Applying for your first consulting role can feel daunting. You’ve probably got questions about how to stand out, what recruiters are really looking for and what life inside Proxima’s ACCELERATE program for graduates is all about.
To help demystify the process, Mitch Hallahan, who leads recruitment for ACCELERATE, discusses what catches his attention, what candidates can expect and why the program was built differently.
Every applicant submits a CV and a two-minute video introduction. What makes an application stand out?
“We want to see initiative, curiosity, problem-solving and the ability to work with others.”
“One of the biggest misconceptions graduates have is that they need to have done something extraordinary to get noticed.
Of course, strong academic achievements, leadership roles, internships and extracurricular activities are all valuable. But what we’re really looking for is evidence of potential.
Your CV should help us understand who you are, what you’ve been involved in, and the impact you’ve made. We want to see initiative, curiosity, problem-solving and the ability to work with others. The video introduction gives us the opportunity to get to know the person behind the CV. We’re not looking for a rehearsed performance or “perfect” answers. Instead, we’re interested in understanding what excites you, why you’re drawn to consulting, and what experiences have shaped the way you think, learn and solve problems.
Use it as an opportunity to tell your story in your own words. The strongest submissions are often the ones that feel genuine and give us a sense of the individual we’d be working alongside.
I’d also encourage candidates not to overthink what they believe recruiters want to hear. The best applications are usually the ones that communicate authentically and demonstrate a genuine curiosity about learning, solving problems and building a career in consulting.”
What kind of people succeed in Accelerate?
“There’s no single degree, background or personality type that guarantees success. Some applicants come from business or commerce backgrounds. Others study engineering, science, arts or completely different disciplines. What they tend to have in common is curiosity.
The people who thrive are naturally interested in how businesses work. They enjoy solving problems, asking questions, collaborating with others and learning quickly.
Because consulting is ultimately about helping clients solve complex challenges, communication is just as important as analytical thinking. We look for people who can bring ideas together, work with different stakeholders and stay adaptable when situations change.
Most importantly, they’re eager to learn. We don’t expect graduates to arrive as fully formed consultants. Accelerate exists to help bridge that gap.”
What can successful candidates expect from the Accelerate Program
“ACCELERATE is designed to help graduates transition from university into consulting with confidence, capability and connection.
The program combines structured learning, practical exercises, coaching and real exposure to the business, giving graduates a strong foundation as they begin their consulting careers.
You’ll spend your first weeks getting to know our people, understanding how consulting works at Proxima, and building skills through learning modules, case-based activities and presentation practice. You’ll also connect with leaders, peers, coaches and buddies who are invested in your development.
What makes ACCELERATE different is that it isn’t separate from the business. It’s designed to complement real project experience, helping graduates build confidence faster while becoming part of the team from day one. By the end of the program, we want you to feel connected to the business, clear on your development path and ready to start making an impact.”
Final Advice for graduates keen to apply for accelerate?
“The best applications aren’t necessarily the most polished. They’re the most authentic.
We’re looking for people who are curious, motivated and excited about the opportunity to learn.
If that sounds like you, we’d encourage you to apply and show us what makes you unique.
We can’t wait to meet the next generation of consultants who’ll help shape the future of Proxima.”
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