions. Feeling stuck in your current role? Reflect on how your current job aligns with insights from your reflection. Even small changes, like seeking new projects or changing how you work, can enrich your job’s value. If you’ve been laid off, use this transition period to cast a wider net. Consider fields and roles that you hadn’t considered before. This could be the time to pivot towards something more closely aligned with your values and passions. Every career challenge is a chance to refine what you really want from work. My leap into solopreneurship has been nothing short of transformative. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, and led me to work that resonates deeply with my values and aspirations. If you find yourself needing help with your reflection and plotting a path forward, a coach can help. #CareerReflection #FindingPurpose #CareerChange

What makes you stick at one job for 10+ years? Learning. I met Pramil Govil, who is working as a Director at Bain & Company, overseeing strategic initiatives, and leading an analytics CoE. His role entails working with senior leaders at Bain and supporting the CEO, COO and CFO office with analytics for decision making. We discussed a lot of things and he gave me some valuable advice on Consulting, Switching Jobs, Startups etc. 1. Coachability, receptiveness to feedback, a gratitude-driven mindset, teamwork ability, problem-solving skills, and structural thinking are essential for success in a consulting role. Interestingly, these non-technical skills are not dependent on your college or degree. 2. If you’re considering switching jobs and have an offer in hand, think about the apprehensions you might face a few months after switching. If those concerns are more daunting than your current role, don’t make the switch. 3. Working in startups early in your career is like investing in stocks (high risk), whereas working with established brands is like investing in mutual funds, which is less risky. Work with a brand, accumulate capital, be in a position to take risks, and then consider joining a startup. It’s rightly said, Invest in your skills and mindset early, and the dividends will pay off throughout your career. #Consulting

My latest blog post, this one on the topic of the importance of considering exit opportunities even before you start your career in consulting https://lnkd.in/eAyvQTfg

“Why Are Fresh Grads Afraid to Dive into Consulting, Startups, or Agencies?” 🚀💼 As I talk to fresh graduates about their career paths, one recurring theme stands out: many of them hesitate to join consulting firms, startups, or agencies. With so many unique opportunities in these fields, what’s holding them back? Here’s what I’ve uncovered 👇 💥 The Challenge of Intensity & Pressure: For many, the idea of entering a high-stakes environment where they’re expected to juggle multiple roles, adapt quickly, and deliver results can feel overwhelming. Consulting, startups, and agencies are known for their fast pace, and the need to constantly be “on” can be intimidating for someone just starting out. ⏰ Work-Life Balance Concerns: The narrative around work-life balance in these industries often leans towards long hours and constant availability. Fresh grads worry they’ll be giving up personal time or hobbies in exchange for career growth, which can make these options feel less appealing. 📈 Performance-Driven Culture: Unlike some traditional fields, where there may be time to “learn on the job,” consulting, startups, and agencies are built on measurable impact. There’s an expectation to bring value quickly, and the pressure to perform can feel daunting. Many graduates fear that they might not have the skills or confidence to meet these demands right out of college. However, I’d argue that these challenges are exactly what make these roles so valuable. The steep learning curve means that fresh graduates gain hands-on experience and insights that can take years to acquire in other settings. They build resilience, adaptability, and a wide range of skills — from strategic thinking to project management. 🚀 For those who embrace this environment, the rewards are enormous. The exposure to diverse clients and projects, the ability to make real contributions, and the rapid career growth are benefits that can define their professional paths for years to come. So, to all the fresh grads out there who might be hesitant — remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Don’t let fear hold you back from roles that can fast-track your career, teach you invaluable skills, and open doors to new possibilities. Embrace the journey and trust the process! 💪✨ #CareerJourney #FreshGraduates #ConsultingCareers #StartupLife #AgencyLife #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerAdvice #FutureLeaders #NewBeginnings #EmbraceTheChallenge

During my time at B-school, three terms were frequently used: "explorer," "transitioner," and "accelerator." These labels described the type of career pivot one aimed for post-MBA. The notorious "triple jump" often intimidates MBA students. While these categories have some truth, I've always found a continuous thread linking my past experiences to my current endeavors. Despite several career shifts in a relatively short span, there has been a consistent connection between each transition. In college, I volunteered with various NGOs, sparking my interest in understanding grassroots socio-economic issues. To deepen this understanding, I joined the Young India Fellowship and volunteered part-time at an Education Foundation. This experience led to my first consulting job at E&Y, where I worked on an Ed-tech report and became intrigued by VCs. This fascination led to an internship at an early-stage fund, where I gained further insights into private equity funds and learned about top-down versus bottom-up market sizing - knowledge that proved invaluable when interviewing at Bain Capability Network (BCN). At BCN, I worked with private equity clients, and my two years there made me realize my desire to transition to front-end consulting. To expedite this shift, I pursued an MBA. The skills I honed at BCN, especially in building Excel models, were invaluable during my first client project at Efficio Consulting. I can identify numerous other such connections and continue to add to the list. Experiences may vary, but skills and knowledge are always transferable. This transferability is exactly what bridges one transition to the next.