What’s going on, y’all. This is going to be a short entry and serves as the PERFECT EXAMPLE of why I really like to receive short and to-the-point emails. This email came in a few minutes ago and, because the user was concise in his request, I was able to knock it out immediately. I didn’t even think about letting it sit in my Inbox because I knew I could knock it out quickly…It would be cool if more folks would be mindful of this. If you send me a dissertation-length email, it’ll likely take forever and a day for me to respond to it (IF I decide to respond to it at all…more on this coming later this week when I write up my guidelines for contacting me).
This reader had a simple question about whether it would be worth it for him to make a trip from DC to Boston to attend some consulting firm presentations at universities that he attended. It’s a really interesting question because, in this job search environment, people recognize that they might have to go above and beyond to make an impression. I don’t know if my advice is the RIGHT answer here, but it’s certainly what I would do in this case.
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MS wrote:
“Hi:
Thanks for your help. I am currently based in DC and I have been considering attending the BCG and McKinsey presentations at MIT/Harvard on the 14th and 15th–I’m an alum. I attended them last year so there is not alot of new information that I can receive. I was wondering if you think it is worth the trouble to attend these presentations. Does it make it easier to get an interview or are firms indifferent to whether or not a person attends?
Thanks.
MS”
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My response:
MS,
The firms usually would have a sign-in sheet of some kind or a registration system to keep track of who attends these sessions, but I’m not sure of whether attendance makes it easier for you to get an interview. In this current job market, I’m a big fan of doing whatever possible to make an impression on the companies that interest you. With that in mind, if I were in your position, I’d make the effort to attend those presentations if it isn’t too much trouble (especially considering how much you want to be at one of those firms).
These presentations are good for providing good general information, but the most useful thing about them is that they provide a chance to talk to people who work at the firms. You can learn about individuals’ experiences, ask specific questions about the work and lifestyle at each firm, and establish connections with people that could prove helpful somewhere down the line. Also, these meetings are a great opportunity for you to make an impression on folks on the inside and possibly have someone be willing to serve as an advocate for you during the process. I’m not saying that it WILL happen, but I am saying that it CAN happen, which is definitely something to hang your hat on in this tough job market.
Before I sign off, I just want to remind you that this is what I would do, but I’m not saying that you HAVE to fly to Boston to attend these sessions. There are several factors at work here, including investment of time and financial resources, so you’ll have to balance all of the factors at play here on your own and make a decision that works for you. Good luck!
Marquis
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