u/sane_MWM

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in a chemistry background (still in college), but I’ve recently gotten really interested in strategy consulting and commercial due diligence. Not gonna lie, I didn’t even know this field existed properly until a few weeks ago, and now I’m kind of hooked on it. But I’m a bit stuck/confused and wanted honest opinions from people already in this space. Here’s my situation:

I don’t come from a business/econ background

I’m trying to self-learn things like finance basics, Excel, case studies, etc.

I still have around 1–2 years before I actually apply for jobs

I’m trying to build skills + projects on my own alongside college What I’m trying to figure out:

Is it actually realistic to break into strategy consulting without an MBA/business degree?

What matters more in hiring: degree or skills + case interview performance?

What should I focus on most if I only have limited time (cases, finance, networking, internships?)

For people who switched fields, what actually worked for you? Also if anyone here has gone into firms like McKinsey / BCG / Bain / Big 4 strategy / boutique consulting, I’d really appreciate hearing how you got there. I’m not expecting an easy path, just trying to understand what’s actually possible vs what’s just internet advice.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in a chemistry background (still in college), but I’ve recently gotten really interested in strategy consulting and commercial due diligence. Not gonna lie, I didn’t even know this field existed properly until a few weeks ago, and now I’m kind of hooked on it. But I’m a bit stuck/confused and wanted honest opinions from people already in this space. Here’s my situation:

I don’t come from a business/econ background

I’m trying to self-learn things like finance basics, Excel, case studies, etc.

I still have around 1–2 years before I actually apply for jobs

I’m trying to build skills + projects on my own alongside college What I’m trying to figure out:

Is it actually realistic to break into strategy consulting without an MBA/business degree?

What matters more in hiring: degree or skills + case interview performance?

What should I focus on most if I only have limited time (cases, finance, networking, internships?)

For people who switched fields, what actually worked for you? Also if anyone here has gone into firms like McKinsey / BCG / Bain / Big 4 strategy / boutique consulting, I’d really appreciate hearing how you got there. I’m not expecting an easy path, just trying to understand what’s actually possible vs what’s just internet advice. Any honest advice (even if it’s discouraging) is welcome.

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently become interested in learning about strategy roles in business, especially areas like strategic initiatives, strategy consulting, and consultant strategist roles. My academic background is in chemistry, but I’m considering exploring this field seriously for the future.

I would really appreciate if anyone could help me understand:

• What exactly are “strategy initiatives” in a company?
• What does a consultant strategist/strategy analyst actually do day-to-day?
• Which degrees or certifications are usually useful for entering this field?
• Is an MBA necessary, or are there other paths?
• How is the current job market for strategy consulting and corporate strategy roles?
• What skills should someone begin developing early?
• For someone from a non-business background, where would you recommend starting?

I’m trying to understand the field realistically before planning my next steps, so any advice, resources, or personal experiences would genuinely help.

Thank you so much in advance.

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently become interested in learning about strategy roles in business, especially areas like strategic initiatives, strategy consulting, and consultant strategist roles. My academic background is in science, but I’m considering exploring this field seriously for the future.

I would really appreciate if anyone could help me understand:

• What exactly are “strategy initiatives” in a company?
• What does a consultant strategist/strategy analyst actually do day-to-day?
• Which degrees or certifications are usually useful for entering this field?
• Is an MBA necessary, or are there other paths?
• How is the current job market for strategy consulting and corporate strategy roles?
• What skills should someone begin developing early?
• For someone from a non-business background, where would you recommend starting?

I’m trying to understand the field realistically before planning my next steps, so any advice, resources, or personal experiences would genuinely help.

Thank you so much in advance.

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently become interested in learning about strategy roles in business, especially areas like strategic initiatives, strategy consulting, and consultant strategist roles. My academic background is in science but I’m considering exploring this field seriously for the future.

I would really appreciate if anyone could help me understand:

• What exactly are “strategy initiatives” in a company?
• What does a consultant strategist/strategy analyst actually do day-to-day?
• Which degrees or certifications are usually useful for entering this field?
• Is an MBA necessary, or are there other paths?
• How is the current job market for strategy consulting and corporate strategy roles?
• What skills should someone begin developing early?
• For someone from a non-business background, where would you recommend starting?

I’m trying to understand the field realistically before planning my next steps, so any advice, resources, or personal experiences would genuinely help.

Thank you so much in advance.

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently become interested in learning about strategy roles in business, especially areas like strategic initiatives, strategy consulting, and consultant strategist roles. My academic background is science but I’m considering exploring this field seriously for the future.

I would really appreciate if anyone could help me understand:

• What exactly are “strategy initiatives” in a company?
• What does a consultant strategist/strategy analyst actually do day-to-day?
• Which degrees or certifications are usually useful for entering this field?
• Is an MBA necessary, or are there other paths?
• How is the current job market for strategy consulting and corporate strategy roles?
• What skills should someone begin developing early?
• For someone from a non-business background, where would you recommend starting?

I’m trying to understand the field realistically before planning my next steps, so any advice, resources, or personal experiences would genuinely help.

Thank you so much in advance.

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently become interested in learning about strategy roles in business, especially areas like strategic initiatives, strategy consulting, and consultant strategist roles. My academic background is in science, but I’m considering exploring this field seriously for the future.

I would really appreciate if anyone could help me understand:

• What exactly are “strategy initiatives” in a company?
• What does a consultant strategist/strategy analyst actually do day-to-day?
• Which degrees or certifications are usually useful for entering this field?
• Is an MBA necessary, or are there other paths?
• How is the current job market for strategy consulting and corporate strategy roles?
• What skills should someone begin developing early?
• For someone from a non-business background, where would you recommend starting?

I’m trying to understand the field realistically before planning my next steps, so any advice, resources, or personal experiences would genuinely help.

Thank you so much in advance.