Just an observation

It seems to me that recruiting in the way the Big 5 do (i.e. through looking at grades at GCSE and A Level and harvesting the old boy universities) makes for a very homogeneous workforce. In an industry where individuality and creative thinking are valued so highly, is it good business to work in a project team with three other Oxbridge grads? Yes, they are intellectually sound and have been since A level. However, people develop at different rates. Surely someone who has relevant experience and is known to be excellent at their job should not be discounted because they enjoyed life before they were 18. Am I missing something here or, maybe I'm just bitter!?? I'd be interested to hear comments.

Kev - think it is a case that consultancies as a whole recruit the types of candidates whose CVs look good in sales proposals to clients. Clients paying often upwards of £1000 per day for each consultants services are more reassured to see they are paying for the services of someone with a top MBA of university background. So consulting firms' preferences for this type of candidate is simply a reflection of what consulting firms' clients demand from them in turn.<br><br>Doesn't make it any easier to get in if you don't have this background, but hope this at least sheds some light on the decision process? Rgds, Tony

I completely understand what you are talking about. I dont have particularly good academic qualifications (2.2 Mechanical engineering with business, Manchester university), but i have a highly numerate degree, i have held many positions of responsibility, from which i have drawn a wealth of experience. my work experiences so far has been healthy enough. i am also doing a masters degree in Entrepreneurial management at Nottingham University..........but i cant seem to get an interview for any of the consultancy companies! its a shame because it shows that their Recruitment principles are still very narrow